As we rode south of Brownsville, Minnesota on Wednesday we passed a sign that told us Caledonia was 20 miles away. Made me feel like I was a lot closer to home than I was, but it was a good feeling.
As I was climbing up the hills in northern Iowa the thought occurred to me that Iowa is supposedly flat. Let me assure you that there are large parts of Iowa that are not. We climbed more than one 12% grade today but when we also rode along the top of several ridges today.
The shapes of the land, the colors and different textures in this very rich agricultural area was a beautiful scene. It reminded me of the hymn "This is My Father's World" so I sang a couple verses when I could get the breath to do it.
Sorry no mileage info, etc. Can't find it right now.
Dan
Friday, July 25, 2008
July 25
Today I rode 93 miles, averaged 14.7 mph with 6.5 hours riding time.
Our route ran along the RAGBRAI route today. This is a ride across Iowa that has been going on for years, having grown to thousands of riders. People come from all over the world to participate in this event. We had some fun conversations with many of the 20,000 riders as they were riding their sixth day of seven. Stuart and I talked with Retha, who was riding bandit (unofficial rider) from a local community. She and her husband rode across the country East to West a few years ago unsupported together. It was great to talk with her about all the unique challenges and blessings of a ride like that.
We also talked with a couple at one of the larger rest stops in Mechanicsville. Both were very interested in the purpose for our riding sea to see and we received a $20 donation on the spot.
At the end of the day today we encountered a real detour and had another detour on that route. It turns out that everyone else rode through the first detour as it was passable with a bike and had only 75 total miles. As you read at the beginning of our blog, we rode 93 miles. That proved to be a costly decision for us.
We are hosted tonight by two churches in Muscatine, Iowa.
One more day of riding this week and we will be enjoying a weekend visit from Ronda and a few of Zack's friends.
Talk to you later.
Dan
Our route ran along the RAGBRAI route today. This is a ride across Iowa that has been going on for years, having grown to thousands of riders. People come from all over the world to participate in this event. We had some fun conversations with many of the 20,000 riders as they were riding their sixth day of seven. Stuart and I talked with Retha, who was riding bandit (unofficial rider) from a local community. She and her husband rode across the country East to West a few years ago unsupported together. It was great to talk with her about all the unique challenges and blessings of a ride like that.
We also talked with a couple at one of the larger rest stops in Mechanicsville. Both were very interested in the purpose for our riding sea to see and we received a $20 donation on the spot.
At the end of the day today we encountered a real detour and had another detour on that route. It turns out that everyone else rode through the first detour as it was passable with a bike and had only 75 total miles. As you read at the beginning of our blog, we rode 93 miles. That proved to be a costly decision for us.
We are hosted tonight by two churches in Muscatine, Iowa.
One more day of riding this week and we will be enjoying a weekend visit from Ronda and a few of Zack's friends.
Talk to you later.
Dan
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Things That Are True
Ronda loves me.
She misses me.
She is coming to see me.
It is a wonderful and powerful thing to be loved deeply and completely by another person. The three statements above still amaze me sometimes (I am not always easy to love) but they are true nonetheless, I have no doubt.
That there was a point in my life where I found myself looking into the eyes of a beautiful woman, with love, and realized that she was looking back at me...well it's a gift from God.
I will be riding to meet her in a couple days as she drives to Kewanee, Illinois to meet me.
Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.
I am a blessed man.
Dan
She misses me.
She is coming to see me.
It is a wonderful and powerful thing to be loved deeply and completely by another person. The three statements above still amaze me sometimes (I am not always easy to love) but they are true nonetheless, I have no doubt.
That there was a point in my life where I found myself looking into the eyes of a beautiful woman, with love, and realized that she was looking back at me...well it's a gift from God.
I will be riding to meet her in a couple days as she drives to Kewanee, Illinois to meet me.
Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.
I am a blessed man.
Dan
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19
As we rode out on Saturday morning, we were accompanied by Pastor Brad and Hank Larsen, the host that Paul Bayfield, Mike Scott & I stayed with. Hank was 68 years old on Saturday and rode at the front for 10 miles before he and Brad turned back. Hank is celebrating by competing in a triathalon today (Sunday). He has a very cool racing bike and recently averaged 21 mph over a 25 mile race route. Way to go Hank! An update later on how he did in the triahalon.
It was wet in the morning and rained lightly on and off. Things cleared off in late morning and we had hot weather as the afternoon went on. I rode strong in the morning and then seemed to run out of energy after lunch. I rode with Mike the last two-thirds of the day, which is kind of like having GPS on-board except that Mike can actually carry on a conversation. We always have a good time when we ride together. During lunch this day, Ralph King, a local farmer stopped by to chat with us. Ralph is 85 and was out for his daily 2-mile walk when he saw our vehicles. He was pleased to hear that we are riding to help tell more kids about Jesus' love. He encouraged us on our way and committed to pray for success and safety.
Mike's navigational skills notwithstanding, we could not find the bike path where it should have been, 3 miles from our destination in Northfield. We ended up coming in on County Route 246, or something, and before we knew it we had joined the route of a local 300-mile fundraising ride. The picture top right is me with the three ladies that encouraged us as we arrived in Northfield and finished off our 77 mile day, averaging 14.3 mph with 5.5 hours of riding time.
An entertaining, unique end to the day.
Dan
It was wet in the morning and rained lightly on and off. Things cleared off in late morning and we had hot weather as the afternoon went on. I rode strong in the morning and then seemed to run out of energy after lunch. I rode with Mike the last two-thirds of the day, which is kind of like having GPS on-board except that Mike can actually carry on a conversation. We always have a good time when we ride together. During lunch this day, Ralph King, a local farmer stopped by to chat with us. Ralph is 85 and was out for his daily 2-mile walk when he saw our vehicles. He was pleased to hear that we are riding to help tell more kids about Jesus' love. He encouraged us on our way and committed to pray for success and safety.
Mike's navigational skills notwithstanding, we could not find the bike path where it should have been, 3 miles from our destination in Northfield. We ended up coming in on County Route 246, or something, and before we knew it we had joined the route of a local 300-mile fundraising ride. The picture top right is me with the three ladies that encouraged us as we arrived in Northfield and finished off our 77 mile day, averaging 14.3 mph with 5.5 hours of riding time.
An entertaining, unique end to the day.
Dan
Friday, July 18, 2008
July 18 Ice in my shoes
Today we rode 80 miles, averaging 16.5 mph. We had a 4mph tailwind for much of the ride and made the most of it. We arrived in Glencoe, MN riding faster than our average. It was a good day.
Tonight we are staying at the home of Hank & Judy Larsen. Hank is a former teacher/track coach. He suggested I ice my feet to relieve the swelling I am having from all the peddling. I am not sure which hurts worse, the "hot feet" sensation I get toward the end of the day or the ten minutes of icing to ease the swelling in my feet. He is confident that this will help my situation and he certainly seemed to get a kick out the look on my face as I dipped my feet in the ice.
We crossed the 2000 mile threshold today with a total of 2031 miles so far. It has been the incredible challenge and opportunity we had hoped for and we are so grateful to be able to experience this together.
Good night.
Dan
Tonight we are staying at the home of Hank & Judy Larsen. Hank is a former teacher/track coach. He suggested I ice my feet to relieve the swelling I am having from all the peddling. I am not sure which hurts worse, the "hot feet" sensation I get toward the end of the day or the ten minutes of icing to ease the swelling in my feet. He is confident that this will help my situation and he certainly seemed to get a kick out the look on my face as I dipped my feet in the ice.
We crossed the 2000 mile threshold today with a total of 2031 miles so far. It has been the incredible challenge and opportunity we had hoped for and we are so grateful to be able to experience this together.
Good night.
Dan
Thursday, July 17, 2008
July 16 & 17 Hanging Out in New London, Minnesota
We rode 58 miles on the 16.
Averaged 13.7 mph with a few miles of tailwind that helped us to 25mph for a little while. Obviously a short while with an average speed of half that amount.
We enjoyed an extra day of rest this week on the 17th to participate in The Sonshine Festival near New London (in Wilmar). We shared with several hundred people that stopped by our booth to learn about our ride and the minsitry of YFC. There are 20,000 in attendance and it looks like they will have beautiful weather for the event. It was blazing hot today.
Stuart & I enjoyed the hospitality of Graden & Becky West, members of Peace Lutheran Church. Their home is built on a 24 acre piece of property that used to be a cornfield (in 1979). If you visited here today you would not ever suspect it. Since they purchased it, they have planted approximately 7,000 different trees and had several "volunteers" show up on there own. They moved around a lot (16 times) and chose to return to New London upon retirement. We took a driving tour last night around half a dozen of the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota and learned a lot about the history and connectedness of many of the lakes here.
Graden is an avid outdoorsman and I learned a lot about fly-fishing. Makes sense with 10,000 lakes around you. He is also a bow hunter and makes his own bows and arrows in his basement. It was fascinating to learn all the detail and the steps involved in making a wood bow.
Becky is a wonderful cook and we enjoyed two delicious dinners with them. Wednesday night we had pan-fryed Bluegill & Crappie. I had the leftovers for breakfast today. Tasted great both times.
A frivolous comment:
Becky had a grandfather who always went by the name "Captain Dan". Stuart has a fascination with nicknames for me, can't tell you why. I am certain that I have not heard the last of this one. :)
Thanks for your prayers and for all your support.
Dan
Averaged 13.7 mph with a few miles of tailwind that helped us to 25mph for a little while. Obviously a short while with an average speed of half that amount.
We enjoyed an extra day of rest this week on the 17th to participate in The Sonshine Festival near New London (in Wilmar). We shared with several hundred people that stopped by our booth to learn about our ride and the minsitry of YFC. There are 20,000 in attendance and it looks like they will have beautiful weather for the event. It was blazing hot today.
Stuart & I enjoyed the hospitality of Graden & Becky West, members of Peace Lutheran Church. Their home is built on a 24 acre piece of property that used to be a cornfield (in 1979). If you visited here today you would not ever suspect it. Since they purchased it, they have planted approximately 7,000 different trees and had several "volunteers" show up on there own. They moved around a lot (16 times) and chose to return to New London upon retirement. We took a driving tour last night around half a dozen of the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota and learned a lot about the history and connectedness of many of the lakes here.
Graden is an avid outdoorsman and I learned a lot about fly-fishing. Makes sense with 10,000 lakes around you. He is also a bow hunter and makes his own bows and arrows in his basement. It was fascinating to learn all the detail and the steps involved in making a wood bow.
Becky is a wonderful cook and we enjoyed two delicious dinners with them. Wednesday night we had pan-fryed Bluegill & Crappie. I had the leftovers for breakfast today. Tasted great both times.
A frivolous comment:
Becky had a grandfather who always went by the name "Captain Dan". Stuart has a fascination with nicknames for me, can't tell you why. I am certain that I have not heard the last of this one. :)
Thanks for your prayers and for all your support.
Dan
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 15 The Best Bike Path
Today we rode 78 miles but I don't have a figure for average speed or ride time. What I can tell you is that we rode 37 miles on the best bike path I have encountered in recent memory. From Dalton to Alexandria we had a paved path, 12 feet wide. It was mostly flat but had only long gradual up & down grades. The best part about this path was the lack of intersections with automobile-driven roads. It was mostly driveways and tractor paths that we crossed and the visibility was so good at the crossroads that we rarely had to stop or even slow down. It was relaxing to have the whole "road" to ourselves and not have to stop every mile or two as is often the case on bike paths.
The roads today were definitely better than yesterday as well. Once in Alexandria, we visited the local bike shop, watched some coverage of The Tour de France and enjoyed two large party subs provided by George, the shop owner, who also owned the local Subway shop. It was very cool to hang there with George! He was very knowledgeable and got us on the right track with the foot problems Zack and I have been having.
We spent the night at Hampton Inn & Suites, through the generosity of a local supporter of YFC. I spent two hours in the evening with maintenance & repair issues. With Paul Luedtke, our riding mechanic, I repaired my second broken spoke in a week ( he commented that this was likely due to the amazing strength in my legs as I pedal? or maybe that was me suggesting that). Anyway, we also got the rear derailer shifting properly and have not had to mess with either of those issues since.
OH HAPPY DAY!!
As it turns out this has given me time to deal with foot pain issues for both Zack & me. His seem to be solv-able, but expensive. More on this later I am sure.
See Ya!
Dan
The roads today were definitely better than yesterday as well. Once in Alexandria, we visited the local bike shop, watched some coverage of The Tour de France and enjoyed two large party subs provided by George, the shop owner, who also owned the local Subway shop. It was very cool to hang there with George! He was very knowledgeable and got us on the right track with the foot problems Zack and I have been having.
We spent the night at Hampton Inn & Suites, through the generosity of a local supporter of YFC. I spent two hours in the evening with maintenance & repair issues. With Paul Luedtke, our riding mechanic, I repaired my second broken spoke in a week ( he commented that this was likely due to the amazing strength in my legs as I pedal? or maybe that was me suggesting that). Anyway, we also got the rear derailer shifting properly and have not had to mess with either of those issues since.
OH HAPPY DAY!!
As it turns out this has given me time to deal with foot pain issues for both Zack & me. His seem to be solv-able, but expensive. More on this later I am sure.
See Ya!
Dan
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
July 14 The Number is 5,989!
We rode 52 miles today.
I averaged 13 mph riding for 4 hours.
We encountered five thousand, nine hundred and eighty-nine bone-jarring cracks in the road over a 35 mile stretch of road.
Welcome to Minnesota! Actually, many of the roads we have ridden on in this state have been quited smooth and wide but it was not the best introduction to this beautiful state.
I can clearly see how it came by the name, "Land of 10,000 Lakes" because they are everywhere and they are beautiful. Parts of this state look a lot like Michigan and I see more and more of the similarities as we continue east.
Despite the bumps, we got into town by a little after noon, which is early for us. Zack and several others took advantage of the community pool next door to our host church while others slept in a quiet corner or under the shade. I took a relaxing walk into the town of Pelican Falls, learned a bit of local history and enjoyed a free full-size frozen yogurt cone at the new McDonald's Restaurant.
Our host was Art Larfeld who has made that area home his whole life. Zack, Stuart, Mike & me spent the night at Art's house on the shore of a beautiful lake out in the woods. It was quiet, cool and we all slept pretty well. Art gave us a good tour visually and verbally through the area and fed us very well. Breakfast began with at least half an inch of chopped onion in olive oil frying in a ten inch pan, then potatoes, garlic, seasonings; it was delicious!
Once again, we were blessed and grateful for the generous hospitality we received from Art and all our hosts.
Dan
I averaged 13 mph riding for 4 hours.
We encountered five thousand, nine hundred and eighty-nine bone-jarring cracks in the road over a 35 mile stretch of road.
Welcome to Minnesota! Actually, many of the roads we have ridden on in this state have been quited smooth and wide but it was not the best introduction to this beautiful state.
I can clearly see how it came by the name, "Land of 10,000 Lakes" because they are everywhere and they are beautiful. Parts of this state look a lot like Michigan and I see more and more of the similarities as we continue east.
Despite the bumps, we got into town by a little after noon, which is early for us. Zack and several others took advantage of the community pool next door to our host church while others slept in a quiet corner or under the shade. I took a relaxing walk into the town of Pelican Falls, learned a bit of local history and enjoyed a free full-size frozen yogurt cone at the new McDonald's Restaurant.
Our host was Art Larfeld who has made that area home his whole life. Zack, Stuart, Mike & me spent the night at Art's house on the shore of a beautiful lake out in the woods. It was quiet, cool and we all slept pretty well. Art gave us a good tour visually and verbally through the area and fed us very well. Breakfast began with at least half an inch of chopped onion in olive oil frying in a ten inch pan, then potatoes, garlic, seasonings; it was delicious!
Once again, we were blessed and grateful for the generous hospitality we received from Art and all our hosts.
Dan
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Lilacs
One day last week, not sure which, I became aware of the distinct smell of lilacs as I was riding. It was only there for about 5 minutes but what a sweet fragrance. Just one of the many blessings of experiencing things from the seat of a bicycle.
Sweet memories of summer days.
Dan
Sweet memories of summer days.
Dan
July 12 Fargo, North Dakota in the Summertime
Saturday, July 12 we rode 53 miles to Fargo and averaged 18 mph.
Our first task in this, the largest city we have ridden through to date, was to locate a bike shop and replace my five-year-old rear derailer ( and the freewheel I purchased in May, as it turned out). The guys at Paramount Sports were very helpful and after a quick phone consult with Tom the Mechanic at Kentwood Cycling back in Grand Rapids, my drivetrain was shifting smoothly and ready to ride.
Updates on this may come later this week if we have not cleared up the problem (that being very rough shifting of my rear derailer). An inventory of the bike would show that since I purchased it from Dirk Ailts sometime early in the Clinton Administration, I have replaced every part of the bike at least once. The exceptions are:
The frame
The handlebars
The brake calipers & pads
The front forks (I don't know why they are the 'front' forks, there are no 'back' forks)
The old bike does continue to perform admirably, as does the old body.
While in Fargo, we have been hosted by YFC Fargo, directed by Dennis Jensen. Dennis started with YFC in the Thumb of Michigan, the same place I did. He ministered there under the leadership of Ray Clendenan, my first Executive Director, for 4 years, a few years ahead of me. He moved back to his home area of North Dakota and had been serving the Lord through YFC here since then. He treated our team and several community guests to a chicken barbecue (he raised himself) and home made ice cream with Colorado peaches. It was great! It was fun to see him again and chat about places and people we have in common. Thanks Dennis & Staff for taking such great care of us.
On Monday morning we will ride in Minnesota for the first time, adding to the 1765 miles already completed. We have ridden through 4 states & moved on to Section 5 of the Adventure Cycling Maps provided for us.
Our first task in this, the largest city we have ridden through to date, was to locate a bike shop and replace my five-year-old rear derailer ( and the freewheel I purchased in May, as it turned out). The guys at Paramount Sports were very helpful and after a quick phone consult with Tom the Mechanic at Kentwood Cycling back in Grand Rapids, my drivetrain was shifting smoothly and ready to ride.
Updates on this may come later this week if we have not cleared up the problem (that being very rough shifting of my rear derailer). An inventory of the bike would show that since I purchased it from Dirk Ailts sometime early in the Clinton Administration, I have replaced every part of the bike at least once. The exceptions are:
The frame
The handlebars
The brake calipers & pads
The front forks (I don't know why they are the 'front' forks, there are no 'back' forks)
The old bike does continue to perform admirably, as does the old body.
While in Fargo, we have been hosted by YFC Fargo, directed by Dennis Jensen. Dennis started with YFC in the Thumb of Michigan, the same place I did. He ministered there under the leadership of Ray Clendenan, my first Executive Director, for 4 years, a few years ahead of me. He moved back to his home area of North Dakota and had been serving the Lord through YFC here since then. He treated our team and several community guests to a chicken barbecue (he raised himself) and home made ice cream with Colorado peaches. It was great! It was fun to see him again and chat about places and people we have in common. Thanks Dennis & Staff for taking such great care of us.
On Monday morning we will ride in Minnesota for the first time, adding to the 1765 miles already completed. We have ridden through 4 states & moved on to Section 5 of the Adventure Cycling Maps provided for us.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
July 11 The Shortest Day
Hey Everybody,
Today was 40 miles from Cooperstown to Page in North Dakota. It was into the wind for about half the way but I managed an average speed of 14.6 over 2 hours 45 minutes of riding time.
I rode alone today, and was refreshed by the solitude and relaxed pace of the day. A good time to pray, sing & think as I covered the miles of beautiful country scenery.
Our church host was Page United Methodist, assisted by Page Lutheran Church and I stayed in the home of Kim & Julie, along with Johnnie & Fiona Young, a lone riding couple from England (he's from Ireland, living in England).
Bob Wise, you would be interested to know that Kim (now retired) worked for BNSF Railroad for 25 years in track maintenance. Many of the towns we ride through were established by and for railroad companies. We have ridden by hundreds of miles of tracks and seen dozens of freight trains along our path thus far.
Page, ND is a town of less than 200 people. It has two churches, shares a school system with nearby Hope and also boasts a movie theater. The movie schedule is 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
We enjoyed sharing with Kim & Julie and all the people who joined us for a delicious meal that Friday night.
Bye,
Dan
Today was 40 miles from Cooperstown to Page in North Dakota. It was into the wind for about half the way but I managed an average speed of 14.6 over 2 hours 45 minutes of riding time.
I rode alone today, and was refreshed by the solitude and relaxed pace of the day. A good time to pray, sing & think as I covered the miles of beautiful country scenery.
Our church host was Page United Methodist, assisted by Page Lutheran Church and I stayed in the home of Kim & Julie, along with Johnnie & Fiona Young, a lone riding couple from England (he's from Ireland, living in England).
Bob Wise, you would be interested to know that Kim (now retired) worked for BNSF Railroad for 25 years in track maintenance. Many of the towns we ride through were established by and for railroad companies. We have ridden by hundreds of miles of tracks and seen dozens of freight trains along our path thus far.
Page, ND is a town of less than 200 people. It has two churches, shares a school system with nearby Hope and also boasts a movie theater. The movie schedule is 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
We enjoyed sharing with Kim & Julie and all the people who joined us for a delicious meal that Friday night.
Bye,
Dan
Thursday, July 10, 2008
July 10 Into the Wind...again!
Tonight Zion Lutheran Church is our host church and we are the guests of Clarence & Juli Sandvik in Cooperstown, ND. We just had dinner with 300 people on The Griggs County Fairgrounds to kick off the county fair that starts tomorrow. We rode home with Clarence & Juli in their fully restored Ford Model A. On the way home we toured this wonderful town of 1100 and got acquainted with the Sandviks who have raised their family here.
We rode 68 hard miles today against the wind all the way. Paul Bayfield reminded me that we did have a tailwind for approximately one mile. I guess being pummelled by the wind all day erased this from my memory.
Today was a light traffic day and we enjoyed this.
A typical day for us is:
6:00am Rise & Shine
7:00am Breakfast at host church or with families
7:30am Riding
11:30am Lunch
Noon Riding Again
2:00 - 4:00pm Arrive at host church
Connect with host families
Minor bicycle maintenance
Showers
6:00pm Dinner with host church
7:00pm Sharing about YFCI with host church
9:00pm Return to host homes
10:00pm Sleeping
We have gotten used to unpacking/packing up on a daily basis. The first week we were leaving a trail of personal items all along our path but have gotten better at keeping track as we move in and out quickly.
I hope you all are having a great summer.
Dan
We rode 68 hard miles today against the wind all the way. Paul Bayfield reminded me that we did have a tailwind for approximately one mile. I guess being pummelled by the wind all day erased this from my memory.
Today was a light traffic day and we enjoyed this.
A typical day for us is:
6:00am Rise & Shine
7:00am Breakfast at host church or with families
7:30am Riding
11:30am Lunch
Noon Riding Again
2:00 - 4:00pm Arrive at host church
Connect with host families
Minor bicycle maintenance
Showers
6:00pm Dinner with host church
7:00pm Sharing about YFCI with host church
9:00pm Return to host homes
10:00pm Sleeping
We have gotten used to unpacking/packing up on a daily basis. The first week we were leaving a trail of personal items all along our path but have gotten better at keeping track as we move in and out quickly.
I hope you all are having a great summer.
Dan
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
July 9 Greetings from Tokio...
Tokio, North Dakota that is.
Tonight we are the guests of Mike & Libby at their retreat center near Tokio. They are missionaries to the Sioux Indians. It was great to sit relax together after dinner and hear the story of how God directed them to this ministry and all the cool things he is doing through their efforts.
Today we rode 98 miles with a headwind part of the way. Fortunately it was not terribly strong. I averaged 15 mph. We got rained on today and had a bit of thunder and lightning. That sent us scurrying for cover in the Fort Totten Recreation Center approximately 25 miles from our destination. It blew over quickly after only 30 minutes and we were back on our way.
I have learned a lot about water in the past couple weeks. In the parts of eastern Montana and western North Dakota we have traveled through water is in much demand and must be carefully managed for agricultural irrigation. Where we are now there is an abundance of water. Several of the lakes are higher by 10 and 20 feet than they have been in decades. We rode by an island this afternoon that had two buildings on it but the water was so high there was no ground to walk on. We learned from our hosts Mike & Libby that it did not used to be an island at all. There is a road under water there and the people who lived in that area had to move or abandon their homes a few years ago.
We currently half way through our 4th week and less than 200 miles from the North Dakota/Minnesota border. Hadly seems possible.
Thank you for sharing this adventure with us.
Dan
Tonight we are the guests of Mike & Libby at their retreat center near Tokio. They are missionaries to the Sioux Indians. It was great to sit relax together after dinner and hear the story of how God directed them to this ministry and all the cool things he is doing through their efforts.
Today we rode 98 miles with a headwind part of the way. Fortunately it was not terribly strong. I averaged 15 mph. We got rained on today and had a bit of thunder and lightning. That sent us scurrying for cover in the Fort Totten Recreation Center approximately 25 miles from our destination. It blew over quickly after only 30 minutes and we were back on our way.
I have learned a lot about water in the past couple weeks. In the parts of eastern Montana and western North Dakota we have traveled through water is in much demand and must be carefully managed for agricultural irrigation. Where we are now there is an abundance of water. Several of the lakes are higher by 10 and 20 feet than they have been in decades. We rode by an island this afternoon that had two buildings on it but the water was so high there was no ground to walk on. We learned from our hosts Mike & Libby that it did not used to be an island at all. There is a road under water there and the people who lived in that area had to move or abandon their homes a few years ago.
We currently half way through our 4th week and less than 200 miles from the North Dakota/Minnesota border. Hadly seems possible.
Thank you for sharing this adventure with us.
Dan
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
July 8 Riding 120 miles in one day
Today we rode from Stanley to Rugby and covered 120 miles (a new personal longest day for Zack, me and almost all our team). I averaged 17 mph, Zack averaged 19.5, on the bike. I averaged 14 mph from the time we left Stanley until I arrived in Rugby.
As I write this to you I am watching Stage 4 Time Trial of the Tour de France. They are averaging around 30 mph but these slackers only ride about 18.5 miles while we rode 120 today. Can you believe that?
We had a great time with the folks in Stanley, ND last night and this morning at Our Savior Free Lutheran Church.
We ate at Cornerstone Cafe tonight located at the very center of The North American Contintent. Steak, baked potato, soup & salad bar. Delicious. There is an obelisk out in front of the restaurant to prove it.
We appreciate your notes of encouragement and your prayers.
Thanks Mike & Sue for all the notes you have sent, cheering us on.
Tired. Going to bed.
Dan
As I write this to you I am watching Stage 4 Time Trial of the Tour de France. They are averaging around 30 mph but these slackers only ride about 18.5 miles while we rode 120 today. Can you believe that?
We had a great time with the folks in Stanley, ND last night and this morning at Our Savior Free Lutheran Church.
We ate at Cornerstone Cafe tonight located at the very center of The North American Contintent. Steak, baked potato, soup & salad bar. Delicious. There is an obelisk out in front of the restaurant to prove it.
We appreciate your notes of encouragement and your prayers.
Thanks Mike & Sue for all the notes you have sent, cheering us on.
Tired. Going to bed.
Dan
Monday, July 7, 2008
July 6 & 7 Resting & Riding in Williston, North Dakota
On July 6 we rested. We were hosted by The First Lutheran Church in Williston and I stayed Saturday & Sunday nights at the home of Bob & Eleanor Olson with Brian Blomker and Emma Jean Duncan.
Bob is a retired radiologist who is a devoted Minnesota Twins fan who also enjoys doing woodworking. Eleanor is a major quilter who just happens to be a devoted cook in her home. We enjoyed several meals in their home over the weekend including one with the whole team on Sunday night.
I also discovered that Bob loves popcorn. We enjoyed some together.
Today we rode 71 miles, averaging 18.7 mph with 3 hours and 40 minutes of ride time. Zack averaged 21 mph today. The wind was out of the northwest and therefore at our backs most of the way, except for 13 miles riding north out of Williston. We stayed on US-2 all the way today and had wonderful easy ride. Lots of gradual hills up and down.
We are being hosted by Our Savior's Free Lutheran Church in Stanley. They have provided us all with air mattresses and we are staying at the church tonight. Looking forward to dinner and fellowship at 6pm tonight.
Bob is a retired radiologist who is a devoted Minnesota Twins fan who also enjoys doing woodworking. Eleanor is a major quilter who just happens to be a devoted cook in her home. We enjoyed several meals in their home over the weekend including one with the whole team on Sunday night.
I also discovered that Bob loves popcorn. We enjoyed some together.
Today we rode 71 miles, averaging 18.7 mph with 3 hours and 40 minutes of ride time. Zack averaged 21 mph today. The wind was out of the northwest and therefore at our backs most of the way, except for 13 miles riding north out of Williston. We stayed on US-2 all the way today and had wonderful easy ride. Lots of gradual hills up and down.
We are being hosted by Our Savior's Free Lutheran Church in Stanley. They have provided us all with air mattresses and we are staying at the church tonight. Looking forward to dinner and fellowship at 6pm tonight.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
July 5 The Wind & the Pow Wow
Today we rode 80 miles. I averaged 18.2 mph and was “in the saddle” 4 hours and 23 minutes. We have ridden 1330 miles total since we left Anacortes, WA on June 17, having ridden 17 out of 19 days.
We rode from Poplar, Montana to Williston, North Dakota. Yes, we said goodbye to another state today, after riding 773 miles in Montana. We did, however, go out riding strong. Since Cut Bank, Montana near The Rockies, we have battled a headwind all the way. I will not suffer myself (or you) to calculate the miles for you, and I do mean suffer! It has been challenging in every sense of the word.
As I said, the wind has been our constant companion for most of this week. Today our companion became our friend. We had a tailwind out of the northwest ALL DAY today.
It was glorious!
We talked and rode side by side on a lightly traveled road during the morning. Then a few of us formed a paceline after a break and booked it into lunch for about 12 miles at 23 mph. During the afternoon everybody kind of did their own thing. A few put the pedal to the metal and got into Williston in record time. Some of us laid back and just lazily pedaled through the ups and downs mile after mile. Others went for several miles at a time without pedaling at all! It was really like beginning our day of rest a bit early. I think I could have ridden like that for at least a couple hours more today. The scenery was, of course, unique and beautiful; very relaxing.
I mentioned yesterday we were headed for a tribal Pow Wow in a nearby town last night and we made it there. The costumes were incredible as the Native Americans danced around in an oval dirt floor area under a pavilion. Paul Bayfield & I stayed late that night and I had the chance to talk for an hour or so with Robert Stone.
Robert works freelance for the local paper, covering these Pow Wow events and taking pictures for the dancers. We had a great conversation about Native American religion and how he has found a home and peace there as a white man. I learned a lot from him about how Christian missionaries are perceived on the reservation. One big misconception that he cleared up for me was that all Native American religion is the same. I discovered that, with few exceptions, those who worship by going "down into the sweats" do not worship by the use of Payote and vice versa. I did not know that Native American Religion had denominations too!
Thanks for sharing your story with me Robert, I hope we can keep in touch.
Dan
We rode from Poplar, Montana to Williston, North Dakota. Yes, we said goodbye to another state today, after riding 773 miles in Montana. We did, however, go out riding strong. Since Cut Bank, Montana near The Rockies, we have battled a headwind all the way. I will not suffer myself (or you) to calculate the miles for you, and I do mean suffer! It has been challenging in every sense of the word.
As I said, the wind has been our constant companion for most of this week. Today our companion became our friend. We had a tailwind out of the northwest ALL DAY today.
It was glorious!
We talked and rode side by side on a lightly traveled road during the morning. Then a few of us formed a paceline after a break and booked it into lunch for about 12 miles at 23 mph. During the afternoon everybody kind of did their own thing. A few put the pedal to the metal and got into Williston in record time. Some of us laid back and just lazily pedaled through the ups and downs mile after mile. Others went for several miles at a time without pedaling at all! It was really like beginning our day of rest a bit early. I think I could have ridden like that for at least a couple hours more today. The scenery was, of course, unique and beautiful; very relaxing.
I mentioned yesterday we were headed for a tribal Pow Wow in a nearby town last night and we made it there. The costumes were incredible as the Native Americans danced around in an oval dirt floor area under a pavilion. Paul Bayfield & I stayed late that night and I had the chance to talk for an hour or so with Robert Stone.
Robert works freelance for the local paper, covering these Pow Wow events and taking pictures for the dancers. We had a great conversation about Native American religion and how he has found a home and peace there as a white man. I learned a lot from him about how Christian missionaries are perceived on the reservation. One big misconception that he cleared up for me was that all Native American religion is the same. I discovered that, with few exceptions, those who worship by going "down into the sweats" do not worship by the use of Payote and vice versa. I did not know that Native American Religion had denominations too!
Thanks for sharing your story with me Robert, I hope we can keep in touch.
Dan
Friday, July 4, 2008
July 4 Celebrating in Poplar, Montana
Last night I (Dan) was a guest in the home of Mike & Loraine Hughes in Glascow. It turns out Loraine is the niece of Ned Mangis, my host from the previous night in Malta. That was pretty fun. Mike and Loraine were great hosts and I scored a large bowl of freshly popped popcorn and 2 bags for the road.
Apparently these towns were named for familiar cities in parts of Europe by some random process. Before this was done they were simply referred to as "Siding 214" or whatever, because they had been created to serve the railroad that had recently been built to span the North American contitent.
I rode 71 miles from Glascow to Poplar today in 5.5 hours of riding time, averaging 13 miles an hour. I really thought I would have my seat by now, for sure, but it's still pretty sore. My feet are pretty tender as well. On the way into town at the end of the day today I saw a boat loading area for The Poplar River and decided I could get some much needed relief there. The water was cool and my feet are doing much better.
We are being hosted by Our Lady of Lourds Catholic Church in Poplar. It looks like we are going to a Pow Wow tonight. It sounds like a big celebration with historic & competitive Native American dancing. I am sure there will be much to tell on the other side of this one!
Dan
Apparently these towns were named for familiar cities in parts of Europe by some random process. Before this was done they were simply referred to as "Siding 214" or whatever, because they had been created to serve the railroad that had recently been built to span the North American contitent.
I rode 71 miles from Glascow to Poplar today in 5.5 hours of riding time, averaging 13 miles an hour. I really thought I would have my seat by now, for sure, but it's still pretty sore. My feet are pretty tender as well. On the way into town at the end of the day today I saw a boat loading area for The Poplar River and decided I could get some much needed relief there. The water was cool and my feet are doing much better.
We are being hosted by Our Lady of Lourds Catholic Church in Poplar. It looks like we are going to a Pow Wow tonight. It sounds like a big celebration with historic & competitive Native American dancing. I am sure there will be much to tell on the other side of this one!
Dan
Thursday, July 3, 2008
July 3 Milk River Rodeo
July 3, 2008
Today we rode 73 miles in 5.5 hours of riding time, averaging 13.2 mph.
Riding into the wind all day today was quite exhausting and frustrating. We are not sure what happened to the prevailing wind out of the west. We are still looking for it.
On our route, in addition to the wind, we passed through Saco, the mosquito capitol of the West. The mosquitos did not find us until the next town, which was Hinsdale. Stuart and I grabbed our lunches and kept on riding. A couple miles further east we came across The Milk River Rodeo. We stopped and ate our lunch as we watched about a dozen local cowboys in Jackpot Team Roping before the rodeo tonight.
Last night we had dinner at Ilam Lutheran Church in Malta, Montana with the youth group and several of their leaders. It was a great time of getting acquainted, telling stories and sharing about how God has impacted different people's lives.
Stuart & I stayed in the home of Ned Mangis. He is 85 years old and very much enjoys reading Christian authors. Stuart and I had a great conversation with him last night when we arrived at his home. Ned came to the church with us this morning and had breakfast with us before we rode out.
WE were hosted by The Evangelical Church this night in Glasgow. They fed us very well for dinner and breakfast at the church and we had a great time talking with our hosts in their home before and after dinner.
Dan
Today we rode 73 miles in 5.5 hours of riding time, averaging 13.2 mph.
Riding into the wind all day today was quite exhausting and frustrating. We are not sure what happened to the prevailing wind out of the west. We are still looking for it.
On our route, in addition to the wind, we passed through Saco, the mosquito capitol of the West. The mosquitos did not find us until the next town, which was Hinsdale. Stuart and I grabbed our lunches and kept on riding. A couple miles further east we came across The Milk River Rodeo. We stopped and ate our lunch as we watched about a dozen local cowboys in Jackpot Team Roping before the rodeo tonight.
Last night we had dinner at Ilam Lutheran Church in Malta, Montana with the youth group and several of their leaders. It was a great time of getting acquainted, telling stories and sharing about how God has impacted different people's lives.
Stuart & I stayed in the home of Ned Mangis. He is 85 years old and very much enjoys reading Christian authors. Stuart and I had a great conversation with him last night when we arrived at his home. Ned came to the church with us this morning and had breakfast with us before we rode out.
WE were hosted by The Evangelical Church this night in Glasgow. They fed us very well for dinner and breakfast at the church and we had a great time talking with our hosts in their home before and after dinner.
Dan
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