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.