We decided to try leaving early today. We were out of camp just after 6am. The early riders are definitely a bit higher caliber in their riding skills. The pack also thinned out nicely, so it was easy traveling. So far, early seems like a winner for starting the day. Met a guy who got married on a tandem 40 years ago. They rode up on singles, and left on a tandem. Fun! Breakfast in Altoona. Today, I discovered the Black Tie iced coffee at Nosh. Oh my goodness! How did I miss that before?!? Mitchellville up next. They had a mechanical bull. Theresa said it looked fun, but we needed to save our energy. Lots of laughs from the bull riders though. We got some lemonade and a smoothie. We arrived in Colfax and immediately found the pie line. We tried the strawberry. It was not good. I think they forgot the sugar. But, then we fine the Lucky Wife wine slushies and all was right again in the world. We stopped in Newton for a bite to eat, a cold beverage, and a cool room to enjoy it. Lots of rolling hills today. It feels good to be putting out some extra effort. Our bodies are doing well. Short 8 miles to Kellogg. Ribeye sandwiches! Soooo good. I had worked up an appetite too. Last stop, Grinnell. This is where our Charter started. Bikes to You has a shop in Grinnell. We popped into the Comback Cafe for lemonade and Ice Cream. Something cold was just what our ride needed at this point. The final segment was long but fast. We stopped halfway at a roadside pickle stand. It was the perfect pick-me-up. Time for a shower then off to have dinner with our Rhino Racing teammates.