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My weekend at the Irenew Energy Expo
The first great news is Locust Road (or W38) is open between Spring Grove, Mn. and Decorah, Ia. The new surface is great and it's a time saver as well. La Crosse is now 1 hour northeast of Decorah, again!
Speaking of Northeast, my welcome at Northeast Iowa Community College was refreshing. Dennis, Chapman, Automotive Mechanics Technology Instructor is among the most knowledgeable and experienced automotive instructors I have ever met during my numerous rounds of hybrid presentations. His students were enthusiastic and eager to learn. This spring, I presented hybrids at Upper Iowa University in Fayette. I noticed a sign for Volga River State Recreation Area. Before I left for Hiawatha, I pulled out my Bicycle Trails of Iowa book and decided to check out Lima Trail, Lake View Trail, Frog Hollow Trail and Ridge Trail. It is very scenic and challenging. My cautions are watch out for the deep sand at the bottom of some rugged hills and the horse droppings. (You were probably expecting a conversation on Biomass energy.)
The Prairiewoods Guest House was a wonderful experience. It allowed me to do some well-deserved soul searching and writing. It also allowed me great proximity to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail for biking. Unfortunately, due to construction and time constraints, I was unable to bike all 52 miles! It was a pleasure to meet a riding companion from the Expo, Tom from the Iowa DNR. Dan Chiras, the keynote speaker had an interesting presentation and we had a brief conversation about our hybrid vehicles during the Renewable Energy Entrepreneur Reception.
Saturday night gave me the chance to experience a straw bale hermitage at Prairewood. And after a long day of passionate discussion and sunshine, it was very peaceful shortly after sundown. On Sunday, I got a morning ride as well as an evening ride. Revisiting both bicycle trails. I also got to clarify an important transportation fact about fuel cell vehicles. The Honda FCX has a 200 mile range with a full 5000 psi charge!
Roald Gundersen and his son, Ian produced an excellent workshop on earth friendly living environments. And the information on BioSphere 2 was awesome. All in all, it was a fun and informative weekend topped off with a "Lance Armstrong" like ride on a solar powered bike.
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