Fargo, ND

Day 39 (05 July 2014)
Fergus Falls, MN to Fargo, ND
Day:  73.3 miles, Trip:  2441.23 miles

I road into town with Richard and had breakfast at the Viking Cafe in Fergus Falls. While having breakfast we received a donation from a really nice couple who also gave us some suggestions on the route. It did prove to be short and easy even with 2 wrong turns and an added 5 miles. The first before the rest stop in Barnesville, MN and one right after. The first one wasn't bad at all just added 1 mile, the second one added 4 miles. It was a missed turn in a construction area and unfortunately we were beside the interstate which had limited access so we couldn't cross until we got much further along.It wouldn't have been bad except that the extra miles were into a headwind. Other than this, it was a pretty easy ride.

Once in Fargo, ND (pop 107,000)  we stopped by the local bike shop and then on to the dorms of North Dakota State University. I realized really quick how spoiled we were at the University of Minnesota. NDSU had us in a dorm without AC (the temps are in the 90s), without wifi or a computer lab, or towels even. When asked, the RA didn't really know what was going on. I went to get my stuff from the trailer and got locked out, my key card didn't work.

For dinner some of us went over to Spicy Pie for pizza. This was followed by most people hanging out in the tv lounge the one room in the building that still had AC. Most of us decided just to sleep in there for the night since the rooms were too hot to sleep.

Fergus Falls, MN

Day 38 (04 July 2014)
Osakis, MN to Fergus Falls, MN
Day:  55.97 miles, Trip:  2367.93 miles

The wonderful bike path continues today. In addition to the bike path we have a tailwind today.  I am actually putting in some good effort and making great time. I made it to the first rest stop in Evansville, MN in no time and instead of hanging out I decided to just keep going. I had the pleasure of riding the rest of the day with Kristen. We made it to the Delagoon Park outside of Fergus Falls, MN (pop13,000) shortly after noon. Instead of doing anything productive we set up hammocks and I continued reading a book.

Ron and Ryan decide they want to swim across the lake. The rest of us thought they were crazy. But they made it and Ron even swam back. Later we got supplies to have a cookout at the park for the fourth of July. It turned out to be a challenge with the heavy winds. The one benefit of the wind is that it is keeping the bugs down. Dinner was followed by drinking games and I got to learn another new game. Though I know I will forget the rules later anyway, oh-well. It seems to be threatening rain ... but it holds off and some of the group head out to watch the fireworks. The rest hit the tents/hammocks for bed.

Osakis, MN

Day 37 (03 July 2014)
Royalton, MN to Osakis, MN
Day:  55.35 miles, Trip:  2311.96 miles

Don had told us about an excellent breakfast place in Bowlus, MN so we took our time and road the few miles to Bowlus to have breakfast at Jordie's Trail side Cafe. It did not disappoint. After breakfast, my table bought 4 slices of pie and passed them around the table. We really got on the road about 10:00 after breakfast. It is a short day so no rush. In addition to being a short day we are on a great bike path.

I started the day with Richard, Justin, and the 3 amigos. Soon enough though, it was only me and Richard going the pace I wanted to ride today. The only thing about this bike trail that we have is all the road crossings. Having to constantly slow down really kills the pace. We arrived at the first rest stop (Melrose) as the large group was leaving. Shortly later the three amigos arrive and decide to go bowling.Richard and I decided to keep riding. We stopped at Walmart in Sauk Centre before heading into Osakis, MN (pop 1750). Tonight we are staying in the Osakis Lutheran Church in Osakis. We arrived early but opted for a nap and dinner at AJ's Cafe instead of working on the bikes. We are only 2 days from Fargo and a rest day.

Royalton, MN

Day 36 (02 July 2014)
Dalbo, MN to Royalton, MN
Day:  60.47 miles, Trip:  2256.61 miles

Another late start, with breakfast available. Toast with some fresh homemade strawberry jam made by Sherry. The jam was amazing and we polished off the jar in no time. I also did my interview with Duncan. It wasn't exactly in Iowa like planned, but we found a John Deere tractor to shoot in front of.

Today was another ear bud in, head down kind of day as we battled through a strong cross wind.  We stopped for the first rest stop in Milaca, MN. There was a nice market in town so we hung out for a little while having second breakfast. The second rest stop was going to be in Ramey. On my way there a self contained cyclist stopped me and let me know of the road closure and suggested I take the detour. So I followed his advice and took the route around the construction zone. Turns out this one was a good call. Sometimes I actually listen when the sign says "Road Closed". The rest stop was then moved over to Morrill.

When I reached Royalton, MN (pop 1250) I saw a sign written in chalk on the street welcoming us to town and offering us cold water and cookies in the city hall building. I stopped with Larry and chatted for awhile. It turns out most people passed right. We are staying right outside of town at the Royalton Sportsman Club Campground located right on the Mississippi River. The community got together and organized for us to have a portable camp shower and put together a dinner for us. It was excellent. After dinner we talked about the trip and met Rita, a local with MS. I decided to sleep in my hammock for the night. It was very comfortable, but I really need to get a bug net. The mosquitoes were eating me alive.

Dalbo, MN

Day 35 (01 July 2014)
Minneapolis, MN to Dalbo, MN
Day: 62.58 miles, Trip: 2196.14 miles

A late start, its hard leaving the cozy U of M dorms. (Cozy for us considering we are camping or on church floors most nights.) I enjoyed our time in Minneapolis and will return sometime. We headed off on our own route to reconnect with the ACA maps near Dalbo, Mn. The route followed a combination of bike paths and roads. Minneapolis is really well equipped when it comes to bike paths.

On the route we stopped in Anoka, MN for a rest break and a lady from a local cafe helped us get some free snacks. I was also lucky to find a branch of my bank to get some cash. It was a pretty uneventful ride to Dalbo, MN (pop 80) where we will be staying for the evening. The first stop was at the Dusty Eagle to watch the US vs Belgium world cup match. Which the US lost. From here it was only a short ride to the Bicycle Bunkhouse run by Don and Sherry. This place is amazing and has everything a touring cyclist could need. Its great seeing the amazingly positive impact that Don and Sherry are making for touring cyclists.

This year Don and Sherry received the Bike the US for MS Dymond Award for outstanding host. They really deserve it for how much they do for cyclists. Tonight Don and Sherry even provided us with dinner. It was a great night of hanging out in the bunk house, chatting with each other and Don.

Rest Days: Minneapolis, MN

Days 33-34 (29-30 June 2014)
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Rest Days

We split the group in half and helped two different people who have MS with some chores around the house. I went with the group to Janet's house. We helped with yard work, organizing the garage and cleaning out the gutters as well as some landscaping. It was great to help out. I wish we could have done even  more.

Later Kristen, Andy, Richard, Young and myself headed over to the mall of America. It was pretty much just another mall. Though I did enjoy the lego store. We watched a movie while we were there  (How to train your dragon 2). In my opinion it wasn't as good as the first one.

The next day we visited the Fairview MS Achievement Center in Minneapolis. We had lunch with the some of the members of the achievement center and presented a check for $20,000. It was really touching to be able to spend time there, and meet people both with MS and those that are there to help.

Later I went for some famous Jucy Lucys at Matt's Bar with Michelle, Bethany, Richard and Kristen. We ended up going with 2 rounds each and some fries. While in Minneapolis I have been eating a lot without the riding so I feel like I am gaining back all the weight that I have lost.