July 1 was our 39th day when we arrived in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a short day where we visited Grand Patisserie in Omaha and met Rifika, the owner originally from Tunisia who grew up in Paris.
We had a day off in Omaha on July 2. On Thursday July 3rd we crossed the Missouri River and entered our 6th state, Iowa.
More cornfields continuing from Nebraska.
Long pathways for miles passing miles of farmland.
Mostly rolling countryside roads with an unexpected 3,500 feet (over 5000 metres) of ascent. It was made even more challenging because of high temperatures up to 35C, around 100 degrees F with high humidity.
On July 4th, when we reached the town of Dexter, Iowa after all of these nice trails and walkways, Salil had an unfortunate fall off of his bike from a bad crack in a concrete road in town. After a visit to a local hospital it was discovered that he had fractured his collarbone and had to stop cycling, unfortunately. A few days later he flew back home to New York City from Des Moines, Iowa. The next photos are basically of Rasmivan and his journey on the way to Chicago where he will end his journey on July 13.
Rasmivan continues cycling on the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail.
Interesting cycling basically on grass.
Later Rasmivan started cycling on the South Tama Rec Trail. A nice break from the grassy trails. He states," On the outskirts of Des Moines the cycle way was closed and I had to follow detours to further closed paths, but eventually picked it up and made my was to Salil's hotel in downtown Des Moines."
Rasmivan is all smiles after braving a torrential downpour thunderstorm after leaving Des Moines.
The next day Rasmivan finished a long 80 miles of cycling all the way to Maxwell where he was warmly welcomed by Sue and Jay and their daughter Rachel, friends of Cathy Oerter, who is our a dear friend originally from Iowa.
Rachel, Sue and Jay with a beautiful welcome sign for Rasmivan.
Having a little barbecue that evening with Jay and Josh, Rachel's boyfriend.
Eventually Rasmivan had to leave Sue and Jay's house and get back on the road. He was so grateful to them for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality.
Rasmivan explains."Later I met Eric and Brenda, two friendly cyclists on the path outside of Maxwell. Iowa on the way to Marshalltown. They were quite interested in the Peace Run", which was founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1987 and became a biannual event and will continue through all 50 states again next year. as well as many other countries around the world.
Rasmivan explains the next sections of his trip ."For a while I had to ride on a gravel track towards Belle Plain."
Scenic trails along the riverways and towns.
Very grateful to Hampton Inn and Suites in Marshalltown for offering a wonderful complimentary room in their lovely hotel.
Riding along the scenic Cedar River.
Crossing a bridge over to Creek Island near Davenport, Iowa.
This quaint little area of Cedar Rapids is called Czech Village, with a bit of European Czech architecture.
A deer greets Rasmivan in the distance on the trail from Geneseo to Tiskilwa.
Entering the small town of Tiskilwa (Gem of the Valley).
Following the Mississippi River Trail.
A wonderful sight to behold. Seeing the mighty Mississippi River early in the morning.
Cycling on this modern bridge over the Mississippi River into the State of Illinois. This will be the 7th and last state I cycle in as I will end in the big city of Chicago, Illinois.
Cycling on the Great River Road cycle path.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail was a very nice path for cycling also.
I was tempted to check this deal out. (Not really).
Approaching the Hennepin Canal Path.
Getting a little service for the bike along the way.
Greetings to Salil and everyone who have worked hard and contributed to making this long Peace Ride possible so far. Although we could not make it the whole way to New York, we are very happy and grateful for making it through 7 beautiful states and meeting hundreds of wonderful, peace loving people along the way. Keep following us online as we send more photos and videos, including our insights and experiences which have uplifted our spirits and hopes for a more peaceful and happy future.
What does peace do?
Peace blossoms. What else? Peace spreads. What else? Peace illumines. What else? Peace fulfils.
Sri Chinmoy, Peace, Jharna-Kala Card Co., 1995
