For a complete Census Data profile, Click Here Median Household Income: $83,289 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 54.8% Employment Rate: 84.9% Total Housing Units: 4,930 Without Health Care Coverage: 16.1% Total Households: 4,317 Some of the noteworthy things about Jackson Dianna Alwerth DRE# -1292202909 663-4567 Drew Furnia DRE# 02202973360 619-8874
Author: Dianna
2023 Dino’s Git Down
For the third year, we made our way to Dino’s Git Down to enjoy a whole Lotta Chevy trucks and more! Here are just some of the 5,000+ plus vehicles on display. Some video links can be found on YouTube here
Goodyear Arizona
Welcome to Goodyear, Arizona, a vibrant city nestled in Maricopa County. Known for its scenic desert landscapes, Goodyear offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. With a thriving community, excellent schools, and a variety of recreational activities, Goodyear is a delightful destination for residents and visitors alike.
July 28 – RAGBRAI L – Day 6
Drew mentioned how still the air was. And indeed, not a whisper of a breeze. Looking to the sky, it was crystal clear behind us but dark clouds were forming in front of us. And then the sirens began. I remember that sound from 2014 when I was in Dallas visiting my sister. We were out on a morning run at 5:30 am and the sirens began. I asked “What are those for?” She told me they were tornado warning sirens. “What does that mean?” She replied ” Run faster!”. It was frightening.
July 27 – RAGBRAI Day 5
Sadly, We are seeing more and more emergency vehicles.
The sun is beating down. There is very little shade and no cloud cover. By midday, I decide to put the water bladder filled with ice into my string bag and on my back. I’m riding in zone 2-3 knowing that the byproduct of metabolism is water, CO2 and HEAT.
And what better day than today to enjoy another tradition-Beekman’s ice cream!! Cold and lots of calories!
July 26 – Day 5 RAGBRAI L
Woohoo!! A short day!
Today was quite crowded. At RAGBRAI, you can sign up to ride all day or one or more days. We hear that the organization is trying to break a record for the most riders ever recorded. It does seem a little more crowded today. Our first stop, we met a young man who is riding a unicycle the entire route. Talk about an inspiration. You can see him on YouTube at WorldofUnicycles.
We had fun riding through Polk City…named after my wonderful neighbors! Well, not really but they share the same last name! lol!!
We finished riding just after 1 and searched for camp. All the charters are located at Waterworks Park. OMG! People, people and more people!!
July 25 – Day 3 RAGBRAI L
Today is a ride day, not a tour day.
On ride days, the focus is different. While you see really cool things along the way, stopping for photos is not practical. The time to decelerate, get the phone, take the photo, get back going, especially in a large group where you have to strategically find a safe spot to stop and start…well…it’s just not very practical.
Today will be Zachary’s longest ride yet. He’s doing amazing and is embracing the eat/drink regime.
July 24 – Day 2 of RAGBRAI L
The beauty of the sun rising over the water is breathtaking. A promise of a new day…a day to explore and experience…a day to meet new people and to feel alive!!
Riders were up early and setting out to beat the heat. By 7 am, the Pork Belly Camp was nearly empty.
July 22 – RAGBRAI L arrival and Expo Day
Saturday, July 22, 2023Day 50Shuttle from Carter Lake to Sioux City, IowaAnd so it begins! Breakfast downstairs in the hotel. Fuel up. And enjoy an extra cup of coffee. Life won’t be like this over the next week!We chack out and say goodbye to the amazing staff at Best Western Carter Lake. They’ve made our stay…
July 21 – Carter Lake Iowa
The morning was spent cleaning and tuning bikes, sorting kits and preparing for our week ahead in the corn.
Zachary would arrive this afternoon around 3 and we’re so excited to share his first RAGBRAI with him.
We walked to the airport hoping to both surprise and help Zachary with his gear.
It was so great to see him walk up the concourse.
July 20 – Carter Lake Iowa Day 6
Each year I’ve traveled to Omaha, I’m told the zoo is one of the world’s best. Being a weekday, we decide to try it. Last Saturday, it was so crowded, we skipped it.
We were happy to get tickets for half price since we are annual pass holders for the Living Desert.
It was a beautiful day to spend outside, walking four hours to visit all the exhibits. Our favorite area was the rainforest where there were monkeys, birds and bats. The setting was awesome.
July 19 – Carter Lake Iowa Day 5
Tonight we see Chris Stapleton. I can’t remember the last time we stayed up late. We’re typically up at 5:30 am and asleep around 10 pm.
July 18 – Carter Lake Iowa Day 4
We decided to try the Spaghetti Works. Fresh salad bar and gluten free pasta available. And the cheesecake! Drew could only eat half so we got a to-go box.
On the way home, we saw a billboard saying Chris Stapleton was playing tomorrow night. On a whim, we checked to see if any tickets were available at a reasonable price. The last concert we looked into was at the Acrisure Event center in Palm Desert. The tickets were really expensive. And to our surprise, we were able to get two seats. So excited. We love his voice and down to earth demeanor. Now that’s living life unScripted.
What another amazing day!!
July 17 – Carter Lake Iowa Day 3
Carter Lake, Iowa
Hail storm- check.
Facebook inspiration-check.
Pizza Bites-check.
Bike nap- check.
Care package from family- WOOHOO!!!!!!!
July 16 – Carter Lake Iowa Day 2
While driving to return the Uhaul this morning, we saw emergency vehicles on the opposite side of the road. There were about 4 bikes laying on the greenway and someone being loaded into the paramedic vehicle on a stretcher. We were reminded how fragile life is and how quickly things can change while on the bike. It doesn’t take much…a rock, an uneven surface, a wet painted line or a change of position in the cyclist in front of you to cause you to fall. You’re up. You’re down. And this feat of physics-speed, angle, weight- cares not who you are, how many miles you’ve ridden in your life or how expensive your bike is-it is just the law of physics.
July 15 – Carter Lake Iowa
Holy Moly!! With blackout curtains drawn, we woke up at 8:12 am! I can’t remember the last time I slept this late!! I have a belief that your body will determine the rest it needs. Perhaps we’ve become a little sleep deprived…a bit fatigued. Maybe that’s the root of Drew’s ‘allergies’.
July 14 – Chadron to Carter Lake Ia
Road trippin’
After a month and a half on bicycles, riding in a vehicle feels rather strange!! With over 2,000 miles ridden, we’ll cover over 400 miles today in the Uhaul. The mind continues to weigh pros and cons.
During the night, we were awakened by the loud noise of hail crashing on the vehicles in the parking lot. And the light show!! Thank goodness we’re not in a tent. Thank goodness we will travel safely to Carter Lake today.
July 13 – Chadron, a rest day
Rest day? Day off? Catch up day?? Off the bike day-that’s what this is.
As we travel southeast, temps will be higher. Having ridden RAGBRAI before, staying cool and hydrated is important. And with the bikes, we can carry more than on a normal road bike. We embark on how to carry an ice chest or cooler of some sort. A postal bubble wrap envelope? A hot/cold grocery bag? Last year, we had a battery box that we used to protect fans we used in the tent. With the fans out, it became our ice chest after the ride. A trip to the local Safeway, we found the hot/cold bag but it wasn’t going to work. There, they had a 12 pack foldable ice chest. It zipped closed and fit perfectly in the trunk over the bike’s rear wheel. Success!!
July 12 – Hot Springs to Chadron NE
It was a torrid night filled with bizarre lights flashing, swirling against the tent walls. Lightening flashes mixed with the lights from the trucks on the road…the sound of thunder pounding, jake brakes shuttering , tires on the tarmac, the stream nearby…brewed a fitful sleep. Listening to Drew’s breathing wrought with congestion. Light rain pinging. All a bit of sensory overload.
Morning could not come soon enough.
At the break of dawn, we were up and breaking camp with few words spoken. Our routine has become perfected. Coffee is 5 miles away. Into a headwind.
July 11 – Hill City to Hot Springs
Up and out early, we decided to try riding without morning coffee and breakfast. We are still traveling above 5,000 foot elevation. Custer is just 10 miles away so we thought we’d try it. We made it!!
Had a quick, delicious breakfast at Calamity Jane’s
coffee Shop. While there, a bee is trapped inside and travels along the window searching for a way out. After 15 minutes, I lifted him onto the coffee cup lid and took him outside. There were several children in the coffee shop. How do you find out that your child is allergic to a bee sting? After their first sting and they have a reaction. I’d prefer not to experience that his morning.
July 10 – Deadwood to Hill City
Riding the trail presented some of its own unique challenges. On a bicycle, one needs to carefully pick a ‘line’-a course that is least likely to have debris and hazards. Avoiding deep ruts, crossing cattle guards and railroad tracks at 90 degree angles and watching for stickers that can puncture a tire is paramount. But this morning, there was a new hazard-multiple piles of cow pies! It was like an obstacle course! lol! Not before long, we came across a herd of cattle traveling along the trail. One cow-the matriarch-was traveling in the opposite direction bellowing at the others. A few responded with comments but for the most part, they and the babies continued forward.
July 9 – Custer to Deadwood
Leaving our little cabin nestled in the woods was bittersweet. The trees smelled so good and were teeming with birds. The campground had a few baby goats and a donkey for the kids to pet. The goats thought everyone was there to feed them. They were adorable.
Should we return to the Michelson Trail for our return or take the highway? The trail guarantees no grade greater than 4% but the road is a smoother surface with less rolling resistance. We chose the highway.
Oh my! Within 1 hour 11 minutes, we had traveled 6 miles and climbed 1,304 feet! Now that’s a way to start the day!!
It was fun to ride through the towns we saw yesterday from the trail.
July 8 – Edgemont to Custer
The trail had a fair number of people riding. Since it is a rail trail, the grade never exceeded 4%. Flowers were blooming on both side of the path and oftentimes, we found ourselves riding through the forest. We met a lovely couple-Scott and Kristen- who are riding the trail as well. They shared they were relatively new to cycling. How exciting to see someone discover the magic of the bike!
July 7 – Lusk to Edgemont South Dakota
Deep in the pedals, we continue on Hwy 85 turning on Hwy 18 not not before seeing the most amazing site ever!! So, we have begun a pattern of taking short breaks by turning into side streets and driveways since the roads we are traveling don’t have stop signs or traffic lights. It gives us a chance to get out of the saddle and relax a minute. Off in the distance, we see a pull out but there’s are vehicle there. Not terribly unusual but we are always watchful. As we get closer, the two people are waving. And I realize it’s Mark and Roxanne from home!!My legs are no longer tired and we pull up to wonderful hugs! They have traveled out of their way just to see us and say hello.
July 6 – Douglas to Lusk Wyoming
The food was really good- burger and fries/ chicken salad. The next two hours were spent doing the usual-phone calls, charging items, setting things up for the morning and then the alerts started coming over the phone. It’s 8:48 PM. TORNADO WARNING!!
What?!! This is really foreign to me! Within minutes, it starts to rain. The sky is filled with thunder and lightening. The lightening is so frequent- every 2-3 seconds, it reminds of a kid playing with a light switch. And the downpour and heavy wind followed by hail. I have never seen anything like this!! We watch and try to capture as much footage as possible. This lasts about an hour. Then is all stops, as fast as it started. Wow! Just wow! We turn in for the evening, grateful for a room over our heads and a dry place to sleep.
July 5th – Casper to Douglas Wyoming
Riding a bike is a lot like life: some days are harder than others. You just have to dig deep and keep moving forward.We are riding into the wind all day. Our progress will be slow with lots of energy expended. It is what it is.
July 4 – Rest day in Casper Wyoming
Multitasking the day’s events, we also included a walk to downtown. Being a holiday, almost everything was closed. We did get lunch and a cup of coffee. Once back, we indulged in an afternoon nap. Sometimes you don’t realize how tired you are until you slow down. It was a little slice of heaven. Now late afternoon, we plan a low key evening, repacking the bikes and preparing for the morning. The weather is predicting headwinds tomorrow so it may be a tough day.
July 3rd – Alcova to Casper Wyoming
Today will be a light day so we can make lots of stops, photos and play more!
We get to the North Platt river bridge and Drew launches the drone. Within seconds, the swallows from the nearby overpass go crazy and storm the drone. The flight lasts 90 seconds, bringing it down before an incident occurs. We can’t wait to share this with you on our YouTube channel.
July 2 Jeffrey city to Alcova
We travel along several historic sites: Split Rock, Muddy Gap, the intersection of the California Trail/Oregon Trail/Pony Express/Morman Pioneer. Martins Cove.
As we get closer to Alcova, we are riding along a huge ranch-Pathfinder Ranch. There are signs identifying the ranch about every mile. It went on forever.
And along the way, on both sides of the raid was a type of brush blooming with yellow flowers that smelled sweet, like honeysuckle. What a joy to have a sweet smell to enjoy!
July 1 2023 – Lander to Jeffrey City Wyoming
July 1, 2023 Saturday Day 29. Lander to Jeffrey City Miles: 59.84 – Total accent: 2,682Totals:. Miles-1,456.01Accent- 54,014 feet – climbed 126.50 hrs in the saddle Our day began by meeting Chuck and Cindy Kenyon at breakfast. Chuck taught IT at a community college, volunteered for the fire department and is the emergency management coordinator for…