Day 34: Yahoo in Wahoo!

I was longing for Wahoo-"25 miles to Wahoo, Nebraska-20-10-5-4-3-2-1.5-1.25....." We were struggling with a "three club" southeasterly wind (20-30 mph). The wind was hitting us on an angle (we were going east) which makes it difficult to draft. Still, the three of us did our best to support each other, while we counted down the miles to Wahoo. In Wahoo we would be making a left turn-north-which would put the wind at our backs. A three club wind at one's back is a biker's dream. Today, Wahoo is a place where dreams come true.

I should probably also mention that there was a heat advisory in the area. The temperature was not as high as we experienced in the Utah desert, but this heat came with humidity, which magnifies the effects of the heat on one's body. "I'm sweating like a pig," said Bill. We drank constantly.

And then we arrived in Wahoo. At the corner of the first stoplight was a "DQ like" ( I forget the name) ice cream stand. I was torn between hurrying to the much anticipated left turn and stopping for some ice cream. Other bikers were congregated there, which helped us decide to stop.

As I walked to the counter, ice cream was sounding better and better. "Do you take plastic?" I asked the attendant. All I had was a credit/debit card. "I'll check," she replied. Either she was new or the stand was new. She returned with a heart-breaking word, "No, we don't."

I quickly adjusted my desires, "Can I have some ice water?" "Sure", she responded eagerly. She seemed to feel bad denying me the ice cream cone. I think the weeping and wailing let her know I was disappointed.

While she got the ice water the owner came to the window. "Are you the guy who asked about the credit card?" "Yes." "Let me just give you the ice cream cone; I can see that you're really hot."

I thanked her profusely and walked away with two cold treats-ice water and a soft serve ice cream cone. It was the best ice cream cone I have had in a long time. I had to eat it fast; the soft ice cream seemed to dissolve in the humid heat. But I worked fast and managed to lick around and around and keep the dripping to a minimum. "I can tell you really like that cone," said another rider, "You've got ice cream on your nose and your glasses."

We left the stand, found the wonderful left turn, and finished the 96 mile ride.

Wahoo is my New Jerusalem-the longed for city where life's struggle ends. I will be so hungry when I arrive. The good news is that there will be a feast in progress. The bad news is that they won't accept what I've got to give-not my money or accomplishments or associations. The Good News, as I understand it, is that the host will intervene, "Just come to the table; I can see you're really hungry."

"Take, eat, remember and believe..."

This meal, like ice cream in Wahoo, will be heavenly.