July 22, 2010 59 miles Fargo, ND 1790 total (more or less)

One last bowl of oatmeal!

Dark and cloudy skies this AM failed to put a damper on the day. Everyone seemed excited about getting on with our last day's ride into Fargo. A cool start is always good, as it gives our muscles time to warm up before the temp rises. I think the rain arrived just before the 1st sag stop but wasn't hard enough to matter much. My windbreaker was the perfect jacket. After that, the headwind hit with avengence, making the last 40 miles really difficult for me. I was so spoiled by strong tailwinds throughout this tour, plus my body was/is just exhausted. The 59 miles took me 5 hours! Along the way I took one last photo for my grandchildren - horses this time.  And, I got a good pic of the ubiquitous grain elevators.

Nevertheless, it's good to be in Fargo - a really nice town with a vibrant downtown which I plan to explore more on Saturday. Today, I only got as far as the Great Northern Bike Shop which has a small restaurant with a great lunch. Mary Palmberg (Group One) and my friend Ann Glass, who lives in Fargo, and I enjoyed lunch together and a good visit. The 3 of us rode together in '07 on Meandering Mississippi tour.

I have a lovely room tonight at the Radisson Hotel where the staff just bends over backwards to be accommodating. Our final banquet was a buffet feast (selected by our chef Linda) that included beautiful salads, smoked salmon (see pic), shrimp pasta, prime rib and several vegetable sides, a champagne toast and delicious cheesecake. Michelle and Linda made lovely toasts to all of us and to the SAG drivers and sous chef. Recognition also was given to Michelle and Linda to thank them for their excellent leadership as guide and chef. This tour truly had an outstanding group of women, staff and support staff. There are not enough words to adequately convey my thoughts on this. I wish everyone of us were meeting again next year. As it is, I think about a dozen of this group are signed up to finish the Northern Tier next year, plus some from Group One. We'll always remember our friend, Barbara, who was also signed up for '11. Her funeral is Saturday in Terre Haute, and four of our group will be there to extend love from her many friends in the WomanTours family.

Tonight there were many final pictures taken and hugs given. After dinner no one seemed ready to break up the fun, so the entire group gravitated back to the bar for final laughs, pictures, hugs, and perhaps a nightcap.  Vicki sang her original words to the tune of "What A Difference A Day Makes" about taking a day off to sag - so funny.  This group just had personality plus!  And, so many were such encouragers to me.  May God bless you all as you return to homes, children, grandchildren, jobs, etc., etc.  My life is so much richer for knowing each one of you!

The greatest support staff!

My friend Jean and me

July 21, 2010 92 miles Mayville, ND

Today was a delightful day of cycling. In spite of the distance, which originally was to be 108 miles, the day seemed to fly by. It certainly helped that the temp stayed around 77 and there was good cloud cover all day. We did the distance in just over 6 hrs., so we were moving and grooving. Cheryl, our SAG driver for the day, was parked at every 20 miles, breaking up the day in doable intervals. Several went on and completed 100 miles because of the good conditions. This part of southern North Dakota is pure farmland - wheat fields, corn that's as tall as the 4th of July, and luscious soybeans. ??

Mayville has huge grain elevators. One of the original, large grain landowners donated money in 1900 for a library that is still open today - 21 hrs./wk. It's never been open more than that. The stacks are semi-closed, the books are checked out with a check-out card (remember those?), and rarely are fines charged (2 cents a day). According to Margaret, the librarian, "Who wants to fool with adding it up!" She was just delightful. Margaret gave me a gift that I will treasure always. She wouldn't let me take her pic, but I did get a few pics of the library.

On the way into town, Jona and I stopped at the Rainbow Gardens. Located at a wooded campground, the gardens were started by a local citizen and are maintained by volunteers. There's an English Garden, a White Garden, an Herb Garden, and a Children's Garden. All the areas are filled with beautiful specimens of gorgeous flowers and herbs. There's also a wonderful assortment of sculptures. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

Linda cooked her final trailer dinner - Morocan Chicken served over couscous w/green peas and fresh cilantro, five bean salad, green salad and watermelon. It was all delicious!

July 20, 2010

Today was an easy, enjoyable 50 mile ride to Carrington. We left Spirit Lake around 8:30; the weather was beautiful including a slight wind, sometimes from the west and sometimes a cross wind. We arrived at noon, and, of course, found a cafe for lunch. Other diners enjoyed hearing the story of our adventure. There were not many opportunities for pictures today, but I take a few. We rode through the community of Sheyenne which seemed straight out of a wild west movie. There's a pic of the local bar and one of grain being blown into a truck (for Daniel). I'll also add a picture of the group's four SAG drivers and the Sous Chef - our great support staff that has done a fabulous job; and, a picture of my riding partners this week.

July 19, 2010 82 miles Spirit Lake Casino & Resort

I couldn't sleep last night and got off to a slow start this morning. Rain threatened for the first 20 miles but stayed ahead of us. We rode on cool, wet roads but never felt a drop. At the first sag stop I hooked up with my friend Kit whom I've dubbed Cap'n Kit. As a former racer, she's one of the faster riders in the group. Today, she indulged me I'm sure, as I was able to stay with her. We did the 82 miles in 15.8 mph which for that distance was pretty good! It was a lot of fun. Jona and Debbie were also part of the group. There were no photo opps, but I did stop and take pictures of farm equipment for Sarah Catherine and Daniel. Goodness knows, we've seen a lot of that on this trip.


Today's route finally got us off of Rt. 2 and back to the backroads. The roads were good farm roads along absolutely beautiful farmland. We had one or two long hills to pull but nothing significant enough to show on our elevation chart. The last 10 miles were along Spring Lake which is a huge blue spot on the road map! We're on another Indian Reservation which I think is home to the Sioux tribe. My room tonight overlooks a large indoor swimming pool with a very tall water slide which I have no intention of using. I probably couldn't even climb to the top without freaking out! :))

A lot of us have made really good friends and are sad to have the tour coming to an end. But, then, all good things must come to an end. So, we'll enjoy our last three days of cycling in North Dakota, but missing our friend, Barbara, and look forward to next year's adventure which takes us from Fargo to Bar Harbor, ME.

July 18, 2010 69 miles Rugby, ND

Last Friday my friend, Barbara Minnick, was doing what she loved to do - riding her recumbent on a long, flat stretch on a beautiful day with a light tailwind. Around noon our worst nightmare happened, as she was struck by a pickup truck that hit her back wheel.  The following link will explain.


http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=41595

The accident was inexcusable and should never have happened. She has been my friend since 2007 when we did our first (of four) WomanTours trip together along the Mississippi River. The reality of her death has been devastating for all of us on this tour. Three of our group of 28 ladies who are from all over the country decided to return to their homes and families. The remainder of the group wants to complete the ride, believing that's what Barbara would choose to do. Her spirit is with us, and she is without a doubt in heaven with the Lord she loved.

We gathered this morning all dressed in our WT jerseys, and rode out together in silence for the first 20 miles. One of our group bought strands of black beads that we also wore. It was a beautiful morning with a 5-10 mph NW wind - just the kind of day any cyclist would love.

Ride on, Barbara, ride on with joy. . .

July 16, 2010 54 miles Minot, ND

The bright spots today were the fields of beautiful canola and flax.  Again, because of the heavy tanker truck traffic on a road with no shoulder, we were shuttled in two groups back to Stanley and off loaded for the 54 mile ride into Minot on Rt. 2. Will this road ever end? It's a divided 4 lane highway with wide shoulders.  However, where there's no paved shoulder, it's a gravel shoulder. Therefore, we are back and forth between the shoulder and the white line and rumbles that are along the left side of the shoulder. Does that make sense? Almost without exception every truck and car moved to the left lane today to go around the bikes. There were two that did not.  As we had opportunity to do so, we thanked truck drivers and asked them to spread the word of our appreciation for their tolerance and kindness. One truck driver at a truck stop told me that, "It's all about safety. We want you ladies to have a safe trip." I thought that was so kind of him. He, of course, wanted to hear about our adventure, and I was happy to tell him.

We're staying in Minot for two nights. I must say that everyone is ready for a rest day. Today was a tough day.

July 15, 2010 71 miles New Town, ND

Another day to blow to the next stop!! Because of an oil slick highway with heavy oil tanker traffic and no shoulder, our route was altered for today to keep us on Rt. 2 to Stanley. From there we were taken by van for the final 35 miles to New Town and the Four Bear Casino Lodge which is located on the Ft. Berthold Indian Reservation. Therefore, we had another exquisite tailwind day that is just so much fun. My odometer worked and tells me I averaged 17 mph; I loved every minute of it, too. :))  Below is a photo of a field of flax.  Then, there's Jean doing her job as SAG driver today.

The terrain changed somewhat today to include more woods and undulating rolling hills. Also, we passed lots of oil rigs and drills. Who would have known that oil would be found in N. Dakota? I think I read, though, that ND has the lowest unemployment rate due to the oil business. When I stopped to get a picture of a rig with an American flag, the owner (VIP type), pulled in the driveway, hopped out and started talking to me. I thought he might confiscate my picture, similarly to what happend down in LA in '07 when Georgia was snapping pics of an American oil refinery. No, he just wanted me to notice the beautiful location where he placed his operation. He seemed pleased that I noticed the American flags. Also, he was curious about all the women cyclists that he'd seen on the highway. It's always fun to tell folk what we're about and get their reaction to our adventure.

Due to the heavy wind outside, I've heard that we'll have dinner tonight from the casino buffet line.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 46 miles Williston, ND

This was the most unusual day of cycling. With winds blowing 20-30 mph and gusting sometimes even higher, we just blew to Williston. There was one point where I never turned the pedals for several miles. We encountered road construction just before entering North Dakota and had to wait in line for the pilot car to escort us. I think the lane had new asphalt that was laid just yesterday because the group before us talked of gravel. For all the warnings that we received, the construction turned out to be a non-issue.

Just past the Welcome to North Dakota sign, eleven of our group turned south on county rd. 5 for a ten mile ride to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and pretty views of the Missouri River. I made the turn, too, but after 1.5 miles decided to turn around and return to US 2. My lightweight bike was so unstable that I actually was frightened by the strong cross wind. I decided no view was worth such discomfort. Besides, I rode along the Missouri River years ago on the Katy Trail in Missouri.

We were told that we couldn't get in our hotel rooms until 4:00, and I arrived about 11:45 CST. When I rode past a library, I pulled in. The librarians were extremely cordial, told me to enjoy my water and pb&j (despite the no food allowed sign), offered to help me find something to read, allowed me to use their cell phone to report in, and encouraged me to make myself at home. And, so I did. I found a chair with a footrest, and the hardback copy of the Stuart Woods paperback book I'm reading, and a couple of magazines, and camped out for several hours! Libraries!  You gotta' love 'em.  :))

It was too windy tonight for Linda to cook and serve from the trailer. WT treated us to dinner at the restaurant next door. So, it's early to bed tonight to continue with FRESH DISASTERS.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 57 miles Culbertson, MT

The days just get better and better! 52 degrees this AM, clear MT sky and a TAILWIND all the way to Culbertson! Leaving Wolf Point about 8, we were here by noon. Everyone had fun today just ambling along or flying - whatever felt good. I think we only had 2 hills which were close to the finish. . . We began seeing the Missouri River more often over in the distance. I stopped to take a photo of a Presbyterian Church sign and the church (churches are few and far between), and got an added bonus for my 1/4 mile walk down a gravel road. Behind the church was a sign announcing a Lewis & Clark landing at that river site in 1805! Neat. . . The entire route today was on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation. Some of us stopped at a crossroads grocery for bottled Starbucks and met Jamie who is full blooded Assiniboine Indian. He works for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Department and really enjoyed talking to the ladies who thought he was quit handsome. After he drove away, two guys on Harleys pulled in and enjoyed the commaraderie no less.

Again today we were back and forth on Rt. 1 and Rt. 2. The backroad (Rt. 1) was lovely and had no traffic - a few gravel spots but that was OK. I just stopped and brushed off my fragile tires after crossing each patch. Altogether, today was a perfect cycling day. . . I rolled down Main St. (Broadway) and found the library in Culbertson. Answered a few emails (no wi-fi tonight) and visited with the librarian. After 35 years in a one room facility, she now has a very nice 2500 sq. ft. shared building and is loving the improvement. I found her signage to be quite amusing.

Well, our info must be a little out-of-date, as we do seem to have wi-fi.  I usually type in WordPad and cut/paste to the blog.  :))

Carolyn did a good job today with SAG support.

Monday, July 12, 2010 53 miles Wolf Point, MT

A cool start again today I think because of the wind. We thought it might even rain but that never happened. My wind breaker felt good until about 11:00. After 20 miles on US 2, we were routed south to a lovely backroad that ran perpendicular to US 2 - a real back road with no traffic, just wheat fields, wild flowers along the roadside, and occasional farm houses. I think it was the purple clover that smelled so sweet. From time to time, I could see the Missouri River on the south horizon. This enjoyable road took us to within 2.5 miles of Wolf Point. Since several in our group were here before when they road the Lewis & Clark tour in 2006, they knew how to get to downtown and a local cafe where we enjoyed root beer floats (not me) and grilled cheese sandwiches. Since our rooms weren't quite ready anyway, this was a pleasant way for six of us to kill some time. . . . The rotation on roommates has started over. Nancy and I even guessed that we would be roommates tonight and we are. She's from NC and is a veteran of WT tours.

The picture below may give some idea of the soft, mound like hills that we've seen so much of.  The statute above was in the middle of main street but had no plaque.  We've been following the Lewis & Clark Trail now for several days and today had our first glimpse of the Missouri River.  This river used to be much further north but was pushed further south by glaciers long ago.  It's difficult for me to fathom that the river is this far away from Missouri!  In the last two days, I've crossed Bear Creek, Wolf Creek, Beaver Creek, and Porcupine Creek, as well as the Milk River. 

July 11, 2010 71 miles Glasgow, MT

Rain this morning kept us from having breakfast outside which turned out to be rather nice. We were invited to have breakfast from the menu in the hotel restaurant - quite a pleasant change (nothing against steelcut oatmeal!). I dawdled over coffee, bacon and eggs and forgot all about making the ritual pb&j for my lunch. Actually, I never saw the snack table so guess Linda had it in the back of the trailor.


The only reason I started out in rain was because the temp was 58 and would only get warmer. I guess it rained on us for a couple of hours but never very hard. My paper rain jacket proved to be just fine. I kept it on all day, as the day remained a little cool with heavy overcast of clouds. If you're wondering why I'm spending so much time on weather, well, that was the most exciting happening all day. We passed again through miles and miles of wheat fields, with not even a combine driver to wave to. It's Sunday and even the traffic was very light. I don't think I took but two pictures. I arrived in Glasgow about 2:30 and stopped at DQ, not ice cream but a hot dog and Diet Coke. I was starving. . .

Coming into Glasgow I noticed sculptures of dinosaurs over on the hillside. I haven't visited the local museums, but, evidently this was big dinosaur country millions of years ago. 

As soon as I checked in I found a hose and washed off my bike. That, of course, led to cleaning the cassette, the chain, and lubricating. I had to fix a flat today on the front. After examining the tire, I found a good size gash to which I applied Goop. Michelle says to apply it every day as it wears off. I also have a gash in the back tire. . . not too happy with my new tires. But, I'm getting good at changing flats!
 
Dinner tonight was really good - chicken and green beans and gravy over brown rice, broccoli salad, fresh fruit salad AND tiramisu (camp version) which was divine!

July 10, 2010 90 miles Malta, MT

Goodness gracious! For a 90 mile day, the ride was terrific. A tailwind sped us along for the first 60+ miles which was just so much fun! Thinking that we'd need substantial food to get us thru the long day, Linda parked at 46 miles and provided a very tasty lunch . I think everyone was at that stop by 10 or 10:30 because we all pulled out at 6 am to beat the heat. True to form, as the day wore on, the wind picked up. Just before reaching Malta, I saw a sign advertising DQ in 3.4 miles. Sue and I rode in together and went out of our way to get ice cream and lemonade. The day had gotten so hot that the extra distance was well worth the effort.

The sites today were mostly of wheat fields and lots of combines working the fields. We seemed to ride in a wide valley between two flat ridges or bluffs that probably were a mile away on each side. For awhile we could see Bear's Paw Mountains. There were many more homes along the road today and trees. Passed one field of hay bales. These were brown and looked like toasted marshmallows rather than plain marshmallows as pictured earlier. Also saw the occasional wildflowers.

About 25 miles of today's route was thru the Belknap Indian Reservation. It was in this area close to Chinook, MT, that Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe finally surrendered to Col. Nelson Miles afer four days of fighting. In retrospect, according to our Adventure Cycling field notes, the Nez Perce could have survived if they had traveled less than a day's march into Canada where they would have found refuge.

The railroad was ever present today, also. With stops like Zurich, Harlem, Malta and yesterday's towns of Joplin, Inverness, Rudyard, Gilford and Kremlin, one can just imagine the many countries represented in settling the wild west. It was an extremely difficult existence. James J. Hill of Havre, Mt, was responsible for getting the railroad built across the Northern Plains. At $2.50 an acre and exagerated claims as to its fertility and productitivity, Hill encouraged migration from across the U.S. and even from Europe. It is reported that "low rates were established for the movement of household goods and farming equipment into the state; return rates on these same articles were so high that it was impossible for the farmer who became discouraged to leave and return to his native state." (AC Field Notes)

Just outside of Havre, Mt, we began criss crossing the Milk River. I remember cycling alongside this river last summer but can't remember exactly where. It seems that Meriwether Lewis described this river as "being about the color of tea with the admixture of milk," hence the name Milk River.  It's definitely not as beautiful as the glacier rivers we saw earlier in the trip.