Up at 5 or so. Cool morning air, with some fog on the athletic field. Camp breakfast at the truck. Riders were in a light-hearted mood, perhaps due to the upcoming layover day, or that fact that we had fewer than 90 miles (only 87) to cover.
Left town and the fog became more dense. It was truly important to be wearing bright colors in such conditions, and to have a flashing rear light. Visibility was 15 feet at best in spots and traffic, though light, was present even at 7am.
Rode with Rosie most of the day. We stopped in the small town of Tracy to take photos at a train/prairie themed roadside display. Wanted some good coffee and perhaps a short stack, but decided to move along and hope for good options in Walnut Grove, 8 miles farther down the road. (Yes, we are in Laura Ingalls Wilder land. Passed Plum Creek somewhere along here).
Pulled up at Nellie's Cafe in Walnut Grove and stepped inside to refuel. Ordered pancakes and coffee. The former was fine, and latter probably the worst on our trip so far. But the company couldn't have been better. We were joined at the table by a local fellow - Dave Bowmann - who proceeded to share personal stories and other bits with us: his birthdate, a humorous poem to share with other Riders, a poem that he had written in memory of his wife (who passed away 3 years ago), his past occupations, etc. Dave made our visit a treat. On our way out of the cafe, Rosie asked to take photos of some local guys at the counter (all of 'em scandinavians, per Dave), as well of June - our memorable waitress. A key part of this journey is taking time to chat with the locals - to better understand what's growing in the fields, what's cooking in town, and who sits at the counter. Perkins be damned.
Rode on to Lamberton, where Nick had set up the sandwich table. Slapped together the daily bread. Janet was just taking off and joined us for some afternoon miles. Bit of a headwind for the next 30 miles, but we worked together to get through to Sleepy Eye. There, Rosie opted to take a break. Janet pulled me for this last 16 miles and we finally arrived at the Martin Luther College campus just before my feet gave out. Ouch, ouch, ouch.
The weather was warm, but not too hot. Just right for setting up my tent to dry out a bit. The laundry facilities in the dorm were unavailable, so I trudged down the hill to the heart of downtown to get a couple of loads done. Even washed my very pungent non-cycling shoes. Did not bring back-up footwear so was confined to the laundromat for the better part of an hour. Returned to campus in time for a delicious dinner at the Student Union. Stir-fried chicken and vegetables. I ate an embarrasing amount of it, along with 2 bowls of chocolate pudding. And drank several glasses of cran-apple juice. Thought I would pop.
Spent the remainder of the evening plotting out my layover day - how to fit in a swim, coordinating visits from Minnesota friends/neighbors, etc.
The first evening is the best part of a layover day - especially that moment when you know that all of your clothes are clean and your appetite sated. Tomorrow will go by SOOOOO fast.
Left town and the fog became more dense. It was truly important to be wearing bright colors in such conditions, and to have a flashing rear light. Visibility was 15 feet at best in spots and traffic, though light, was present even at 7am.
Rode with Rosie most of the day. We stopped in the small town of Tracy to take photos at a train/prairie themed roadside display. Wanted some good coffee and perhaps a short stack, but decided to move along and hope for good options in Walnut Grove, 8 miles farther down the road. (Yes, we are in Laura Ingalls Wilder land. Passed Plum Creek somewhere along here).
Pulled up at Nellie's Cafe in Walnut Grove and stepped inside to refuel. Ordered pancakes and coffee. The former was fine, and latter probably the worst on our trip so far. But the company couldn't have been better. We were joined at the table by a local fellow - Dave Bowmann - who proceeded to share personal stories and other bits with us: his birthdate, a humorous poem to share with other Riders, a poem that he had written in memory of his wife (who passed away 3 years ago), his past occupations, etc. Dave made our visit a treat. On our way out of the cafe, Rosie asked to take photos of some local guys at the counter (all of 'em scandinavians, per Dave), as well of June - our memorable waitress. A key part of this journey is taking time to chat with the locals - to better understand what's growing in the fields, what's cooking in town, and who sits at the counter. Perkins be damned.
Rode on to Lamberton, where Nick had set up the sandwich table. Slapped together the daily bread. Janet was just taking off and joined us for some afternoon miles. Bit of a headwind for the next 30 miles, but we worked together to get through to Sleepy Eye. There, Rosie opted to take a break. Janet pulled me for this last 16 miles and we finally arrived at the Martin Luther College campus just before my feet gave out. Ouch, ouch, ouch.
The weather was warm, but not too hot. Just right for setting up my tent to dry out a bit. The laundry facilities in the dorm were unavailable, so I trudged down the hill to the heart of downtown to get a couple of loads done. Even washed my very pungent non-cycling shoes. Did not bring back-up footwear so was confined to the laundromat for the better part of an hour. Returned to campus in time for a delicious dinner at the Student Union. Stir-fried chicken and vegetables. I ate an embarrasing amount of it, along with 2 bowls of chocolate pudding. And drank several glasses of cran-apple juice. Thought I would pop.
Spent the remainder of the evening plotting out my layover day - how to fit in a swim, coordinating visits from Minnesota friends/neighbors, etc.
The first evening is the best part of a layover day - especially that moment when you know that all of your clothes are clean and your appetite sated. Tomorrow will go by SOOOOO fast.
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