Wednesday, July 24, 2013
July 24, Stage 18
July 24, Mitchell, SD to Worthington, MN, 135 miles, 2,240 climbing feet.
A non-headwind day, thankfully. Began with a 5 mph SW wind, that eventually shifted around out of the west and we were headed east all day. By the end, probably a 10 mph tailwind, which made today much more pleasant. A little less time in the saddle. Temp was not as hot as other days. Got in about 4 or so. The terrain and roads had the feel of Iowa and Ragbrai. Two other riders commented on the similarity. The further east we came, the less hilly. Pretty isolated, compared to travelling with 15-25,000 of my closest friends. Luverne, MN was the biggest city at about 5,000 pop. It is nice to see some civilization, of towns, more corn and soybeans, the smell of money at hog confinements, etc. Looked like some wetland preservation along the way. Got some hopeful help for my lip at Walgreen's. The big item for tomorrow is that Marsha is coming up to Albert Lea to check out my condition and offer encouragement. Many of us are trying to hang on to get to the ferry boat ride across Lake Michigan next Monday--a day off the bike. Laundry is done and drying. Bedtime.
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Suspect you will have a great reunion with Marsha, but oh how it breaks my heart not to be on the pier watching you peddle off the Badger with the PACTour "gang" and continue on your way. But my spirit will be with you, cheering you on to the next leg…bad choice of words, sorry. Safe travels and enjoy the ride across the Lake. Teddi and Ray took the Badger from Ludington to Manitowoc, and then on into Ames some years ago after spending a week here on Tallman Lake.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a better day, Ellery! You are an inspiration! Keep peddling!
ReplyDeleteGood day. They come. Look ahead for more, starting tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read that today was an easier and the wind was on your side. Probably nice to get a new state and feel like you're covering some more ground. Growing up in Iowa, I always had a little bit of inferiority complex to Minnesota.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that the wind is in the right direction today! I saw thousands of Ragbrai riders last night headed into Des Moines. I thought, "They have it easy and nothing on Ellery!" You are doing great!
ReplyDeleteDad- I'm writing from Ben's computer so I'm signed in as Ben, but this is Amy. I'm so relieved to hear that today was easier with the wind at your back. From experience, I know what a massive relief and rest that can be. I've been hoping for some tailwinds and really hope there's another tomorrow. I wish we could greet you along the way, too. Love you lots! Amy
ReplyDeleteFlatness by Uncle Tupelo (from Jason's reference)
Beer makes you weary
But you need something to get along
You stare at the flatness
Beside the dark home
They'll not hear you whisper
This isn't where it ends
Your hand holds the bottle
That has become your last and only friend
I've lost all hope
There's hope for you
If not just in the possibility
Of a better next day
If not just in the simple fact
There's no other way
You lie on that couch
And try to dream once more
But your only goal is to sleep
Until the news is over
And outside the leaves are all changing
But you drink to forget
Someone you once met
Stands blocking the bright orange sunset
I've lost all hope
There's hope for you
If not just in the possibility
Of a better next day
If not just in the simple fact
There's no other way
So open up those curtains
And drink up the daylight
Just by the brightness
Open your doors wide
'Cause things don't get better
But some people do
There's darkness in this life
But the brighter side we also may view
There's darkness in this life
But the brighter side we also may view
Here's Part II of my comment after my first comment was put on hold to participate in Jackie's b-day festivities. So as I was saying, Minnesota always had a mythical quality to it for me growing up. We didn't get there much on vacations, so my imaginations were probably a little more colorful than reality. Northern Light left "Minnesota" and couldn't wait to get back. Have a great day tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteNorthern Light- "Minnesota"
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AZBqsFAubg
Lyrics:
Minnesota - You're the gateway to my soul.
You are in my blood, soil's thicker than mud,
In the land where the waters roll.
You know I faded away... in Cali-forn-i-a
I was thinking, I was gonna duck the snow
But what I'd give to go back now,
And see the snow coming down
On the pines and the parkways way back ho-e-o-e-ome
Minnesota - How I miss those sail-on days
I miss the stormy nights and the northern light
In the starry skies back home
[BRIDGE]
I've been a runaway, I've seen my hobo days
I thought I'd shake the hay from my shoes
But how I'd love to smell the sweetness
Of the corn and the wheat between us
And see the lakes that glisten in the su-e-u-e-un
Minnesota, well you know I'll make it back
You can count someday I'll be coming your way
With a heart full of hope once more
Minnesota, I almost see the time,
The golden leaves blowing free in the breeze,
A clear blue water's shore
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit I'm coming home
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit I'm coming home
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit Back to my country now yeah
Dit dit dit dit-dit I'm coming home
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit I'm coming home
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit
Dit-dit-dit dit-dit Back to my country now yeah
oh ellery to be in the midwest finally. no wonder everyone loves the midwest. wish i could be there with marsha as well as many of us to greet you and pat you on the back for your hard work and determination. somewhat make those pains go away. Enjoy your trip on the ferry and your time with marsha. we are all thinking of you.
ReplyDelete