This is an annual cross-state ride called RAGBRAI. It's been going for 52 years now. Riders typically use support teams, but I ride self-supported from the center of the state, ride half the route, and ride home. More photos:
The vast majority of the country is as rural as these photos look. Unfortunately the vast majority of the political bullshit also seems to come from those areas..... Land effectively being able to vote is utter bullshit.