Day 31

Location - Rochester, Minnesota Miles/Total Miles - 100/2,261 Climb - 2,400

We rolled into Rochester (Home to the Maio Clinic) this afternoon around 1:00 pm to finish up the second century in two days (another first). The scenery is beginning to change a bit, rolling hills, stands of trees, and of course, corn. Altogether now . . . "Old McDonald had a farm".

Look at this picture . . . check back in two days and I'll post one that looks exactly the same. If you want I can dig one out from last week and post that too.

This is a beautiful lake (they have a lot of these in Minnesota) with houses lining the edges.

Day 30

Location - Mankato, Minnesota Miles/Total Miles - 102/2,161 Climb - 1,000

There were just about no elevation changes today and a bit of a tail wind to boot so it was ride, ride, ride. We pushed it to see how well we could do on a century. We had three SAG stops and I think we spent a grand total of about three minutes at all three. The miles flew by and we did a hundred miles in five hours and twenty minutes. By the time we went through town our MPH dropped a bit to 18.6, still not to shabby. This isthe seventh century of the trip and definitely easy and fast.

Your typical mid west town . . . where is everybody?



Another courthouse in another town.

Day 29

Location - Worthington, Minnesota Miles/Total Miles - 70/2059 Climb - 1,300
We had a rain delay today for about twenty minutes before we could load luggage. As it turned out, it was the only rain we would see the entire day. We left on the same bike path I took on our day off so I had a chance to see the scenery and the falls one more time before heading out into farmland. Overcast skies and cool temperatures made the seventy miles pretty much a breeze. We slipped quietly out of South Dakota and into Minnesota today adding another state to the trip and going over 2,000 miles. Although we're in a different state, the scenery remains farms and more farms.

Like my fancy new rain jacket?

We're all beginning to come to grips about our addiction to Dairy Queen . . . I think I may need rehab after I get back.

Day 28

Location - Sioux Falls, South Dakota Miles/Total Miles - Day Off

I had a pretty nice day today . . . I jumped on my bike this morning with John and we took a bike path along the river into town. The area was just beautiful meandering along the river bank, by parks, soccer fields and playgrounds. The river splits and rings the town - the bike path does the same providing a circular route of the entire city. We popped out at Sioux Falls which used to provide mill and electrical power to the city. The picture to the left is the old courthouse that has been turned into a museum. Got back and had a great lunch of pizza and salad which brings me to the next subject, a nap.

This is and old automobile bridge turned into a pedestrian bridge.

Day 27

Location - Sioux Falls, South Dakota Miles/Total Miles - 72/1989 Climb - 1,000

We're in Sioux Falls and the best thing about it . . . it's time for a rest day, no riding tomorrow. So guess what I'm doing . . . going for a ride on my bike around town.

Hey! I got a comment from Alex, that's just too cool. I'd also like to thank everyone who's checking in on me and sending words of encouragement.

Well . . . back to the ride - Here's what I saw today:

1. Farms

2. Farms that look just like yesterday's farms.

3. Farms that look just like day before yesterday's farms.

Actually the scenery is just amazing, especially for a SoCal boy. The farms look like they're out of the movies, not like the dry, parched, on the edge ranches in our area. While riding today, I startled a pheasant which flew across the road in front of me, it was just beautiful.

This is Anne and her family . . . They surprised her out on the road at one of our SAG stops. That was pretty thoughtful of them.

Our room just after we arrived. Three of us get stuffed into a little room bumping into one another, stepping on shoes, kicking bikes and making just enough room on the bed to sleep on one side with your gear on the other. The guy with the hide a bed gets any remaining space.

Day 26

Location - Mitchell, South Dakota Miles/Total Miles - 70/1,917 Climb - 1,000

We were all were walking back from dinner last night and took a better look at Marquee at the hotel. Kati, I thought you, Jenn and Jason would get a kick out of this. Can you believe I actually caught it? Because of the distance we got a bit later start today around 7:30. With flat terrain and a favorable wind we still got in before noon.

Then it was off to the corn palace which is a sports arena completely covered in corn cobs. When we arrived the workmen were busy applying corn to the facade with scenes of the the space shuttle, Mt Rushmore and the corn palace itself.

After a tour we went to a pub that was built in the old train station. In honor of out arrival they put on the Tour D France and it was buffalo burgers all around. Don't worry, we still made it to Dairy Queen prior to our departure to the corn palace.

What's a day without a visit to the Tractor Museum?

Day 25

Location - Chamberlain, South Dakota Miles/Total Miles 84/1,847 Climb - 2,500

We've passed the halfway point today and much to my surprise, to not much fanfare. There was a couple of cows looking on to mark the occasion, but short of that, just the wide open prairie. I was feeling the effects of yesterday's long ride and decided to go it alone today. I started out riding slow to recoup from yesterdays grind with every muscle and joint in my body sore. By the time I hit the first sag things started feeling a little bit better and I started moving. Although the gain in climbing was minimal, it came in three 7% hills which was quite a challenge. I ended up being first in.

The picture above is of the Missouri River; it looks more like a huge lake.

Kati, when these two cars arrive, could you make room in the front yard?

A sea of never ending grassland today. The only break was when it had been baled.