Another long day with 12 miles off route to the campsite. The Central Lakes State Trail is a fantastic route. I really enjoyed the quiet car free miles. Here I met Sid, another 70 year old, traveling west on a three day tour. We had a nice visit and before parting he became inspired to try a cross country tour.
I got off route in Garfield, MN. to head the 12 miles to Nancy’s campsite in Lake Carlos State Recreation Area. A very nice campground with showers. Whoot whoot.
A long day in the hot sun. Some wind, but not strong. I rode into Fargo and saw the city. So much different than the Coen Brothers portrayed in the movie.
Staying in a motel and food within walking distance.
I set off today to make my way toward Fargo, ND. I am heading east and today the 25 mph wind from the southeast made for a difficult day. I rode as far as Kindred, 58 miles.
The City Park is nice and quiet and being Monday, Labor Day, my options for dinner was a grocery.
Not as hot but a strong wind from the north so sidewinds all day. The campsite is very nice and private.
Nancy’s 68th birthday is September 3, we planned to meet and spend a few days together and celebrate. We had an early dinner in Litchville, a very small town close to the campsite. The Tasty Freeze, being the only place within 30 miles we celebrated here. We also met and sat with a few locals so I guess this makes it a proper party. I also told her that the price had no limit so she should order anything on the menu.
Walking the dogs at the end of the day.
Hot Hot Hot!🥵 I never reach the horizon ahead nor leave the horizon behind. I’ve been stuck in the middle week after week. This town has a very nice cycling hostel, the Honey Hub, and a great dairy bar.
Just another hot day on the endless prairie. The City Park here is awesome with shade, water & electric, and bathrooms with showers. There was just one couple in an old Airstream and we had a wonderful conversation until sleep time.
Wonderful night in the tent sans rain fly.
The plan today is to meet up with Nancy at Fort Lincoln Campground. All was going well until I started the 14 mile section on Interstate 94. I ran over debris that ruined my tire and 4 plugs could not stop the leak. I took off the tire to replace with a new spare. This is when I discovered that the rim strip was damaged and a tube wouldn’t work. At this point the man I met in the city park in Hebron stopped to offer me a ride to the campground. We had talked last night about the tour and where I would be traveling. He was also going to Hebron. After trying for 45 minutes in the wind and heat on the breakdown lane of the Interstate, I took the offer thanking him multiple times. At the campground I spent the rest of the day repairing the damage.
The tire wrecker
Seeing the sights.
Custer’s house
Fork Lincoln, Calvary barracks
Fort Meade, Infantry
Mandan, village
A 75 mile ride on the prairie. Steady 20 mph wind from the southwest, I was going east so I didn’t mind. I made it to Hebron mid afternoon. The rear tire got a puncture that I didn’t notice until I arrived at City Park where I camp tonight. After plugging the cut and added sealant there was plenty of time to relax out of the wind in the shelter.
Back to riding! I am riding out the last miles of Montana.
It’s amazing how the scenery changes from state to state. It’s not just here, it’s been the case for the entire tour. North Dakota, from the small bit I’ve seen, has more color.
I race a train as I head into Medora.
I am now settled in for the night. Tomorrow is another early day.
Route 200 is under construction and my update for my map advises me to arrange for someone to ferry me through the work area. I am so glad that Nancy is here and willing to do this. This section is wet and greasy with mud composed of silt from an ancient ocean floor. The car but mostly the camper is covered with two inch mud.
We had a late start due to a flat on the camper. I pumped it enough with my bicycle pump to tow it into town to have it repaired. This set us back two hours. With the time lost from the tire and ferrying there was not much point to spend the night at the planned sleep spot. After discussing the options I chose to ride to Nancy’s reserved campsite in Makoshika State Park. This option allows me to hike with her in the Badlands.
