Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way…

Like the lyrics to Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild,” more than 120 vehicles got their motors runnin’ on Saturday, Aug. 31, and headed out on U.S. Highway 71 from Okoboji, Iowa, for the inaugural Latham Freedom of Independence Ride.

We wanted to celebrate the independent American spirit, and what better way to do so than a road trip featuring motorcycles, cars and trucks?

The first of five groups left Arnold’s Park at 12:30 p.m. and merged onto Highway 9 for a 23-mile trip to Estherville. Just north of town, we made our first field stop where company president John Latham gave a brief recount of his family’s business, started 62-years ago by John’s grandfather, Willard Latham. Willard started it all in 1947 by custom cleaning oats for area farmers. During the 1960s, the business evolved into soybean production. CystX® soybean breeding for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) began in 1990, and Latham® soybeans with the Roundup Ready technology were introduced in 1996. The company added corn hybrids to its product offering in 2004 and further expanded its product offering in 2008 with hybrid alfalfa.

From a discussion of Latham history, we headed our to learn about the Latham of today and tomorrow. Leg 2 of the Freedom of Independence Ride was a 41-mile trek from Estherville to Whittemore where MaxYield Co-op presented a Latham® Showcase. It was a chance for riders to get up close and personal with many Latham products in the field. Mark Grundmeier, product manager, also talked about the exciting new additions to the 2010 Latham Hi-Tech Soybean lineup: Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ with yields that are 7 to 11% better than the original Roundup Ready soybean technology, which had set the standard for more than a decade. Also at this stop, riders learned about Latham soybeans with the LibertyLink® technology, which is the only nonselective alternative to the Roundup Ready system. LibertyLink beans have no yield drag and are tolerant to the new Ignite® herbicide.

Having covered Latham past, present and future, it was time to put crop talk on hold for Leg 3 of the journey, which took us about 10 miles south to enjoy the serenity of the Grotto of Redemption in West Bend. It’s composed of nine separate grottos, each portraying a scene from the life of Christ. With the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location, the Grotto is truly a miracle in stone. Work on the Grotto began in 1912 and followed for 42 years.

Leg 4 involved a 43-mile route from West Bend to Lost Island Lake in Ruthven where riders heard a brief presentation from Jim Heckman, national sales manager. Heckman told the crowd that Latham Hi-Tech Seeds offers a broader and deeper lineup of traits and technologies than any other company. Our 2010 lineup includes: corn hybrids with YieldGard VT Triple®, Genuity™ SmartStax™, Herculex® XTRA, Agrisure® 3000GT; and soybeans with Roundup® Ready, Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield™, CystX®, Vistive™ and LibertyLink®.

What’s the point of being at the lake without a fishing pole? When corn talk was done, everyone took their best shot at a casting contest. Anyone who could land their cast inside the floating target would win an LCD TV. Congratulations to Scott Heetland, who was the only one to hit the bull’s-eye with one try!

The final leg of the journey, a 26-mile stretch from Ruthven to Arnolds Park, brought us full circle. After an afternoon filled with adventure and cool, fresh air, we were ready for the hog roast. The pork loin, grilled by Scott Nasers of Bigelow, MN, was fork-tender, juicy and succulent. After the roast, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds sponsored a live concert by The Magnificent Board of Directors who took the stage in Preservation Plaza at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re pleased that as an independent, family-owned company we can hold these types of events so our customers can experience the Latham brand difference,” said John Latham. “It was wonderful weather and a great day to be out in rural America. Thank you to everyone who came out and made the event a success.”

Latham^® is a registered trademark of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids, Inc.Ignite® and LibertyLink^® are registered trademarks of Bayer CropScience AG.
YieldGard VT Triple^®, Genuity^TM SmartStax^TM, Roundup^® Ready, Genuity^TM Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ and Vistive^® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.
Herculex^® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
Agrisure^® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.

…accommodations before or after the ride, here are some nearby options:

Cutty’s Okoboji Resort Club
1528 Hwy 86
Spirit Lake, IA
(712) 336-2226

The Inn at Okoboji
(712) 332-2113, ext. 155
3301 Lakeshore Drive
Okoboji, IA
www.bojifun.com

Arrowwood
1405 U.S. Hwy 71
Okoboji, IA
(712) 332-2161
(800) 727-4561

Bridges Bay
(712) 332-2161
640 Linden Dr.
Arnolds Park, IA
http://www.bridgesbayresort.com

AmericInn
(712) 332-9000
(800) 396-5007
1005 Brooks Park Dr.
Okoboji, IA
www.americinn.com

Ramada Inn
(712) 336-3984
2704 17th St.
Spirit Lake, IA
www.the.ramada.com/spiritlake07253

Super 8
2203 Circle Drive West
Spirit Lake, IA
(712) 336-4901
www.discoverokoboji.com

Shannon Latham: Official Biker Chick

Sunday (Epilogue)

After completing this course, I’m an absolute safety nut and will have that attitude at all times when riding a cycle. With that in mind, I want to offer a few learnings about protective gear.

Protective gear helps a rider stay comfortable, improves visibility if it’s brightly colored and reflective and protects against the elements in all kinds of conditions.  Every rider and passenger should wear:

• Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear with nonslip soles
• Long pants
• Good jacket
• Full-fingered gloves
• A helmet manufactured to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards with proper eye protection; helmets with full-face protection do the best job of sealing out wind, dust and bugs.

Protective gear should fit comfortably without binding.  A jacket with a zippered front will be more wind resistant than a jacket with buttons or snaps.  A flap of material over the zipper of a jacket gives additional protection against the wind along with protecting your motorcycle’s paint from scratches.  Jackets with snug cuffs and waist are recommended to keep wind from blowing in.  Caution:  a large, loose,  jacket can flap when riding and may irritate skin or be a distraction.

In cold-weather riding, protective gear protects riders against hypothermia.  Hypothermia, a condition of subnormal body temperature, can cause loss of concentration, slowed reactions and loss of smooth, precise muscle movement.  As an example, on a chilly day (50 degrees Fahrenheit) a motorcyclist riding at a speed of 30 mph experiences a chilling effect equivalent to 42 degrees.
In hot-weather riding, protective gear protects riders against heat exhaustion.  Heat exhaustion, characterized by dizziness and headache, can hamper clear thinking and concentration.  Dressing for hot-weather riding requires protective gear that breathes, and riders should drink plenty of water.
Source:  Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Now, bring on the Freedom of Independence Ride!

Sunday (The Final Test)

This morning I arrived 30 minutes earlier at the “driving range” (folks like my husband would be picking up their golf clubs).  I wanted a little extra practice on the Figure 8 because, quite honestly, that move was not my strong suit.  In fact, I just plain stunk at it!  I was afraid to turn my head as far as was needed, and I was afraid to make the turn without putting down my foot.

Wouldn’t you know I could execute a Figure 8 when no one was watching me!  When I was practicing on my own, I could make the turns without putting  a foot down.  I tried to convince myself that I could do it just as well when our driving test was under way, and I almost had myself talked into it when my name was called to be the first driver on the test.  It really unnerved me to think that 11 other students and three instructors were watching my every move.

Concern must have shown on my face as plainly as the beacon from a lighthouse on a dark night because one of the instructors signaled me over before I executed the drill.  “You can mess up the Figure 8 and still pass the driving test,” he said.

I’m sure he thought he was offering words of encouragement and, thus, reducing my stress.  He was right!  I came to cherish those words as I felt my foot touch the ground in the middle of the first turn.  I was so disgusted with myself because I CAN execute that turn flawlessly; I just couldn’t do it when it mattered most.  Yes, I had stage fright in a big way.

Thankfully, I passed the rest of the driving test with flying colors.  I was among the top of the class for stopping quickly, but that won’t surprise anyone who has ridden in a car with me!  The written test was our last criterion in order earn our certificate of completion.  I don’t mean to brag, but I really am proud of this fact: I didn’t miss a single answer on the written test.  It helped that practice exams were found in the back of our handbook, as well as online at www.msf-usa.org.

The Rider Education Course, developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and offered through North Iowa Area Community College and most community colleges across the state, was a great experience!  I really encourage anyone who’s interested in obtaining a motorcycle license to first take this course.

Next time: the “official” picture of me on my ride.

Saturday

The desire to experience a big taste of freedom and a small dose of rebellion made me eager to get out of the classroom and onto a Kawasaki Eliminator, which was provided as part of our course fee. It’s a good thing that I’m not superstitious or else the model name would have really freaked me out. Instead, I said a quick prayer for wisdom and safety. Then I gripped the right brake and hopped into the saddle.

“Power walking” took on new meaning that morning as the instructors had us get acquainted with our bikes and learn to balance by straddling our bikes and literally pushing them from one side of the range to the other. It was a great way to work out one’s thighs. Yes, I used muscles that I didn’t even know I had! To top it off, there were gale-force winds that day so we had to push even harder.

I was especially glad to have a full-face helmet keeping the wind out of my ears, plus the head covering helped me stay warmer all over. (It was 38 degree Fahrenheit at 8 a.m. that morning.) I was dressed in layers including a long-sleeve thermal shirt, a fleece and my ski jacket. If only I would have thought to put on long johns to keep my legs warm! Leather gloves helped protect my hands from the chill and protected my skin in the one instance that I forgot to leave both feet on the ground. Leather boots protected my ankles and gave me traction while straddling my bike and later peddling my feet as I gained balance.

While we began by taking “baby steps,” it wasn’t long before we started our engines and learned to put up our feet.

Friday (cont.)

The evening passed quickly as we worked our way through the Rider Handbook developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The curriculum was well written and the DVDs were well done to reiterate and compliment the lecture.

A few of the more interesting facts that I learned include:

• A person who has several close calls or near misses when driving a car may be prone to similar behavior when operating a motorcycle. (If you’ve ever seen me drive my Torrent or any other four-wheeled vehicle, you understand why this is so fascinating to me. My life somewhat flashed before my eyes!).
• To SEE is to Search for factors that might lead to risky situations; to Evaluate how the factors might interact to create risk, and to Execute an action to maintain a margin of safety.
• Head injuries account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities; helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by 67%.
• A procedure called FINE-C is used to start the engine. It stands for Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine cut-off switch and Choke/Clutch. (Why didn’t anyone teach me this in high school? This would have made learning to drive a clutch so much easier!)
• Crash studies show that running off the road, usually on a curve, accounts for more than 50% of total motorcycle fatalities.
• Never kick at a dog when you’re on a motorcycle. Instead, upset the animal’s timing. Once an approaching dog is spotted, slow down and downshift. Then accelerate past the point of interception.
• Almost 50% of all riders killed have been drinking. The primary effects of alcohol are to diminish visual capabilities and alter good judgment.

Well, our Freedom of Independence Ride is coming up August 29. I’ve got to get myself trained and licensed to go on the ride. Here’s Part 1 of a five-part diary I wrote during my recent motorcycle safety class.

Friday

Some might have wondered whether I was prematurely having a mid-life crisis. Others might have wondered if I was taking on too much risk. But I contend that I was merely feeling restless – perhaps even a bit rebellious – the day of my first motorcycle riding course.After all, that morning I pulled into Caribou Coffee and ordered a Raspberry Mocha (with caffeine and full fat) in lieu of my usual Starbucks® decaf, tall, skinny caramel latte with skim milk and sugar-free syrup.

There’s nothing like 24-ounces of liquid energy to make a girl feel like she can conquer anything that lies ahead. The lyrics to “Born to Be Wild,” played through my mind as I traveled on I-35 north from Des Moines to Hampton. The beat in my head was keeping time with the rain pounding down on my Torrent. The rain didn’t let up as I headed north, so I was actually thankful that the first four hours of the class involved lectures and DVDs.

Four hours is a long time to sit in a high school classroom on a hard-seated chair after having just worked a 10-hour day. And, I honestly wondered how I was going to stay interested – let alone awake – from 6 to 10 p.m. (After all, I’ve been known to fall asleep while playing cards. My friends and family have actually had to awaken me to play my hand or to deal a round.)

But, I was a captive audience from the moment our three instructors introduced themselves and told us why they enjoy riding. Reasons for riding included:
• There’s freedom on the road. You feel free on a bike.
• A bike gives you independence. You can get to places that you could never go by foot or by car.
• Owning a bike is like joining a fraternity. You have a bond, a commonality, with others who otherwise would have remained strangers.

“Welcome to the club,” one instructor said. “Welcome to the passion,” said another. “Welcome to the ride,” said the third.

“Welcome to class!” I thought. If there is one word that describes me, it’s “independent.” I like to be my own woman: Think my own thoughts. Do my own thing. If there’s a second word that describes me, it’s “passionate.” I’m passionate about my family, my beliefs, my values and my job. I’m also passionate about taking on new challenges, learning new things and developing new skills. Yes, this course was right for me!

North Central and Northeast Iowa
Tom Larson says farmers in his area have endured a variety of drastic weather events, which has drawn out the planting season. The corn needs some heat and moisture to push it along, especially in some stressed areas where some yellowing is occurring.

With the possibility of uneven emergence in soybeans, Tom says it’s time to scout for bean leaf beetles. Last year fields in north central Iowa that had spotty emergence saw infestations of eight to 10 times more than the economic threshold.  These beetles move pretty quickly, so spend some time walking fields and looking for the classic “shotgun” effect in the first trifoliate of leaves, a lesion on the stem, or a complete cutting of the upper half of the plant.

Central Iowa
In central Iowa, Bart Peterson reports the corn is up to the V6 growth stage and is close to forming a canopy.  The area has also received timely rains, and the soybeans are coming along nicely.

East Central Iowa
Wayde McNeil says that two cases of cutworm in western Marshall County have caused 4% damage. He has also noticed a couple of small cases in central Poweshiek County. In the past week, parts of his territory have received up to two inches of rainfall. He says the corn is coming along good with some in the V6 growth stage. Soybeans are anywhere from VE to V2 growth stage. Farmers are working hard making hay, as well.

Eastern Iowa
Brad Beatty reports corn planting has finished, and the soybean planting is 98% done. Farmers’ focus is turning to spraying both corn and soybeans, and Brand is reminding growers to also scout for cutworms in corn. Producers who have alfalfa are all hoping for a window of opportunity to finish making their first cutting. He advises producers to check with their suppliers on NH3 prices as he has heard prices that are half of what they were last year.

South Dakota
Soybean planting is pretty much complete and 80% has emerged, according to Bill Eichacker. Right now a lot of corn is being sprayed, and he is advising farmers to read and follow label directions. Corn is up to the V5 growth stage. Farmers also have been working hard on cutting alfalfa, and at least 60% of first crop is complete.

Eastern Nebraska
Brian Banks reports that once again rains have been spotty, and where it does rain, it is not enough. Cooler than normal temperatures help compensate for lack of moisture. Overall, the corn is growing well despite the lack of moisture.  Corn growth stage ranges from 4- to 7-leaf.  Dry land corn fields are 2 to 4 inches shorter than they should be at this time.

Cutworm has not yet been much of a problem.  He has only found a couple fields with damage to more than 1% of plants; both black and dingy cutworms are responsible.  Post-emergence herbicide applications are in full swing this week. Pre-emergent residual herbicides are holding on in irrigated fields, but dry land fields are getting very weedy since there wasn’t enough moisture to get a good recharge on the herbicide.

Even in these challenging growing conditions, the performance of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids LH 6598 VT3 is standing out.  On more than one occasion, LH 6598 VT3 emerged before other (competitive) hybrids that were planted 5-7 days earlier!

Current soybean seeding development ranges anywhere from emergence to 2nd trifoliate.  There are a few guys who are just finishing up planting soybeans in the northern part of the territory.  Emergence has been pretty good, but there are some uneven stands because of inconsistent planting depth.  Normally we get enough rain to get those beans near the surface to sprout, but this year most places were not so lucky.  Populations are still at or above 85% of what was put in the ground, so we haven’t ran in to any replant situations yet.  It looks like the L 2635 R and L 3184 R2 have had the best emergence this year.  Some post herbicide applications have started on soybeans but mostly in cases where there was not a burn down prior to or at planting time.