Today we rode 103.86 miles. We ate breakfast at 6:00 AM and loaded the truck at 6:30 AM. Before we had ridden a quarter mile we had a steep climb. It was short but very steep. After we regrouped at the top of the climb, Dan pulled for a number of miles because he did not want us to go too fast. After making a turn I took a long pull for the same reason. Steve had a flat about mile 12, which was caused by a small rock. I have never carried tweezers with me prior to this trip, but the ride literature had recommended carrying a pair. So I bought a pair and keep them in my seat pack. This was the third time we have used them so far on this ride.

We stopped prior to the first SAG to get a SOBE. This is Team Stop A Lots drink of choice. We got this at a gas station/store. We were ready to leave and had already mounted our bikes when a car being filled with gas began to overflow. The man whose car it was was cleaning his windshield on the other side of the car. We all yelled to him but he could not hear us. Danny ran over and clicked off the nozzle. Dan told the driver of the car what had happened and he seemed unconcerned. Dan also reported it to the attendant inside the store. Now gas is running under his car and a delivery truck parked next to it. We left pronto so we would not have to be around if something exploded. Everyone Dan talked to seemed very unconcerned.

When we arrived at the SAG stop Mike, the ride leader, joined Team Stop A Lots for the remainder of the day. After two days of taunting on our part, the addition of Mike to the group made for a competitive day. Mike is a cyclist in a class all his own, but the rest of us sure have fun thinking we might give him a challenge. The day was filled with breakaways by Dan, with Mike quickly in pursuit. Dan represented Team Stop A Lots very respectably. We had a fun day laughing with Mike, telling stories and just generally being our silly selves. He fit right in.

I might add here that the ride staff has been just great. They have to work with a wide variety of people and do a wonderful job of meeting the needs of everyone on the tour. The other thing that I particularly enjoy is that they join in. They not only participate in the ride but also in the antics that occur. We are actually like one big family traveling across America. Mike and his wife, Barb, set the tone for the entire tour and the other staff members follow their lead and lend their finely tuned expertise. I couldn’t ask for more.

As we entered Rochester, one of the streets had been renamed and basically removed. This threw everyone off, riders and staff alike. Dan asked a man who was in his front yard for directions. That is when we found out about the renamed street. We eventually found our way to the motel, and by the time we arrived there our group had tripled in size with other riders joining us in pursuit of our motel. I think this is the first time this has happened on our trip.

After I arrived I quickly showered and went to do laundry. Steve and I ended up walking to a nearby Laundromat. I returned to the motel and oiled my chain and then went to dinner. After dinner I worked on today’s ride description, and now it is time to go to bed. It all starts over in the morning.

Tomorrow we will leave Minnesota and enter Wisconsin. I can’t believe it. Today was day 31 so there must be 19 days remaining! We cross the mighty Mississippi tomorrow and then we are truly in the east. Well, thanks again for joining me. If you happen to be reading this and have any questions about the ride, or are curious about something I have failed to address, please email me. See you on the road!
Click here to see more pictures from today!