My friend, Mr. Tailwind returned today and he was feeling very strong. I felt like I could coast uphill. On a few occasions I actually turned around to ride a short distance to remind myself how difficult it is to face a big headwind.
I had a rather large lunch, and true to form, I felt like a little rest as I passed a series of lakes.
"Yes. I am fine; just having a little snooze."
After the second iteration, I decided that I had rested enough.
A short while down the highway, I noticed a pickup truck slowing to a crawl behind me, and then to a complete stop as he passed me. I took this to mean that he wanted me to stop also. I obliged, and he rolled down the window.
"Do you want a ride?"
"No, thank you. The riding out here is great."
"It wouldn't be any problem to put your bike in the truck."
"If I were having mechanical problems or there was a bad spot of road construction, I would accept your offer in a second. But it's way too nice out here, and there's only 20 miles to Edgeley."
"Just checkin'."
He did warn me there were a couple of sections of construction up ahead, and in short order I was signalled to a stop by a flagman.
"Are you that guy who is biking to Boston?"
"Yes, that's me."
And instantly we were fast friends. And then came the pitch. He had manufactured these massage instruments out of steel tubing and golf balls, and I can tell you when applied with vigor, the result is a satisfied customer. He had made one for the feet as well, and in short order I was in a state of total relaxation. But there really is no way for me to carry these instruments. Really.
I relayed the story of my last encounter with a flag person, and he appreciated the humor in it.
He gave me a couple of cookies from his lunch pail, and as a last gesture, gave my neck and back a quick massage. The guys on the site get this all the time. This is certainly a full service road construction site.
A short time later I found my motel, and was greeted by another newspaper clipping detailing my journey, this one from the AP wire service.
Babcock and Turner were quite accustomed to notoriety by the time they reached Fargo. Their arrival in each town was a much heralded event. They also sing the praises of North Dakota:
This is pretty country to cycle through; the water is good and we carry a dry canteen as we get towns close together with farms all the way.
The wheels stand up beautifully, and I rather think our tires will last us through. We feel we have made short work of Dakota, but expect some sand between here and St. Paul.
Tomorrow is my last full day in North Dakota. I'm going to miss these folks.
84 miles today but they were all downhill miles
On the road, getting spoiled.
Dennis