Thursday June 13

Today we started from Belleville and from Concordia on our way to
Blue Rapids, Marysville and Frankfort. The first stop for many on the Karefree route was Cuba for Kolaches. (A Czech filled roll) All true routes came together for about 20 miles and had the chance to have lunch together at Barns a very small town that pulled out all of the stops and served lunch to all desiring. Other lunch stops were at Waterville and at Blue Rapids for those going on to other cities.

We did run into some state sand trucks in Blue Rapids one of the truck drivers tried to convince the bicyclists that they weren't allowed on the highways and finally caused an accident with injury's and damage to a bicycle of a rider from Florida. Minor injuries skinned knees and elbows and a damaged front wheel. Reports were filed with the authorities and we hope some action will come of this incident. The bicyclists were riding in a parking lane when the truck driver caused the incident. Shortly there after another driver in a white car tried to in the same area run some riders into a parked car. Blue Rapids normally is a nice place to visit but today the motorists in this area weren't so friendly. The State truck driver should be reprimanded for his actions. but

I am staying in Blue Rapids Tonight and am looking forward to a pleasant evening visiting with the riders and with the towns folks.

Tomorrow Friday is our last full day and the riders will be making there way to Hiawatha for the last night together. that evening is always a fun evening and there will be many activities in Hiawatha to enjoy.

--LLC

For more info, see Lenny Savino's report

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