Thursday, August 18, 2011

day 18

What a day!  Volga SD to New Ulm MN - 140 miles.  We're in Minnesota!  We cruised here with a slight tailwind and help from strong young legs - Eric Schindler, Greg Storey, and Tim Torgerson.  I thought this would be the first day of the journey that I used only my middle chain ring - (that means no hills to you non-bikers).  I was good until mile 139 when we had to climb a steep short hill to get Flandrau state park.  We used US 14 until we got to Tyler MN.  Then we got onto county highways, which were much more enjoyable.  It seemed like corn fields on the right and soybean fields on the left for a good part of the day.  The temps were very comfortable for the most part.  Julie met us for lunch and treated us to watermelon in the afternoon.  We had heard Deb Vanderberg would meet us at the state park with a scrumptious dinner and we knew Shells brewery was near the end.  Something to look forward to when we were past mile 100.  We were not disappointed.  What a feast - prime rib, shrimp, corn on the cob, spuds, sausages, onions.  Along with copious amounts of Schells and wine.  More guests, more riders to join us tomorrow.  Dave and Lilly caught a ride home with Jan Fox.  Dave's pain meds ran out and he was ready to get off the lumber wagon.  Julie has the whole bed to herself tonight.  It looks like ten of us will hit the road tomorrow and we should have a big gang to meet us in Zumbrota.
Roe

8 comments:

  1. So sorry that u are down a rider. The rest of you need to be careful, even if ice cream is involved. Keep up the journey. I think it is an amazing accomplishment that u are even attempting the journey. Jill Halvorson

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  2. Glad to hear you are all back in Mn. Please no more accidents..So sorry and disappointed for you also Dave, The pits to say the least. A warm welcome back in great Minnesota for all of you. Ride on and enjoy the day today. Sounds like good weather ..Will try to catch your blogs next week when I am off to Redwood Falls.

    Best Wishes and safe travels for all...Mom (Fox)

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  3. I look forward to this every morning. I am amazed each and every day at all you are doing. Dan is watching from above and smiling down on you. I wish I could come and see you, but have other commitments this weekend. Stay strong and safe and know we are all behind you.

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  4. Man, it amazes me to think about how many miles you guys have already covered! Sounds like it was a wonderful feast last night, and I'm sure that the next few days will be wonderful, getting to see all kinds of friends and family! So sorry to hear about Dave's accident, but the highest of hopes for a quick recovery.

    I've been following your blog every day and am loving all the posts and pictures! Thanks for keeping it updated!! :)

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  5. This is Jaci Smith, Managing Editor of the Daily News in Faribault. I'd love to hook up with you while you're in Faribault. Any chance of that happening?

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  6. Way to go all you guys! See you tomorrow for supper in Wabasha. We'll stay at the RV park/motel and Kurt and Gareth are going to ride with you on Sunday. I hope you've had a great day! Love, Erin and family

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  7. Roe,

    Happy anniversary on Sat.

    Keep on bikin'.

    Rich Crane

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  8. Janie VanDenBerg, Eric's momAugust 21, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    I have enjoyed every word of your blog. My mouth watered at the mention of Debbie's shrimp boil since we recently experienced her great meal. It was fun to find Eric in the pictures, and also that very familiar Vanagon. I,m sure Eric will be sorry to leave you and all the fun!

    Janie VanDenBerg Eric's mom

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