Grand Island, to the Platte
A mile wide and an inch deep. Unlike the Missouri River, the Platte River is too shallow for boats to navigate. It forms a broad, flat, shallow corridor heading west through Nebraska to the Rockies. I crossed the river today and will follow it from here heading west.
Today was an easy ride and not as long. I followed US 34 with a good shoulder and moderate traffic. There was a cross wind from the north, but not as strong as yesterday. There were no hills. This area definitely is irrigated with corn as the primary crop. I see some agri-business such as a pet food maker.
![](http://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142640_0999.jpg)
Sunrise keeps moving slightly later as I head west. I can get breakfast in the motel, though I never know if it will be cereal+muffin or something else. So I also sometimes have some grocery items as well.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142639_9239.jpg)
The first four miles heading north into a slight head wind had me wonder how strong that would be today.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142642_2149.jpg)
Now on US 34 and heading west past the airport.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142643_3213.jpg)
Better picture of one of these pumps. Propane powered and feeding a pipe that either goes along the field at the bottom or to overhead sprinklers
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142644_4105.jpg)
Bradshaw was the first town I passed. My front tire was soft, I pumped it up and it lasted the rest of the ride – perhaps a slow leak.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142645_5114.jpg)
Welcome to Hampton
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142647_7200.jpg)
Guessing game: watch for wind ?????? on bridge
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142648_8395.jpg)
Pet food factory
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Resize_20230817_142649_9422.jpg)
Platte River.
I was in Grand Island by noon, so had a slow lunch to avoid showing up too early. Motels are close to a Walmart so I can get some grocery items. From here US 30 follows the Platte west. We have some hot days in the weather forecast but I keep moving to drier areas so that should keep mornings cooler and lower the heat index.
“There were no hills.” 🙂 I remember the ~100 mile straight lines of I-80 out of Lincoln heading west, and admire the beauty of great plains.
Good luck and happy biking!
Thanks
I’ve long thought that Nebraska on I-80 and Kansas on I-70 are the worst ways to see these states. Better seen in excess of 100 mph (flying over) or at 10 mph (on a bicycle).