Day 5 to Oskaloosa

Data on paper - even visually represented - is a funny thing. Today's 52-mile trek to Oskaloosa ranked third for the week with 2,808 feet of climb. In actuality, it may have been second in difficulty to Monday's 83-mile journey from Harlan to Perry. Wind direction, descents and fatigue make a difference.

In our only group camping experience of the week, our tents are pitched outside the chapel at William Penn University. A pasta buffet on campus awaits before the annual concert by RAGBRAI favorites the Nadas.

With only 1,222 feet of climb, tomorrow's levitation-aided 52-mile ride to Fairfield should be the easiest day of the week, on paper.