Day 33 - West Fargo, ND to Detroit Lakes, MN - 54 miles - 692 feet of elevation gain

”Michelle, when are we starting?” This might be the top question asked every day. We alter the start time based on weather, distance, and terrain. So each day the big question is when are we starting, so they can determine when they have to wake up for breakfast. We are getting better at actually leaving close to the time we set, at least we have more days to practice. This morning we left at 9:30am (or tried to). It was nice to have a little extra sleep time and breakfast linger, after two long days in the saddle.

Since today was a “short” day, there was no need for an early departure. Still amazed that 54 miles is a short day. We (everyone was back in the saddle today) left the hotel and had to cross through West Fargo and Fargo before entering Minnesota (can only be pronounced with a Minnesota accent). We passed an Amish store, so tempted to stop in and see what wares they were peddling. The urban traffic had us weaving and dodging cars, sidewalks, traffic lights, and trains. I like the brief change from the endlessly flat roads. City riding is definitely mind-engaging, where the long flat roads tend to be mind-numbing (IMO). Once the train passed and we could turn, the directions said 46 miles straight with no turn.

I didn’t realize we were going back to the highway for the rest of the day. This wasn’t an interstate, just a 4 lane highway. The shoulder of this road was not the best, I guess we can be thankful there was a shoulder. It had some rough crumbling action, cracks, and debris across the shoulder. We did manage to navigate the day without a flat tire!

The second most asked question on this trip might be “Does this hotel have a pool?” Thankful this hotel did and we were able to utilize it this afternoon. After swimming, we went to dinner along the lake. Then we came back for devotions by Mike on the topic of faith.

Tomorrow is another short day, so we get to sleep in and have another 9:30am start. And the word on the street is we are heading back to the trees 👏!