2024 Tractor Parade
The day began with everyone, including myself, coming to Kubota of Council Bluffs, (formally LDI). As always, the tractors were unloaded, some were driven in, and everyone came into the building. Some of the attendees were there so early they had to wait, as I wasn’t quite set up for registration yet. After folks registered, they enjoyed some coffee and rolls, with water and orange juice as other drink options. Many of the attendees also took time to visit with me at the registration table, so I had a great idea of who was all there, along with wonderful fellowship.
At about 8:44 AM, I began hooking up my microphone to my PA, and got everyone’s attention at about 8:46 AM or so. I welcomed everyone to the 7th annual Ride Into Sight tractor ride, and thanked everyone for being there. As in years past, I shared a bit of history about the ride, along with acknowledging all of the volunteers and my committee who help with getting things ready. After that, all sponsors were read. I then talked about the route up until the first break, stated where the break and lunch would be, etc. I think it is worth writing here that this year’s route was a special one to me. It was the route I took at the very first Ride Into Sight ride in 2018, when my grandpa, Bill Juranek, was third in line. I sure missed him that day. After explaining the route, I informed the crowd that we had three new angel riders this year, (people of whom have passed away but supported the ride through donations). They are Loren Schroeder, my great aunt Barb Jessen, and Larry Larsen. After the names were read, I shared memories of how I remember these people. A moment of silence was then observed in their memory.
As tradition holds, after the moment of silence, I said a prayer over the ride, and asked God to bless all of us that day, and to send some nice weather that day. It was a beautiful blessing.
Also in the morning, I took some time to recognize all the veterans present of whom had served our country. Everyone clapped! The microphone was then handed off to Mel Hursey who lead us all in the Pledge of Allegiance! After Mel was finished, I then said, “Load them up and get outta here!” The ride departed about 9:13 AM.
After traveling on the road and through a small subdivision nearby for about an hour or so, we ended up at Bomgaars in Council Bluffs for our first break. My mother, Kim, and volunteers, Jackie and Dallas, served everyone cookies and water. One of the things I enjoyed most about the time at Bomgaars was watching the support from the general public. Furthermore, the support from my church family was overwhelming! I am actively involved in St. Peters in Council Bluffs, and you wouldn’t believe how many people I visited with from my church. All they did was come down and support, and some even gave a donation! It is a wonderful blessing to have such a wonderful church family!
After about 20 minutes or so, the timer on my cell phone went off. I yelled, “Load them up!!!” Everyone got back on their tractor, and we headed toward our next stop, the Dew Drop Inn in McClelland, Iowa for lunch.
As we began our journey to McClelland, one of the things we had to do was cross the intersection at Bomgaars to get onto Highway 191 so we could head to the Bentley road, (G30). It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give my mother, Kim, and another volunteer, Jackie, credit for all they do during that time. Those two amazing ladies go out into the intersection with florescent vests and stop the traffic for us, so all tractor drivers can get through and stay together. I’ve often wondered “Which one is the boss, and which one is just a deputy?” Hahaha. We then got onto Highway 191, took it through Jennings Ave., and then made our way to G30. At about 11:45 AM, we pulled into McClelland, and found our way to the Dew Drop Inn. You’d never believe who was waiting there to guide me in… my guide dog, Bodie! It was a blessed reunion!
At lunch, everyone enjoyed some hamburgers, chips, and baked beans, desserts prepared by my mother, and water to drink! If you’ve never been to the Dew Drop before, you need to try it! Keith, the owner, did a wonderful job for us, and all he cared about was my cause that day. He put all of his needs aside, just to be prepared for us. I am thankful for his wonderful service to Ride Into Sight!
Also at lunch, riders enjoyed some polka classics, and when I finished eating, an update about what is going on with the research. I was so excited to give the update this year! I first announced that at my eye checkup this year, everything was found to be stable for the second year in a row! Everybody clapped and cheered! Then the good part… the research! A mighty big breakthrough happened this year. A man was in an accident and lost both of his eyes. He came to the University of Iowa clinics, and needed what they call a face transplant. I don’t know what all it entails, but I do know the most important part. In previous years, they had figured out how to grow an entirely new eye from a skin biopsy out of one’s arm. So. they used the technology and grew this man two new eyes. Of course, no vision could be had, but they hooked all the blood vessels up, so they thought… blood is still flowing!!! 😊 😊 That is one major step closer to curing visual impairments for many people! The other exciting part… this year, my doctor, Dr. Boldt, took out his phone and opened his calendar to 2025. He flipped to the first Saturday in August and typed in “Tyler’s tractor ride!” Thus, I had to ask, just to make sure… “How many of you think, with applause, that I should do the ride again next year?” Everybody clapped and cheered! So, the ride will happen again next year, August 2, 2025, and more than likely, with Dr. Boldt present! Woohoo! After I had finished my report, I drew names out of a bucket. Bomgaars donated 8 gift certificates for me to give away at lunch. The winners were thrilled! Finally, I said, “Folks, we are ready for the afternoon portion of the ride, but we will move just a little faster. Let’s load them up and get outta here!” The ride departed about 15 minutes later!
As we departed the Dew Drop Inn, we took L52 out of McClelland, returning to G30 to get on the road to our final stop, the QCS, (Quick cookie stop), a tradition that began in 2020. After enjoying the countryside for about another 45 minutes, we ended up on the side of the road at Mount Hope Church. There, my mother, along with two other volunteers, (Phyllis and Dallas), began distributing the cookies and water. People would pull up to them, grab a cookie and water, and then turn onto the highway. After turning onto the highway, we all headed toward our final destination, Kubota of Council Bluffs. After pulling in, most of the riders went up the hill and loaded up to head home! The ride finished about 2:30 PM.
The statistics are as follows: 46 tractors were there that day. There were 4 Olivers, 9 John Deere, 1 Case-IH, 1 Kubota, 1 Ferguson, 3 Allis Chalmers, 6 Fords, and 21 International.