As I was checking out of the motel, the woman at the desk gave me a videotape of my television performance. She insisted that I take it with me.
And to top it all off, as I entered the supermarket to get some filtered water, a state trooper who was standing at the door, announced (to everyone in the store) the appearance of a celebrity at the Super Value Store. And the water was on the house.
There were a few more sightings on this day, the last of which occurred not 200 meters from the Minnesota border. All has been quiet since. Ah, it's back to normal life. Being famous has its plusses and minuses, but I can tell you there's nothing like being asked for your autograph. It seemed like everyone in North Dakota wanted to participate in my trip. Their thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
The road which would take me to Minnesota started out narrow and empty of traffic, but over the course of the day, it gradually got bigger and busier. By the day's end it was almost intolerable.
The town of Fergus Falls came not a moment too soon. It is a bustling town with a diverse retail core, which seems to have survived the intrusion of the interstate highway being built on it's outskirts. For some reason the fast food and giant merchandise marts have not strangled the local store owners. However, I will note that the only place to find a room is at the interstate exchange; there is no place to stay in the town proper, and this made my stay in Fergus somewhat remote.
Mr. Babcock was surprised (the same reaction I had) at how quickly they got through North Dakota. In his July 17 letter to his brother, he wrote:
The wheels stand up beautifully, and I rather think our tires will last us through. We feel we have made short work of Dakota (6 days to cross), but expect some sand between here and St. Paul.
From Chicago I may ship a pair of pants to you. Please don't unwrap the package unless you want the health officer to call, as they are vile with dirt and sweat. You might send them to the laundry and thus have a pair to use on your long run up to Cleveland.
I on the other hand have done laundry every day and my pants are nothing like "vile". Lycra and synthetic chamois have a large advantage over courderoy.
For those of you who have seen me over the last month, I will mention that I have worn the same shirt and shorts every day I have cycled, and only occasionally have I needed long sleeves for warmth. The only casualty in my wardrobe has been one pair of socks, which were retired in Bismarck. It is quite amazing how small one's wardrobe can be out here on the road.
92 miles and Minnesota looks pretty flat.
Dennis