If They Could All Just Be Like Day 4...
We've been on the road for a week. It's a rest day in Stillwater, MN today. A great stop! Bike friendly, vibrant, welcoming and many activities. But, that's today. Let's go back to last Friday (Fargo to Pelican Rapids, MN).
If you follow on Facebook, you know the story. There've been 5 riding days so far and only 1 that didn't have gale force winds, 1 day above 60, 2 days below 40, and 2 days without rain. Yes, the weather is the dominant theme so far; but riders have ridden each day persevering through rain, wind, snow and cold. Kudos to the hotels along the way for having rooms available when we arrive so that everyone can get out of the weather, get warmed up and into dry clothes asap.
This a group of 17 riders, a guide, a full time chef and a chef leaving after Stillwater. There are 3 of us pulling SAG (support and gear) duty. I'm doing double duty, which means I ride half the time and the rest of the time in the SAG vehicle supporting the rest of the riders. The group is all woman, from all over the country and 2 from Canada. All have completed similar rides before, so it is one mindset and one focus for everyone -- Fargo to Bar Harbor.
We left Fargo last Friday morning. The Great Northern Bicycle Co. was instrumental in getting us on the road early. Shop staff assisted with the obligatory photos, and had the shop open for any last minute purchases. (I avoided purchases there, but have since added a couple more items for cool weather.)
Fargo was an easy exit. Bike lanes and bike paths throughout the city. There was so much development and construction in the area. Good for Fargo! Economy appears to be doing well.
I was in the SAG on Day 1 and developed the following "Thankful List" (Day 1 had sun but a pretty stiff headwind all day) --
Thermal shirts
Puffy vests
Stocking caps, and
This new, like-minded biking community
The day concluded in Pelican Rapids as the rain began to fall.
Throughout the night we could hear the rain pounding and the wind howling, so much the door of the room was rattling throughout the night. This was a preview of the next day, which was my second day for SAG duty. Three riders started from the motel, two completed the day. The car was rocking when I set up the first SAG. I suspected riders might get pulled due to the danger, but fortunately shortly after the first SAG there was a bike path (near Fergus Falls, MN) that took the the riders off the road, away from traffic and gave them a little protection. I don't think it really mattered. These riders were not to be deterred!
The Central Lakes Trail begins in Fergus Falls, many riders began riding from here. The trail took them all the way to Alexandria where they were greeted by the Viking who proclaims Alexandria to be the Birthplace of America. That's not exactly the way I remember it, but whatever floats their "ship" I guess.
This was the first time I've supported along a bike path. It adds some challenges as the road doesn't always follow the trail and riders aren't always visible. Trails aren't always easy for riders to follow either. We did have a misplaced rider for a short time, but fortunately she quickly realized she wasn't where she thought she was and found the way to the SAG. This would be the first day of three (so far) on bike trails. All have been paved, and in great condition. I would have expected the winter weather to have been unkind, but no issues so far. Nicely done Minnesota!
The rain continued into the next day, Alexandria to Albany. Temps were in the mid-30's to start, winds were still strong and there were a few flurries in Albany. All you can say is, one of those days; but it's "those" days we will all talk about when we get to Bar Harbor. Not the 70 degree, sunny days that will eventually come. 12 riders started the day; 4 finished; and for the rest --
The route continued to follow the Central Lakes Trail and then transitioned to the Lake Wobegon Trail. There's a lot of grit in this group!
There was cheering in the parking lot on Day 4 (Albany to Milaca, MN). The early morning temperatures in the low 30's actually felt warm. The wind and rain were gone. The sun was out. It was pretty close to a perfect biking day.
The ride started on the Lake Wobegon Trail, and picked up the Soo Line Trail around mile 14 but we exited the trails in Bowlus. Many of the riders had a second breakfast at Jordie's Trailside Cafe in Bowlus. The owners were thrilled for the business, said we were their first biking business of the year. Yes, it's been cold and wet everywhere this spring.
At mile 20 we crossed the Mississippi River. Very different than the river we (i.e. me) are used to seeing. Very nondescript, not even a sign. If it hadn't been on the cue sheet, it would have been any other river. So interesting.
I finished the day riding with guide Cindi West. She had a "Natalie" experience on our way in. She would call to the cows in the pastures and feedlots trying to get them to moo. That was fine, until we came across a cow that was on the wrong side of the fence. When Cindi called, the cow stood up in the ditch. Well, there might have been a little surprise, but all was well. The calves were on the right side of the fence. That cow wasn't going to wander too far away, but I'm not sure Cindi realized that at first.😄
Day 5 was a century day, 102 miles. The forecast was poor but conditions were not bad when the day started. I was back in the SAG vehicle again. The front group of 5 riders worked together all day, taking turns leading and pulling which was very helpful as conditions deteriorated through the day. Wind advisories were issued at mid-afternoon, meaning gusts of 45 mph. Rain started around 4. By that time all but 2 riders were in. The group spread out after the first SAG. By the end of the day there was about an hour and half between the front and the back.
Everyone did everything they could, watched out for other riders when I couldn't get there and in the end everyone was in safe. It was another character building day.
The route crossed into Wisconsin for a time, then back into Minnesota via the St. Croix Crossing. It is a spectacular bridge which opened in 2017. It is friendly to pedestrians, bikes and vehicles and replaces the historic lift bridge that is under renovation.
The chefs have had to work hard this trip, not unusual but the weather conditions have added challenges. Weather was favorable when they arrived in Stillwater but by the time they were finished cooking it was pouring. Hotel Crosby provided upgrades so that there was space to eat and celebrate the week's accomplishments indoors.
Riders are on their own for activities and meals in Stillwater. The next several days we will finish crossing Minnesota, spend time in Wisconsin and cross Iowa. The forecast looks to be better, but I did add a couple of items to the wardrobe today to help make sure I get through to that better weather. The next rest day is Tuesday in Muscatine. Hoping for dry weather and less wind between now and then. This group will handle, though, whatever comes up.
If you follow on Facebook, you know the story. There've been 5 riding days so far and only 1 that didn't have gale force winds, 1 day above 60, 2 days below 40, and 2 days without rain. Yes, the weather is the dominant theme so far; but riders have ridden each day persevering through rain, wind, snow and cold. Kudos to the hotels along the way for having rooms available when we arrive so that everyone can get out of the weather, get warmed up and into dry clothes asap.
This a group of 17 riders, a guide, a full time chef and a chef leaving after Stillwater. There are 3 of us pulling SAG (support and gear) duty. I'm doing double duty, which means I ride half the time and the rest of the time in the SAG vehicle supporting the rest of the riders. The group is all woman, from all over the country and 2 from Canada. All have completed similar rides before, so it is one mindset and one focus for everyone -- Fargo to Bar Harbor.
We left Fargo last Friday morning. The Great Northern Bicycle Co. was instrumental in getting us on the road early. Shop staff assisted with the obligatory photos, and had the shop open for any last minute purchases. (I avoided purchases there, but have since added a couple more items for cool weather.)
I was in the SAG on Day 1 and developed the following "Thankful List" (Day 1 had sun but a pretty stiff headwind all day) --
Thermal shirts
Puffy vests
Stocking caps, and
This new, like-minded biking community
The day concluded in Pelican Rapids as the rain began to fall.
Throughout the night we could hear the rain pounding and the wind howling, so much the door of the room was rattling throughout the night. This was a preview of the next day, which was my second day for SAG duty. Three riders started from the motel, two completed the day. The car was rocking when I set up the first SAG. I suspected riders might get pulled due to the danger, but fortunately shortly after the first SAG there was a bike path (near Fergus Falls, MN) that took the the riders off the road, away from traffic and gave them a little protection. I don't think it really mattered. These riders were not to be deterred!
The Central Lakes Trail begins in Fergus Falls, many riders began riding from here. The trail took them all the way to Alexandria where they were greeted by the Viking who proclaims Alexandria to be the Birthplace of America. That's not exactly the way I remember it, but whatever floats their "ship" I guess.
The rain continued into the next day, Alexandria to Albany. Temps were in the mid-30's to start, winds were still strong and there were a few flurries in Albany. All you can say is, one of those days; but it's "those" days we will all talk about when we get to Bar Harbor. Not the 70 degree, sunny days that will eventually come. 12 riders started the day; 4 finished; and for the rest --
The route continued to follow the Central Lakes Trail and then transitioned to the Lake Wobegon Trail. There's a lot of grit in this group!
There was cheering in the parking lot on Day 4 (Albany to Milaca, MN). The early morning temperatures in the low 30's actually felt warm. The wind and rain were gone. The sun was out. It was pretty close to a perfect biking day.
The ride started on the Lake Wobegon Trail, and picked up the Soo Line Trail around mile 14 but we exited the trails in Bowlus. Many of the riders had a second breakfast at Jordie's Trailside Cafe in Bowlus. The owners were thrilled for the business, said we were their first biking business of the year. Yes, it's been cold and wet everywhere this spring.
At mile 20 we crossed the Mississippi River. Very different than the river we (i.e. me) are used to seeing. Very nondescript, not even a sign. If it hadn't been on the cue sheet, it would have been any other river. So interesting.
I finished the day riding with guide Cindi West. She had a "Natalie" experience on our way in. She would call to the cows in the pastures and feedlots trying to get them to moo. That was fine, until we came across a cow that was on the wrong side of the fence. When Cindi called, the cow stood up in the ditch. Well, there might have been a little surprise, but all was well. The calves were on the right side of the fence. That cow wasn't going to wander too far away, but I'm not sure Cindi realized that at first.😄
Day 5 was a century day, 102 miles. The forecast was poor but conditions were not bad when the day started. I was back in the SAG vehicle again. The front group of 5 riders worked together all day, taking turns leading and pulling which was very helpful as conditions deteriorated through the day. Wind advisories were issued at mid-afternoon, meaning gusts of 45 mph. Rain started around 4. By that time all but 2 riders were in. The group spread out after the first SAG. By the end of the day there was about an hour and half between the front and the back.
Everyone did everything they could, watched out for other riders when I couldn't get there and in the end everyone was in safe. It was another character building day.
The route crossed into Wisconsin for a time, then back into Minnesota via the St. Croix Crossing. It is a spectacular bridge which opened in 2017. It is friendly to pedestrians, bikes and vehicles and replaces the historic lift bridge that is under renovation.
Riders are on their own for activities and meals in Stillwater. The next several days we will finish crossing Minnesota, spend time in Wisconsin and cross Iowa. The forecast looks to be better, but I did add a couple of items to the wardrobe today to help make sure I get through to that better weather. The next rest day is Tuesday in Muscatine. Hoping for dry weather and less wind between now and then. This group will handle, though, whatever comes up.
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