In 1849 40,000 pioneers traveled this route, making 15 miles/day with their ox drawn wagons, on the way to make their fortunes in the "gold fields". It was also the Pony Express route from St. Joe, MO to Sacramento, CA. In 1869, the transcontinental RR followed the same route through this area.

In Shelton (pop 954) they find that "Joe Johnson" founded the Huntsman's Letter, the first newspaper west of Omaha. The motto was "Independence in everything, neutral in nothing". Joe also owned the General Store, Blacksmith Shop, Grain Mill, and farmed fresh vegetables---He was the "conglomerate". There were also herds of elk and buffalo roaming the area at that time.

It was straight and flat with headwinds, so they were riding pace line---a small snake went between Hans wheels, Inga-Lill screamed and Larry felt the bump as he ran over it!

Several days ago they were seeing the Burlington Northern trains, and now the Union Pacific is their constant companion as they run parallel to the r/o/w. They saw 15 trains in a 2 hour stretch, going both directions on the two track route, with 3 or 4 locomotives pulling more than 100 cars. Hans estimates several at between 1500 and 2000M--more than a mile long. The "hooting" is almost continuous because most of the crossings are "unguarded", and it continues through the night as well.

With the RR tracks on one side and the "tall" corn on the other, they see the "tall" Silos (more than 100') in the distance to announce the next upcoming town. Trains are hauling coal and ore, and tank cars are marked Vegetable oil, corn syrup, and other vegetable derivatives that become our staples.

After 6 hours they arrive at Grand Island, and learn that it was named by the Indians for a large island that was in the Platte River. Weather is cool, 52F at 7:30 am and in the 60's later in the morning.

Friday the 13th, and not a "hex" in sight as they continue East on US 30, stopping after 22 miles for breakfast in Central City---at Waffles and More--Margaret Pullen tells them she has done the "Ride the Rockies" trip 4 times. The annual (week long) event is sponsored by the Denver Post, and 2500 riders are selected by lottery-- Larry is familiar with it, and has ridden it one time--a week long journey of about 120 to 150km/day. The older folks may take 10-12 hours/day, and the racers do the legs in about 3 hours. Margaret then takes them to meet Rookie (1st day) reporter at the Non-Pareil (without equal), the local paper--and they are interviewed and three pictures are taken to describe their visit.

On to Columbus, where they check into the Super 8, and get a special 2 day Celebrity rate, as Saturday is a well deserved rest day. Then across the street to Valentinos Italian Buffet, with carbs/pasta of every description, accompanied by full tables of salad and vegetables---a bikers delight after a full week of riding.

Saturday, 8/14, and a visit to the local "bike" shop, where Larry the proprietor checks the equipment and inflates tires to 100 psi, and rims are filed to remove burrs.

Across the street they see Franklin Park, which is central to this city of 26,000, who are celebrating "Columbus Day"--and we find that it is named for Christopher. It is a family town and this is a family activity, with a CW theme and activities (young cowgirls twirling ropes). It is clear that this part of America grew up along the RR, and that the American Family is intact in Nebraska!