Day 29 -- Lemonade anyone?

July 19, 2014

ROUTE: Sioux Falls, SD to Worthington, MN                  
DISTANCE:  70 miles + 12-mile detour for some          
WINDS: NW, 5 to 8 mph

WEATHER: Sunny and mild, maybe reached 80F               
TERRAIN: Flat to gently rolling                  
TOTAL CLIMBING: 1,850'

RIDE OVERVIEW: Susan posting today because Mike again had to see to repairs to Red.  This time it's the power brakes . . . there aren't any.  We discovered this problem last night when the staff went out for its traditional day-off dinner/ride assessment.  Fortunately there was a Ford dealership with service directly across the street from our motel, so we limped back to it and parked the van at the service door.  Mike was over there at 7 a.m. when they opened.  They had the part, and Mike was back on the road before noon.  A bump in the road, so to speak.

We had two detours today.  The first 8+ miles of the ride were on a beautiful bike trail along the Big Sioux River.  At about mile 5, there was a section of the trail that paralleled a road and both were under heavy repair.  The day before Cov had checked it out and painted detour arrows; this morning I got out a little before the riders and posted myself at the detour so that we could ensure that all went the correct way.  (Since I was early on the trail, I got to see Canada geese, numerous rabbits, and several deer.)  Of course the first riders through buzzed right past the trail markings, so I got to try out my Tarzan yell... Oooooooover heeerrrrrrrrrrrrre!  This detour required only an eighth of a mile or so on a four-lane highway and then we were back on the trail and back on route again.

The second detour wasn't as short. It occurred shortly after the town of Magnolia. Louis came back to report a section of road under repair.  There were two ways around this roadwork--gravel roads or following the detour signs on paved roads.  I chose the latter, and it turned into a 12-mile detour through the corn fields.  The farms along the route are impeccable, each situated in a grove of trees and having a neatly painted house and outbuildings, flower beds, and nicely tended lawns.  No extra cars or farm equipment lying about.  Each farmhouse again sitting in the midst of vast cornfields ... vaster even than those in South Dakota.

Riders stopped for the obligatory photo at the Minnesota state line and Josh obliged them by snapping  photos (left). Minnesota is the fifth state we'll cross.

We set up only one SAG Stop today (there were plenty of small towns and stores along the route), and it was located at a DQ in Luverne.  Barb covered it in Box because we were using White as the mechanic's van.  Anyhow, the guy who ran the DQ hustled to get open, but even so, he missed fully three-quarters of the riders who were eager to get in and relax. Too bad. It would have been a banner day for him.

For some reason, my hip went wild on me today and hurt like Hades. (I've been told that I need hip replacement surgery.) Why on such a mild, no climbing, nonstrenuous day I haven't a clue, but after detouring an extra 12 miles I was limping along when White came up, so I snagged a sag with Josh the last 10 miles into Worthington. On the way in, we came across some kids operating a very popular lemonade stand alongside the road (right).  I think they made enough for college from this group. 

In spite of all the detours and the lemonade distraction, everyone got in safely for another day.  Our dinner was provided by the Travelodge Motel and was definitely the best meal we've had so far . . . what a spread.  After dinner, everyone was "educated" by Bill G in the art of waving (above).  He has spent a lot of time studying the art of waving and winning over motorists all over the country.  He pointed out the different styles and techniques to include the elbow wave, the subtle pointer wave, and the full arm and hold method . . . everyone enjoyed his entertaining and informative talk.

HEARD ON THE ROAD TODAY:
"I'll pay you $57 dollars (that's a dollar a mile) if you'll ride back the 57 miles to Fond du Lac and drive my husband's car forward to Manitowoc."[This, Mary Jo's proposition to RePete who took her up on it.  He'll ride 114 miles that day, and Mary Jo's husband will meet her in Fond du Lac and get to ride the day with her. Who would  have thunk it?  Our riders can even earn money whilst en route!

PHOTOS OF THE DAY:

Karen, Cov, Josh and Mike waiting for the parade topass by...just kidding...they're actually bummed
about Red's lack of power brakes and are waiting for a table at the Olive Garden, where a good meal lifted our spirits.

Riders test their bike handling skills on the Sioux Falls bike trail, which serpentine path contained several abrupt turns but which was very beautiful as it rolled through parkland,
stands of pine, and through tree tunnels alongside the river.

If only tourists knew that they could see Michelangelo's
"David" in Sioux Falls, they could save a bundle
over flying to Florence, Italy. They wouldn't
 have to learn Italian or stand in line, either.

Canada geese on the bike trail along the Big Sioux River
out of Sioux Falls. The nasty two to the left stretched out their
necks, hissed at me, and even pecked my leg as I passed by.

Paul was all ready to go, but when he tried to mount his steed, it had disappeared. 
Russell and Ian weren't much help, they just watched as he tried
to pedal away from the sidewalk.

Always ready, Louis disguises his CB antennae
with a wind sock . . . breaker one nine, nice try.