Miles 59.7
Ride time 3:31
Elevation gain 213'
Total miles for trip 1769.4
Total elevation gain for trip 55,303'
Today I tried every trick in the book to see if I could convince Patty and Denise that Jennifer should ride not Sag...no go on that one. I rode out with Amy and Sherry towards Fargo. We were cruising along and we got to the first Sag stop at 20 miles pretty quickly. Amy decided she didn't want to ride that fast and I wanted to ride in with her so we picked a slower pace. We were lucky with a great route in. We had very little traffic and very nice roads. It was a really nice last days ride.
I told Judy that I would call at about 25 miles out so she could get there with her Mom and Carol. They were to meet me at the hotel.
We had our last Sag at 40, I ate a very disgusting variety of junk food..this diet will come to an abrupt end when I get off the bike! But I enjoyed cookies, chips, real coke and sweetened Graham crackers all without guilt.
After that Sag, I started to get excited about getting in. I just started cruising again about 20mph...I think I realized I wanted to be done and I wanted to see Judy. So I hauled along with a mission. I stopped to to call her to tell I was about 3 miles out, but she did not pick up. So I just kept on. I came off of CR 81 near the airport. I crossed over by some RR tracks and off to left I saw a car and some people. I wondered what they were doing, maybe some workers. I got closer and I realized it was Carol's car and here was Judy, her Mom, Rylinn and Carol all waiting for me to come in. It was so wonderful! What a surprise. After big hugs, I took off to finish and meet them at the end. As I got ready to,leave, Amy pulled up which was awesome. We rode in together into downtown Fargo. As we got the hotel, my cheering committee had made a big sign welcoming me and congratulating me for finishing the ride. It was so very sweet.
I am glad to have completed this ride safetly and without even one flat-pretty amazing after all of the junk we rode through.
I came back for the final banquet, with an early meeting of a few of us in the hotel bar. It was a fun time, then we went to the banquet. It was nice, kind of sad to say goodbye, but I am glad to have met some new friends and to have spent time with friends that I had met previously.
My thoughts and prayers to Barbara's family. Stay safe everyone!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Carrington to Mayville, ND
Miles 91.5
Ride time 4:42
Elevation gain 888'
We have had a GI bug going around the group for some time. This morning, Jennifer was the latest to fall victim to it. She did not feel well enough to ride. I was feeling anxious about the road conditions with some areas of no shoulder and the possibility of increased truck traffic. I started out with Amy and Patty, then found that I just wanted to ride, maybe by myself today. The road was flat and pretty fast. I was just cruising along and before I knew it, I had caught up with Sherry, who was on the front of the group. We rode together to the first Sag stop. Amy then joined us as Patty was only ridng the first 25 miles. So the three of us decided to pace line in. We each took a turn at the front for a two mile stretch. It was really fun because we just motored our way along.
The road was way better that I thought. There was hardly any traffic, and any vehicles that came by gave us lots of space. We had pretty decent winds helping us as well. So it was a fun day. I have never ridden this far in such a short amount of time. I guess it helps when there are no hills to climb.
We were out in farmland with golden fields of wheat and super tall cornfields. We saw a deer looking out from some tall brush as we went by. Mostly, I just had toy attention to the wheel in front of me and to my mirror for any upcoming traffic. The focus was really cool and made the miles go by pretty quick. The person who is in the back usually works about 30% less than the one at the front of the line. By taking turns every 2 miles, we would "pull" then get a rest while the next person moved up to the front position.
We had our last meal out of the trailer tonight. Tomorrow we will get into Fargo and have our banquet in the hotel with real chairs and we dont't have to stack them after we are done eating...we may have to think twice about that one!
Judy is in Fargo now. She came in today. I can't wait to see her It will be so great to see all of her family, too. Charlie will ride in with me, he has been with me on my bike for this trip of almost 1800 miles. I know he will be smiling as we all roll in safely tomorrow!
Ride time 4:42
Elevation gain 888'
We have had a GI bug going around the group for some time. This morning, Jennifer was the latest to fall victim to it. She did not feel well enough to ride. I was feeling anxious about the road conditions with some areas of no shoulder and the possibility of increased truck traffic. I started out with Amy and Patty, then found that I just wanted to ride, maybe by myself today. The road was flat and pretty fast. I was just cruising along and before I knew it, I had caught up with Sherry, who was on the front of the group. We rode together to the first Sag stop. Amy then joined us as Patty was only ridng the first 25 miles. So the three of us decided to pace line in. We each took a turn at the front for a two mile stretch. It was really fun because we just motored our way along.
The road was way better that I thought. There was hardly any traffic, and any vehicles that came by gave us lots of space. We had pretty decent winds helping us as well. So it was a fun day. I have never ridden this far in such a short amount of time. I guess it helps when there are no hills to climb.
We were out in farmland with golden fields of wheat and super tall cornfields. We saw a deer looking out from some tall brush as we went by. Mostly, I just had toy attention to the wheel in front of me and to my mirror for any upcoming traffic. The focus was really cool and made the miles go by pretty quick. The person who is in the back usually works about 30% less than the one at the front of the line. By taking turns every 2 miles, we would "pull" then get a rest while the next person moved up to the front position.
We had our last meal out of the trailer tonight. Tomorrow we will get into Fargo and have our banquet in the hotel with real chairs and we dont't have to stack them after we are done eating...we may have to think twice about that one!
Judy is in Fargo now. She came in today. I can't wait to see her It will be so great to see all of her family, too. Charlie will ride in with me, he has been with me on my bike for this trip of almost 1800 miles. I know he will be smiling as we all roll in safely tomorrow!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Spirit Lake to Carrington, ND
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!!!
Miles 49.2
Ride time 3:07
Elevation gain 677'
We left Spirit Lake this morning after a wait for the rain to stop. We had a good downpour this morning. Then it stopped so we headed out. All it took for the rain to stop was for everyone to put on all of their rain gear. We took ours off and put ours in the Sag just in case. Of course the wet roads dirtied up the bikes...we would spend time cleaning them up at the end of the day. It warmed up and turned out to be a pretty nice day, although we didn't have any fun tailwinds. That translated into us having to actually pedal the whole way.
We came upon a sign that said that we were crossing the Continental Divide. It almost seemed like a joke, but we looked it up and it is the northern contiential divide. It seems that it had more to do with land ownership during the fur trading years that an actual geographical feature. None the less, we got the picture to prove it.
The coolest thing we saw today was a herd of Bison. We saw them off to our left in this big pasture. We rode over to look at them. It was a herd of about 20-25. They are enormous. The herd had many young babies and the moms were not all that pleased to have us nearby. They swishes their tails then herded the little ones to the center. They moved away from us as one big tight group. Suddenly, they all started galloping away. It must have been quite a sight to have thousands of them running like that across the plains.
We got into Carrington and found our hotel. We we able to get into our rroms right away. It was great since we were pretty grimey from the wet roads we had ridden on earlier. We cleaned up and went on our food quest. We had a nice meal across the street. Then it was time for bike cleaning. Everyone was doing the same thing. The front of the hotel looked like a bike mechanic convention. I cleaned the grime off my bike, lubed the chain and hope that that will hold me until we get into Fargo. We are winding down. The old bod has held out well
Miles 49.2
Ride time 3:07
Elevation gain 677'
We left Spirit Lake this morning after a wait for the rain to stop. We had a good downpour this morning. Then it stopped so we headed out. All it took for the rain to stop was for everyone to put on all of their rain gear. We took ours off and put ours in the Sag just in case. Of course the wet roads dirtied up the bikes...we would spend time cleaning them up at the end of the day. It warmed up and turned out to be a pretty nice day, although we didn't have any fun tailwinds. That translated into us having to actually pedal the whole way.
We came upon a sign that said that we were crossing the Continental Divide. It almost seemed like a joke, but we looked it up and it is the northern contiential divide. It seems that it had more to do with land ownership during the fur trading years that an actual geographical feature. None the less, we got the picture to prove it.
The coolest thing we saw today was a herd of Bison. We saw them off to our left in this big pasture. We rode over to look at them. It was a herd of about 20-25. They are enormous. The herd had many young babies and the moms were not all that pleased to have us nearby. They swishes their tails then herded the little ones to the center. They moved away from us as one big tight group. Suddenly, they all started galloping away. It must have been quite a sight to have thousands of them running like that across the plains.
We got into Carrington and found our hotel. We we able to get into our rroms right away. It was great since we were pretty grimey from the wet roads we had ridden on earlier. We cleaned up and went on our food quest. We had a nice meal across the street. Then it was time for bike cleaning. Everyone was doing the same thing. The front of the hotel looked like a bike mechanic convention. I cleaned the grime off my bike, lubed the chain and hope that that will hold me until we get into Fargo. We are winding down. The old bod has held out well
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Rugby to Spirit Lake, ND
Miles 82.1
Ride time 5:05
Elevation gain 1508'
Today we left the town of Rugby and headed south on highway 3. It was a lovely ride today. There was virtually no traffic and the scenery was the most beautiful I have seen in North Dakota. We passed so many fields of wheat, canola and flax. All along the roadway wildflowers of all kinds including wild sunflowers, echinacea, and Mexican hat. I was amazed at all of the wetland areas full of all kinds of birds.
We had little wind and a very nice temperature for riding . We had a Sag stop at this place that said it was a Bison ranch. We strained our eyes to see some, but all we saw was hay bales and cows! We saw these huge round uniform piles of hay all in a row. Jennifer said they made with a special machine and the farmers can feed a lot of cows that way.
We rode into the Spirit Lake/Devils Lake area. The Native Americans called it Spirit Lake, but the White Man decided it was a bad spirit so they call it Devils Lake. The lake is very large. It is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota. We came in along one side and we were right at waterline for quite a few miles as we headed towards the resort.
Admittedly, after staying at the Indian Casino in New Town, I had low expectations. But the place is not bad. It sits overlooking the lake. The casino is smokey, but the rooms are clean and large.
They have a large indoor pool and a tall waterside. After riding in the sun, Jennifer and I thought we would go to the pool before all of the kids show up, like they have at almost every other pool during this trip. We looked in at it was almost empty. We quickly cleaned up, got our suits on and went in. We decide it would be fun to try the water slide. We climbed up all the stairs and read the instructions to go feet first, cross hands and feet-got it. Jennifer went first. I wait a couple of seconds, then climbed in and started sliding down. Faster and faster I went, a combination of luge and being shot out of rifle. I started to go so fast as I circled around and around that I thought I might flip right on out the side. I hit the water an an ungodly speed and got a full noseful of water. We both decided that once was enough. Maybe that this was really designed for smaller children, not larger adults!
So a few more days of riding. Rose, I'll be seeing you soon!
Ride time 5:05
Elevation gain 1508'
Today we left the town of Rugby and headed south on highway 3. It was a lovely ride today. There was virtually no traffic and the scenery was the most beautiful I have seen in North Dakota. We passed so many fields of wheat, canola and flax. All along the roadway wildflowers of all kinds including wild sunflowers, echinacea, and Mexican hat. I was amazed at all of the wetland areas full of all kinds of birds.
We had little wind and a very nice temperature for riding . We had a Sag stop at this place that said it was a Bison ranch. We strained our eyes to see some, but all we saw was hay bales and cows! We saw these huge round uniform piles of hay all in a row. Jennifer said they made with a special machine and the farmers can feed a lot of cows that way.
We rode into the Spirit Lake/Devils Lake area. The Native Americans called it Spirit Lake, but the White Man decided it was a bad spirit so they call it Devils Lake. The lake is very large. It is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota. We came in along one side and we were right at waterline for quite a few miles as we headed towards the resort.
Admittedly, after staying at the Indian Casino in New Town, I had low expectations. But the place is not bad. It sits overlooking the lake. The casino is smokey, but the rooms are clean and large.
They have a large indoor pool and a tall waterside. After riding in the sun, Jennifer and I thought we would go to the pool before all of the kids show up, like they have at almost every other pool during this trip. We looked in at it was almost empty. We quickly cleaned up, got our suits on and went in. We decide it would be fun to try the water slide. We climbed up all the stairs and read the instructions to go feet first, cross hands and feet-got it. Jennifer went first. I wait a couple of seconds, then climbed in and started sliding down. Faster and faster I went, a combination of luge and being shot out of rifle. I started to go so fast as I circled around and around that I thought I might flip right on out the side. I hit the water an an ungodly speed and got a full noseful of water. We both decided that once was enough. Maybe that this was really designed for smaller children, not larger adults!
So a few more days of riding. Rose, I'll be seeing you soon!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Minot to Rugby, ND
Miles 68.6
Ride time 4:25
Elevation gain 695'
Miles total to date 1537.8
Elevation gain to date 52,110'
It had rained last night, but it was clearing as we left town this morning. Our route took us on several back roads to get us out of town. It was pretty quiet with not much traffic. We crossed over quite a few railroad tracks and then went by a big train switching yard. After our many lefts and rights, we finally were back on Highway 2. It was a pretty flat ride today. The winds neither helped or hindered us. The thing about the flats is you have to keep on pedeling, no downhills to cruise on.
We passed along some pretty flax fields, some corn and quite a few wetland areas, complete with cattails and some even had baby ducks swimming in them. I heard a hawk today, took it as a good sign. Judy's sign was watching over me today. Thanks Sweetie!
We came upon an area where they had diverted the traffic to only the two lanes on our side for both directions. It was a little too cozy with some of the traffic since we had a very small shoulder. Jennifer and I decided since they weren't using the other side-it was closed to all traffic, that we would use it. It was gravel in some spots...more cyclocross action at times, but we had the whole other side to ourselves for a few miles, no worry of any traffic. We rode that until it was too rough. We then got back on the constricted road, but it was only for a couple of miles, then the construction was over and it went back to a four lane divided highway.
It got hotter and more humid as the day went on. We got into Rugby, which is the geographic center of North America. They have this big stone sign in town so we all stopped and had our pictures taken with it. Today we saw quite a few other cyclists who were all fully loaded for touring.
We met a guy who was riding from Seatle to Maine by himself. He stopped at our Sag stop and we gave him some water and snacks. We saw some others too, two couples who were traveling along the same route as us. I felt so pampered since we don't have to carry anything but water and snacks!
Tomorrow we have a longer day so we will be and out early. We are gong to start to stair step east and south now on our way to Fargo. We will hope for favorable winds!
Ride time 4:25
Elevation gain 695'
Miles total to date 1537.8
Elevation gain to date 52,110'
It had rained last night, but it was clearing as we left town this morning. Our route took us on several back roads to get us out of town. It was pretty quiet with not much traffic. We crossed over quite a few railroad tracks and then went by a big train switching yard. After our many lefts and rights, we finally were back on Highway 2. It was a pretty flat ride today. The winds neither helped or hindered us. The thing about the flats is you have to keep on pedeling, no downhills to cruise on.
We passed along some pretty flax fields, some corn and quite a few wetland areas, complete with cattails and some even had baby ducks swimming in them. I heard a hawk today, took it as a good sign. Judy's sign was watching over me today. Thanks Sweetie!
We came upon an area where they had diverted the traffic to only the two lanes on our side for both directions. It was a little too cozy with some of the traffic since we had a very small shoulder. Jennifer and I decided since they weren't using the other side-it was closed to all traffic, that we would use it. It was gravel in some spots...more cyclocross action at times, but we had the whole other side to ourselves for a few miles, no worry of any traffic. We rode that until it was too rough. We then got back on the constricted road, but it was only for a couple of miles, then the construction was over and it went back to a four lane divided highway.
It got hotter and more humid as the day went on. We got into Rugby, which is the geographic center of North America. They have this big stone sign in town so we all stopped and had our pictures taken with it. Today we saw quite a few other cyclists who were all fully loaded for touring.
We met a guy who was riding from Seatle to Maine by himself. He stopped at our Sag stop and we gave him some water and snacks. We saw some others too, two couples who were traveling along the same route as us. I felt so pampered since we don't have to carry anything but water and snacks!
Tomorrow we have a longer day so we will be and out early. We are gong to start to stair step east and south now on our way to Fargo. We will hope for favorable winds!
Minot- rest day
Today was a rest day. It was time for laundry, bike cleaning, and a trip to the mall.
Here's the trip totals:
Milage total to date 1469.2
Elevation gain to date 51,415'
The other group came in today and we had a group dinner.
I hope they have a safe trip into Fargo.
Here's the trip totals:
Milage total to date 1469.2
Elevation gain to date 51,415'
The other group came in today and we had a group dinner.
I hope they have a safe trip into Fargo.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
New Town/ Stanley to Minot, ND
Miles 53.3
Ride time 2:34
Elevation gain 826'
This morning we were shuttled by the van out New Town to Stanley, back to Highway 2. We had to be shuttled out in two groups. We ended up leaving around 8:30 or so. We went back out 23 and CR 8 and all of us were really glad not to have to ride out on a bike. We had a semi in front of us and we could see how narrow it was when another one was coming in the other direction. I am glad we all made it in safe. I didn't notice all of the lavender flax fields yesterday. We were too focused on staying on the road and not getting hit. We got the bikes off the van and headed out on highway 2. We had a 20 mile an hour tailwind. It was amazing. We just flew. We had a nice shoulder and it was two lanes so everyone gave us a lot of room. It was effortless. This is the seventh consecutive day of riding. Over seven days we have ridden 457 miles. It is a first for me to ride that many days in a row. The legs have held out. Today we really had fun riding. We were pushed along by the wind. It was not that noticiable until we would stop and feel how strong long the wind was. We really enjoyed getting out of all of the oil country with all of the teucks. We noticed the countryside change to rolling hills, fields of purple flax and yellow mustard. It so beautiful.
In spite of leaving last we got into Minot and had our room immediately ready. We were able to get in, clean up and get something to eat. We are right next to a mall that has .... A Sheels! My personal favorite. We checked it out, but it is not as nice as the one in Fargo. Jennifer got some new brake pads. We are in the biggest town we have seen since leaving Anacortes many weeks ago.
I am ready for a rest day. Time to clean my bike. My poor bike has been through so much. What a wonderful machine. We have been through many miles together, some pretty tough ones like slogging through the mud getting to Glacier, some like today screaming along at a average of over 25 miles an hour.
Ride time 2:34
Elevation gain 826'
This morning we were shuttled by the van out New Town to Stanley, back to Highway 2. We had to be shuttled out in two groups. We ended up leaving around 8:30 or so. We went back out 23 and CR 8 and all of us were really glad not to have to ride out on a bike. We had a semi in front of us and we could see how narrow it was when another one was coming in the other direction. I am glad we all made it in safe. I didn't notice all of the lavender flax fields yesterday. We were too focused on staying on the road and not getting hit. We got the bikes off the van and headed out on highway 2. We had a 20 mile an hour tailwind. It was amazing. We just flew. We had a nice shoulder and it was two lanes so everyone gave us a lot of room. It was effortless. This is the seventh consecutive day of riding. Over seven days we have ridden 457 miles. It is a first for me to ride that many days in a row. The legs have held out. Today we really had fun riding. We were pushed along by the wind. It was not that noticiable until we would stop and feel how strong long the wind was. We really enjoyed getting out of all of the oil country with all of the teucks. We noticed the countryside change to rolling hills, fields of purple flax and yellow mustard. It so beautiful.
In spite of leaving last we got into Minot and had our room immediately ready. We were able to get in, clean up and get something to eat. We are right next to a mall that has .... A Sheels! My personal favorite. We checked it out, but it is not as nice as the one in Fargo. Jennifer got some new brake pads. We are in the biggest town we have seen since leaving Anacortes many weeks ago.
I am ready for a rest day. Time to clean my bike. My poor bike has been through so much. What a wonderful machine. We have been through many miles together, some pretty tough ones like slogging through the mud getting to Glacier, some like today screaming along at a average of over 25 miles an hour.
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