We entered Minnesota early in the day After a very long day, and a late night getting the blog completed, we were eager to get going on our last riding day before a rest day in Minnesota. With a short night's sleep, and a quick breakfast at McD's, we hit the road at about 8:45 AM for a 118 km ride to Fosston MN, where we were set to meet Barry and Julien Batcheller. Barry was a member of the Board of Directors at Hemisphere GPS where Cam had worked for 13 years. He had generously offered to host them at his house on Lida Lake for a day of rest and relaxation. The target meeting time in Fosston was 4PM at the Dairy Queen, so we had to ride at an average speed of about 20 kms/hour to get there on time.
After battling a West wind almost all of yesterday, we looked forward to having the wind at our backs. However, as Cam checked the forecast, it showed a Southeast wind throughout the day. After starting through the prairies with such good luck, it looked like we weren't going to be helped by the wind again today. This was disappointing as it would hurt our speed, but "we signed up for this"...
After battling a West wind almost all of yesterday, we looked forward to having the wind at our backs. However, as Cam checked the forecast, it showed a Southeast wind throughout the day. After starting through the prairies with such good luck, it looked like we weren't going to be helped by the wind again today. This was disappointing as it would hurt our speed, but "we signed up for this"...
Cam waits out a train in Crookston We made pretty good time for the first couple of hours, averaging about 19 kms/hour in spite of the wind. We decided to take a rest at the 25% mark (30 kms) and then to push forward to lunch at Mentor MN, at the 85 km mark. By doing this, we hoped to minimize the breaks and felt that we could make it to Fosston on time. However, when we pulled into Crookston - which looked like a very nice town - a train in our path came to a complete stop, delaying us about 15 minutes. Once back on the road, we texted Barry that our estimated time of arrival (ETA) was now going to be 4:30PM.
Barry & Julien Batcheller come to our rescue! We love a blue sky and sun, but the combination of hot sun, 30 degree heat (celcius), a south wind, and 9 straight very long riding days was truly wearing on us. Cam and Ken both agreed that their stamina was waning significantly, and they seriously needed a day of rest.
When we reached lunch in Mentor, we were beat and were quite sure that we wouldn't make it to Fosston on time. We finished lunch at 3:00PM and hit the road once again. We found that we were re-charged by the lunch - and lots of cold water and drinks - and we made good time, giving us a chance to be there on time. However, Cam had told Barry that if we weren't at the DQ by 4:30 to drive West until he found us. He found us about 4 kms from Fosston - ready to be chauffeured to our lodging! (If it wasn't for that darn train we would have made it)
When we reached lunch in Mentor, we were beat and were quite sure that we wouldn't make it to Fosston on time. We finished lunch at 3:00PM and hit the road once again. We found that we were re-charged by the lunch - and lots of cold water and drinks - and we made good time, giving us a chance to be there on time. However, Cam had told Barry that if we weren't at the DQ by 4:30 to drive West until he found us. He found us about 4 kms from Fosston - ready to be chauffeured to our lodging! (If it wasn't for that darn train we would have made it)
The view from Cam's window! We are so grateful that Barry and Julien are giving us this royal treat right at the mid-point of our adventure. We shared a lot of stories and laughs on the 125 km drive to their lake house, and more during a wonderful steak dinner that will serve to restore our tired legs. They have a beautiful home on Lake Lida, Minnesota - which is our first Five Star accommodations on the trip! Thank you Barry and Julien - you are our combo Angels/Heros of The Day (and Tomorrow!).
Ride Details:
- Distance: 113.5 kms
- Riding Time: 6 hours, 6 minutes
- Average Speed: 18.2 kms/hour
- Wind: South (moderate)
- Cumulative: 2,787.3 kms
Tomorrow: We rest...
For more ride photos, see our Photo Gallery.
- Distance: 113.5 kms
- Riding Time: 6 hours, 6 minutes
- Average Speed: 18.2 kms/hour
- Wind: South (moderate)
- Cumulative: 2,787.3 kms
Tomorrow: We rest...
For more ride photos, see our Photo Gallery.