Our challenges for Montana and North Dakota will be the heat and wind rather than the terrain.
We have had pleasant cycling the last few days, which is a welcome relief, there is time to look around and think. I am wondering what kind of images are sinking into my brain.
Happily there has also been time to work on the stitching project I have with me. It's nice to have something familiar to relax with at the end of the day.
I have been riding with a group of 3 for over a week, it's nice to have the company, but there have been other cyclists which have come and gone as we cycle down the road. In Shelby we got a campsite and pretty soon, David from Boulder who I met on the Going to the Sun Road showed up, then an hour later Nick from Bellingham showed up and finally Dennis from New Hampshire. Last night in Chester it was Jim and Mary, Nick again and finally non-stop talker Roy the carpenter from Tennessee. Roy is one of the first west bound cyclists I had been able to talk to, although I had seen a few on the road. I think he was so grateful to have someone to talk to the words just flooded out, but it wasn't like those people who only like to hear the sound of their own voice. He was excited about everything! He also listened too, I wish he was going eastbound so there would be the possibility of talking with him again. He had heard from 2 people that there would be a bunch of cyclists staying in Chester that night, so he went as fast as he could to get to us. It's weird, I know he heard about it from Dennis, but have no idea who the second person could have been. There seems to be a cyclist communication system up and down the highway. We know of people who are up the road or behind that we never meet just by everyone talking to each other. It is a community.
Joan, Great reading and impressive progress. Keep up the great pace! I will see you the last day at your Mom's. Gary and I have decided to join in on the WISC trek. I couldn't get the MN trek week off work!! Almost quit my job because of it but thought Wisc. might be great. I don't think we will keep up with your pace but Gary and I are thinking of taking turns. Me one day-him the next :)follow along. We are hoping you will let us help you out in some ways. We are not sure how much of a purist you are ( but I have some idea.) As far as carrying some of your gear, etc. Can't wait to see you! Right now we are riding an average of four days a week but around 25 - 30 miles per ride and sometimes less. Our weekends are always busy with Grandkids. We took a trek to Duluth for a friend's sons wedding last weekend. That was great. We will definitely get in some longer times in the saddle before we see you. Just think we are out riding only about 2-3 hours a day compared to you. But we will be there! I sincerely hope you are not experiencing the 100 degree heat we are here in Iowa. Take care
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