Gackle North Dakota to Kindred North Dakota. 104 miles. 1813 miles from the Pacific. watching the sun rise over the North Dakota wide open plain was spectacular. like an ocean of grass. it was biker bliss most of the day. gentle rolling North Dakota landscape, light traffic, and a good shoulder most of the time. I had a tailwind most of the day. water is everywhere, North Dakota is having one of its wettest years in history. I took a break next to one of the small lakes and watched a muskrat chase a duck. priceless entertainment that is only available here.
the highlight of my day was when my good friends brad and dan from Stoughton pull up beside me and rolled down their window. they were on their way to Calgary and hunted me down from the information on my blog. they drove next to me for the next 4 miles and then we got breakfast together (see photo). it really picked up my spirits to see them. I was grateful that they made the detour to see me. I am blessed with a lot of really nice friends. I pulled into town at about 5 p.m. after 11 hours on the bike. it was my first century day. I felt strong all day until the last 4 miles. I thought my legs were moving but when I looked down they were not. I got off the bike did some stretches and rested for a while. got back on the bike and everything seemed to work just fine. evidently my legs are only good for a hundred miles. make note to self. I came into town and got some groceries, then wolfed down a pizza , a sub sandwich, and ice cream at the local restaurant. the waitress was wondering where I put all the food. then I headed for the swimming pool for a shower and a swim. I set up camp happy in the city park near the pool. I met about a dozen riders going west today. they all told me that it rained for 2 weeks straight at the beginning of their journey. I’ve been very fortunate to have only one day of rain for my entire trip. if all goes well I will be in Fargo tomorrow staying with the Larson boys. (Adult sons of my friends Rich and Nancy). pictures of brad and Dan and I. also picture of me with several westbound riders. Take care. Free bird.
Ps- all that good karma you send me seems to be working. Thanks again. I love to hear from you. I read all the comments every day. sometimes twice.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone
Mike – when will you be near (I realize that that is a relative term) Minneapolis? Let me know we want to come see you! Beth
Mike – 104 miles in a day on a bike? WOW! You put on more miles pedaling today than I put on my motorcycle today. I enjoy the little insights of your ride that you share. When you get to Stoughton I’ll take you to Pizza Hut for the all you can eat buffet.
Jim
Hey Mike, We’re still with you. You talk about biking 104 miles and I get “sympathy pains’ in my legs. Hang in there and enjoy every second of it. We only go around once. John and Marion
Wow awesome your buddies came to see you! We are Thinking if you!! We saw mom and talked with her when she got home last night n we went swimming with glen too. They are good. Pablo too. Happy as a clam with his new fishing poles. Good night sleep tight, dont let the bedbugs bite (literally). Love y
Based on your travel distance yesterday I imagined it would take you two full days to get to Fargo. At todays rate you will be there by 9:00 AM on Monday morning.
Lynn and I are headed to northern Minnesota tomorrow morning. We will be returning home on Friday. We will track you down somewhere near the Minnesota Wisconsin bourder. Maybe we will be lucky enough to buy you lunch.
hi Dean thanks for the post. my cell is 608 698 9485. it would be nice to meet up if it works. the best way to reach me on the road is to send me a text.
Keep up the good work! Your trip sounds like so much fun! so cool that you saw Brad. At least your pants weren’t ripped when they were driving next to you with the car! 😉
hi Dominik, I laughed really hard at your post. just remembering the Wardrobe failure that you had during the MS 150 makes me laugh till I hurt
Mike, ask your friends in Fargo if they know of Larson Welding and Machine.
http://www.larsonweldingandmachineco.com/
Real old classic machine shop with a bunch of steam engines parked around.
It is owned by Jim Briden. If you stop in tell him your cousin is a friend of Mike Wahl. You would like the place……and Jim. Also ask about the steam engine in his living room.
hi Jim, anyone with a steam engine in his living room has got to be a good guy. I’ll bring it with Cheryl to see if its okay to have one in our living room. it would make a nice conversation piece.
I think you are giving Jim ideas now too.
For inspiration, see this picture of someone who has one in their living room: http://www.smokstak.com/gallery/files/3/2/4/6/JimBridens110hpCaseinhisdenKS.jpg
Wow! 100 in 1- sounds like a new corporate goal of some sort! Glad ND is treating you well. We just missed you by a few days and a 100 miles N. just passed thru glendive enroute to Yellowstone. Hope to see you back in stoughton- all the Reuben’s you can eat at my place-for the price of stories!
Hi Mike – We were out of town the past week so just catching up on my reading, enjoy every blog and can’t wait to hear more stories when you get home! Stay healthy and strong, you’re an inspiration! Julie
Hi, Mike! At least I’m doing a little of what you are. Not quite 104 miles, but I did put air in my tires a couple of days ago. Makes me believe that I might be riding it any day now. LOL, I don’t have my riding buddy to kick this sorry butt. But I did get a huge amount of framing completed in the basement, and the window well completely excavated and a 5 foot stone-face window well installed!
Sounds like this continued to be an amazing adventure, we’re all with you!
Rubber side down, please.
Randy
Happy trails! Pretty sure Dad would be buzzing by you in the vette or his crouch rocket! Lol. Sure he’s riding on your shoulder!
Lol. Auto correct….crotch! Not crouch! Laughing my head off!
Hi Mike, Shucks, I sat so long catching up I got stiff when I tried to get up – but worse than that, I CAUGHT UP! The arrow only offers previous now, so I must wait ’til you post again. Hoping that stay with friends coincided with some rain storms that came through from the west.
Will your route bring you close enough you could spend an overnight in that big bed downstairs you used once before? If you recall (or even if you don’t, it’s still where we are) we are about an hour east and a bit north of Wausau. You are most welcome – the lake is refreshing, the house weatherproof with indoor plumbing, washer and dryer available with no fees, and home cooking or the best burger available just a 4-wheeler ride away (or is that blasphemy to a two-wheeler? No, Dave rides both!)
Our landline is (715) 275-4359, my cell is (608) 698-8703, and Dick’s cell is (608) 698-8704. Call ahead and we’ll make every effort to be here or tell you how to get in and placate our two ferocious little dogs (kidding!). Hope to hear from you – stay safe, and continue to enjoy.
Our best to you, Carol & Dick
Mike, glad to see you ate still peddling. Remember to get ahold of my wife Jessie and myself when you get to the Ogilvie Mn area. We met u in the park at Napoleon, ND. U can stay at our place if u wish.
Mike Bitz
Mikey – Have not been able to keep up with your adventure for sometime. Just getting caught up. Man… you are “the man”. As I did a 20 miler yesterday in 90 degree ish humidity and felt like I was tooling around with flat tires, I need to continue to think your your journey and put in all in perspective. Keep it going my man!!!!