Week 3-1/2

Hi again!

Molly here. It's only been 3 days since our last post, but we are at a hotel with great internet connection (doesn't happen very often in these parts) so we were able to upload photos and video to our last post and while I am here I thought I would fill you in on the last 3 days. But before I do that, a little Pacentacizing: I just have to say that although this trip is physically difficult and a lot of what we write about is food and wind, this trip has also been so meaningful and thought provoking. Before Nick and I left NYC we talked about how much we were looking forward to "getting away from it all". Stepping out of the daily grind can give you the chance to gain a new perspective on where you stand and the exposure to new scenery and people can lead you to think about things you don't always think about. While biking for up to 8 hours a day I have thought about the awe-inspiring beauty of life and the natural world, about the human capacity to endure and overcome great difficulties, about the sadness of the impact that land and money hungry individuals have had on native people, and about how much I love Nick and my incredible family and friends.  And of course, I have also thought about how my butt hurts my neck hurts my legs hurt and WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?!

Now here's the details of the last few days:

Day 21: Today was my birthday, but we really celebrated yesterday so it was back in the saddle for us. We did give ourselves a late start and filled up with waffles (my fave) at Day's Inn before heading out. We biked 60 miles to a nice R.V. Park outside of Gettysburg, S.D. Today there was a strong wind that forced us to eat my birthday lunch in a ditch! Nick's bike chain broke about 15 miles to our destination, but we handled it with no problem by attaching a spare chain link that we had with us. We took a bike maintenance class in Cincinnati before we started this trip, and we sure are glad we did! We had birthday dinner number 2 at the restaurant at the R.V. Park.

Lewis and Clark pointing us in the wrong direction

Lunch in a ditch, much less windy down here.

Day 22: The forecast has been predicting rain for the last couple days but we've been managing to avoid it (must be all of the birthday wishes for good weather- thanks guys!). We decided to make a long haul to Pollock, S.D. to take advantage of a tailwind and attempt to beat the rain once again. It was long and hilly, but we made 89 miles and stayed in a tiny little hotel that felt like grandma and grandpa's house. In the morning the hotel owner, Arthur (an 80 year old man), insisted we stopped by the visitor's center so he could show us more about his town. He called the lady who ran the center (an 80 year old woman) who opened it up for us. They both walked us through the center showing us photos and mementos that they themselves had collected and told us the sad story of the tiny town. The river was dammed in the 60's forcing the whole town to be demolished and rebuilt further away from the river. Ever since then, the population has diminished and they even had to shut down the school as there are now only 2 children left in the once thriving river town. It is sad to think what will become of Pollock.

The long road winding through the rolling green hills

Day 23: Forecasts of rain and thunderstorms continued and this time seemed imminent. We decided to have yet another long day and set off on an 88 mile hilly ride to Bismarck , North Dakota. The day went off without a hitch and we made it to the promised land by dinner (Dave's Famous BBQ). The hotel has a hot tub which we hit up after dinner and slept well knowing we have earned a day off tomorrow!

We made it to North Dakota!

Day 24: It has been 8 days since our last day off and after the last 2 loooong days, we are ready! Our hotel is located next door to the biggest shopping mall in North Dakota so we will get some Starbucks and stock up on some supplies (more fuel for our camping stove and more bike repair stuff). The hardest thing we will have to do today is decide where to eat! And its been pouring rain all day - sweet justification.


Q & A Time!

First of all you guys crack me up! Second of all:

What kind of cheese(s) did Steve use?
Velveeta

Was it brothy/thin or rather viscous?
It was velveeta-y

Was there any pasta involved or did Steve at least acknowledge a potential for pasta, maybe an orzo or stelline?
No pasta, but potatoes. There was sausage in there too!

Do you ever worry, when you are tired and road-weary, that you may be attacked by coyotes or bears or maybe a Lakota Sioux raiding party come to your camp to take your scalps?
No, but I am now.

Was the end of that question culturally insensitive?
Yes. You should be ashamed of yourself!

What are your favorite colors?
Blue and blue

Have you come up with any cool nicknames for yourselves like "The Road Warriors" or "The Pedal Pushers?"
Not yet, but those are some PRETTY GOOD suggestions.

Also, how fast did you get that Mercedes going? I imagine it's pretty wide open up there.
Probably 200 mph. (Don't tell Dallen the hotel owner)

Would you have gone out to check out what was under the cabin @ Snake Creek Rec Area for $200? What about $250? Or a brownie sundae?

Nick said he would do it for the brownie sundae

Last Question: Carolyn, you asked about any gross stories and I got one for ya.

Towards the beginning of our ride, I was taking advantage of the fact that I could eat whatever I want because we are exercising all day. So I got a giant burger and fries and like 4 cokes for lunch. I didn't realize that immediately after leaving the town there was a giant hill followed by lots of other hills. And I barfed while riding my bike and got it all over my shirt. Gross enough for you? Needless to say I have learned to still eat a lot, but to eat a small amount often instead of a ton of greasy food all at once.

 

That's a wrap! Hope all is well with all of you!