“You have to, first, find a safe, cycle-friendly route,” Gettings said.

Bikes and cars are an unfair fight, so bikers may need to consider staying off the main roads. The major streets might be the most direct route, but they often have side streets that run on a parallel track. Bikers are safer on the side streets without going out of their way.

There are also avenues open to bikers that drivers simply can’t use. The trails system cuts through Ottumwa near the Des Moines River, and it’s open only to cyclists and pedestrians.

The forecasts for next week aren’t too bad, by the way. Maybe Landgrebe will be able to get by without the rain suit.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com