We began our morning in 50 degree weather, bundled in arm warmers and wind breakers. I'm sure this is different than the weather Ohioans are experiencing right now. As the day moved on the temp warmes up to the mid 80s.
Our route took us through the flood zone again, which was unbelievable to see up close. So many homes have been destroyed but people are rebuilding and returning.
Just out of Minot we rode through a gorgeous valley with big fields and rolling hills. We haven't seen scenery like this yet in North Dakota. The greatest part about the route was that is only took us on route 2 for four miles...a pleasant and welcome surprise for everybody.
After lunch we rose out of the valley. I rode alone for the rest of the afternoon so that I could take my own pace, which was incredibly slow because of the headwinds. I wasn't in the mood to draft today, I just wanted to enjoy my surroundings. I took lots of breaks, watched two deer for a bit, tried to imagine what it was like coming to this land as a settler, and enjoyed myself. The road was very low traffic. Once in awhile there was a truck going to the oil rigs we were passing.
The landscape was marvelous. I could see for miles down the road and the fields are either side stretched forever. It's amazing how vast this land is.
The last 10 miles I started to really struggle with the wind. Finally Tyce came up behind me and pulled me the rest of the way, blocking the wind with his height. It saved me.
The town tonight is so small. There are about 250 people, though it has to draw from the nearby farms. Main St looks like an empty movie set. The total square mileage is 1.2 and .2 of that is the lake.
We had dinner in a park and two of our riders gave a safety bike clinic to tons of kids from the town. It was a relaxing evening and the food was filling. Tonight bedtime will be early because we have 10 more days of straight biking. At least our mileage really drops a lot.
Remember our family road trips when Pop and I would gush over the beautiful landscape and you and Molly would barely notice? You were so immersed in HARRY POTTER as we drove past the Sangre de Cristos and the San Juans on the way to Mesa Verde. Occasionally you would oblige us with a look out and a "Ugh-Huh, this is beautiful..." So it is wonderful to read that you are so loving landscapes and scenery and topography. You are at the ground level, immersed in the land and the sky. I suppose 500 miles of Route 2 can change your perspective. Love, Mom
ReplyDelete"...tried to imagine what it was like coming to this land as a settler, and enjoyed myself."
ReplyDeleteNice.