Today the first day of cycling along the Missouri River. After a few hills near Council Bluffs, I had a day of flat cycling and a slight tailwind. In this part of the Missouri valley, the bluffs are far back with a large farming area and small road close to the bluffs. I was following the Adventure Cycling Lewis and Clark route. So I started an audio book to learn more about the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Good morning Council Bluffs. I had a trail the first mile. The first 12 miles had all the hills including a rather steep one I walked up.

An election going on today about how they pick the county board of supervisors. I’m surprised at how many signs I saw at the start.

Also saw signs throughout the day about various bicycle routes/destinations.

There is a ski area (Crescent – https://skicrescent.com/welcome/) that I passed.

First stop, Missouri Valley. Looks like a gun store but using both flags and Christmas decorations to attract customers.

There is a Loveland in Iowa. I didn’t notice much other than this sign.

Mondamin was a lunch stop and had this mural.

Good example of roads today.

River Sioux

Most crops do not have sprinklers but here is an exception

Blencoe, not much in this hamlet.

Overall, a slightly longer distance but not particularly difficult ride. From here to Pierre there are fewer motel choices, so may vary some of the distances and also camp at some spots. I am happy to see I’m more in a direction with less muggy conditions on average. As shown below Omaha averages 14.2 muggy days in August while Pierre is only 4.6 muggy days.