Day 34, Fargo, ND - 60 miles

Riders

Despite the threat of rain, it was a beautiful day.  Our last day of riding was on a nearly deserted access road parallel to I-29. Not wanting this to end, I think people were riding in larger groups, taking a little more time, and talking a bit more.  It's always hard to end a tour and, because of Barbara's death in Minot, this one seems a little harder. 

Tonight is our final dinner together, our banquet they call it.  Too bad it's not in the parking lot on white plastic chairs.

Day 33, Mayville, ND - 93 miles

Missile Silo

There was a time a few days ago (July 7th) when someone in our group went up to the perimeter fence of an active missile silo.  Well, today we actually got invited into the area.  Not a personal invitation, but the gates were wide open so we went in.  And there were informational signs everywhere so it was probably OK.  It was very fun.

Plane landing on Road

The other excitement for the day was the plane that landed on the road about 200 yards behind Ellen.  We had stopped to take a picture of wheat being harvested when we noted a plane was flying rather low over the road ahead of us.  It got closer and lower and lower and closer and buzzed right over Ellen's head before landing (in the middle of the road) and turning into a field.  I guess that's just what they do around here.

Otherwise, it was an unexciting 93 mile day.  Overcast all day, very slight headwind, nice surfaces to bike on.  It feels good to be out here.

Day 32, Carrington, ND - 50 miles

Another short day today but the weather sure was sweet. We are finally on small, back roads with low traffic and drivers who are not in a hurry.  Biking is good for the soul.

Day 31, St. Michael, ND - 82 miles

I love it when you get to a point where an 82 mile day seems like nothing.  We had a gentle tailwind, easy rolling hills, and, except for early morning thunderheads on the horizon, sunny skies. 

We are staying in another casino tonight, this one on the shores of Devils Lake.  Unfortunately the casino seems to be the only entertainment around.  That's OK. There's internet.

Day 30, Rugby, ND - 69 miles

Today we rode out of Minot as a group.  It was a very quite, peaceful and serene ride on side streets at first, then low volume roads.  A light, constant tailwind was present and the temperatures were perfect.  It was what we all desperately needed.

Day 28, Minot, ND - 53 miles

Day 27, New Town, ND - 71 miles

Another day filled with tailwinds.  I think they were gusting only to about 30 mph but given my average speed for a 71-mile ride was 17.7 mph, the wind speed was probably plenty. 

Today we were supposed to ride 76 miles from Williston to New Town, ND,  but in 2008 one of the largest deposits of oil ever found was discovered in North Dakota.  Since the discovery, oil wells of every size and description have sprung up all along our route.  With the wells, of course, come the trucks.  The roads are not meant to handle the weight, nor the size, of the trucks so not only are the roads in very poor condition, they have no shoulders and are very crowded.  As a consequence, the highway patrol has prohibited bicycles from traveling to New Town.  The solution today was for us to bike our 71 miles to Stanley, then all get in the van and get a 30 mile ride to New Town. Tomorrow we will shuttle back up to Stanley and start riding.

Also because of today's wind, once again Linda cannot cook.  It's off to the New Town Four Bears Casino Buffet for 28 hungry bikers.  I'm thinking I'd rather have Linda's salmon creation but we'll make due.