What's Fred Up To Now?: Day 1 - Sunday May 20; Muscatine, IA to Burlington, IA (50 mi.)

Day 1 started with a 7:30 AM departure from home in Altoona, IA. The drive to downtown Muscatine was enjoyable over mostly country roads. We arrived at the waterfront in Muscatine in time for me to begin riding at just before 11:00 AM. It was windy but mostly a crosswind out of the west. The ride was great. With Susi's help we were able to figure out that what showed up on the Adventure Cycling map as a 5 mile gravel alternative is now paved. This saved me 4 miles and several hills against the headwinds by not having go to Wapello to pick up IA99. The road today was great, traffic very light, drivers courteous and one of the flattest 50 mile rides I've ever done. I saw two groups of riders traveling north; likely one of the local bike clubs. We're staying at the Pzazz Casino Resort Hotel. The man at the casino entrance told us about registering for “Player Club” cards which we did. This saved $2 each off of our buffet dinner. The cards were also good for $10 each towards playing the slot machines. Susi played out the $10 from each card and ended up ahead by $24.50 so the card paid for dinner and then some. A few photos follow. Tomorrow takes me across the Mississippi River here in Burlington and eventually to Hamilton, IL; about another 50 miles.