New Rockford, ND...We're making our way across North Dakota. Riding a bike is the perfect speed to appreciate the prairies. It is not as boring as riding in a car. We have seen some beautiful bright yellow fields...found out they are canola. Also some blue/purple fields which are flax. We've moved from range land to farms. There is still a lot of wide open spaces here. After Williston, we rode 77 miles to Stanley and camped in the city park. We were able to go to the city pool to take showers and swim. Next day we rode 81 miles to Granville, stayed in another city park, which was nice with the worst bathrooms. Then we rode 79 miles in high heat to Esmond. Yesterday, after nearly 100 degrees, we pulled into Esmond, out of water, looking for a cold drink. The cafe was open and we ordered cokes. The food looked good, so we ordered baked potatoes, mushroom swiss burgers, apple pie ala mode and the bill for the two of us was $13! We went back for breakfast...2 eggs, 2 french toast, 2 bacon, coffee, $4.50 each. It also happened to be Esmond Days, so we were treated to a street dance a block from the city campground. They played until 2 am, but we were so tired, we were able to sleep thru it. Today we rode 60 miles.
We are all tired and sore...but hanging in there. We may slow down a bit. We should be in Minnesota by Weds! Maybe we'll be home next Sunday or Monday?? If there are any women out there who want to come ride with us...at least in spirit...I could use some female companionship to get me to the home stretch. ( The guys have been great, very kind, but I miss my friends and family.)
Lots of love,
Therese
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree: a bicycle's speed is the perfect speed for appreciating the prairie (and just about anything else worthy of contemplation). Listening to the weather on the way into work this morning, it sounds like you could have some bumpy weather starting Tuesday night through Wednesday, so be careful.
ReplyDeleteTherese
ReplyDeleteI am Andrew's mom. I appreciate your ride with the guys and know that despite their extra kindness you might be missing a little female energy--it's just different. Maryann and I met 30 years ago at South Pole (the South Pole) in a camp of 80 men. We spent 3 months together in the construction camp atmosphere and planned to hike the Pacific Crest Trail together. We did it, called our team The Hardy Girls. That was the year after the first woman's team climbed Anapurnana, so we wore their t-shirt, "Women do it on top!"
I've been following my son Andrew's blog and yours when you post. The two together make a great story!! Take care and keep your head in the ride.