A Century!

Sunday, June 15 (Day 30)

Distance: 0 miles

Total: 1726 miles

Weather: rain all morning, 20-30 mph headwind all day

The weather was atrocious so I kept putting off my departure until I finally decided just to stick around another day, as I had been generously offered by Ron and Monica. 

I didn't do much, as is usual for a day off. Nap, eat, sit around...

Monica and her son Curtis took me to the Mississippi and we walked a bit. I found out that some people canoe the entire Mississippi River, which takes maybe three or four months. Hmm, enticing. I may just come back to Minnesota with a canoe!

Monday, June 16 (Day 31)

Distance: 114 miles

Average speed: 11.5 mph

Max: 24.2 mph

Total: 1840 miles

Weather: sunny morning, rain and 10 mph tailwind in the afternoon

Today's ride was my favorite by far! I rode along a rail trail pretty much the entire day, and the poor weather kept it mostly empty of people. I took far too many pictures. It was blissfully free of cars and full of wildlife! 

I saw geese and their goslings, now starting to grow quite large.

And these enormous white birds.

And lots of chipmunks, brown and red squirrels, rabbits, some kittens, different white birds with long necks and legs,  a snake, deer, cows, horses, too many worms...

Due to all the rain, many fields have been flooded and the sound of frogs is abundant.

These signs must be intended for snowmobiles. Or roadies (road cyclists). But definitely not me!

I took a break from the rain for a little bit.

And then I hit 100 miles, at last!

I felt like I could've ridden to the edge of the world.

I'm now at a gorgeous campground, and the campers next to me are also touring cyclists, although they're on a road trip at the moment. 

They invited me to dinner with them! It was very nice. Gina, who first talked to me, recently retired from teaching. She said she loved it because she had the summers off to ride her bike and adventure! She was with her husband and her sister and her husband.

It was a delicious dinner with great company, and the perfect end to a perfect day!