First long tour

[margo49]

Well done! And thanks for the lovely descriptions.
I read Kathleen Norris' Dakota a Spiritual Geography years ago and thought of that when you described different women's reactions to the landscape.(But don't let me get started on A Theology of Place...)

[Nanci]

Sounds like a great trip! I know what you mean about the wind...I was so discouraged by it this spring (you don;t get wind MTBing, so much, so I had no idea) and I hoped it was going to go away, but I noticed yesterday when everyone was *****ing about it- I just don't care any more. It's just always there. I give up.

The only part of ND that I remember very well is the little area in the southwest corner that is so pretty.

Nanci

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on an amazing ride!!! You must feel so much pride having toured your own state by bike. Wow- how very cool!
Thanks for the detailed reports, and I can't wait to see your pictures!!!
Just a question- how does 436 miles feel? Are you sore? I've only ever ridden as far as a century, and can't imagine how doing that nearly every day feels.
Congrats!

[Bikingmomof3]

Wow, you trip sounds like it was a blast. Your descriptions were wonderful. Thank you for sharign your trip with us. CONGRATS on a well biked trip.

[eclectic]

Of course in my brain dead exhaustion I mixed up days 2 and 3 day 2 was the long one and day 3 the shorter harder one.

Tri Girl - I was really worried about that too - long distance day after day.
Yes definately there are parts on me that are sore - I discovered 2 pairs of shorts that were fine for daily rides didn't hold up for consecutive day rides (girly bits on the border of chaffing and pretty tender) I ended up washing my pearls that had a touring chamois and wearing them everyday

My legs felt like lead for about the first 10 miles everyday but then would loosen up and be OK, rest stops had to be relatively short so as not to stiffen up again.

I am most tired from tenting and only getting 5-6 hours of sleep a night, but the tenting experience and being w/ everyone is worth it.

Nanci - the little 15mph winds I used to complain about well I'll probably still complain but they won't seem so bad. the Southwestern part of the state has Theodore Roosevelt N'tnl park and it is beautiful, Candisc has gone through there in the past - tough ride, lots of climbs and heat but the scenery is worth it.

Margo49 - Kathleen Norris does write well about ND, I have gone to numerous retreats held at the monastery in Richardton, incredible experience

Bikingmomof3 thanks for your support and all your great posts, it is all of you that help me realize the accomplishments we all are doing

[Kano]

eclectic --

It's neat to read about your trip! I've been through North Dakota once, and it was -30 degrees, with -60 wind chill. My memories aren't real exciting -- a giant cow "decoy" on a hill, frozen soda cans exploding in a cooler in the back of the van, and running like heck from the car to the road side rest stop bathrooms(and back to the car). The best thing about North Dakota in my admittedly limited fifteen hour experience was that my had-to-find-the-perfect-spot dog learned to get out the door, go, and get back in! (one other memory: my kids learned that adults say cuss words too!)

Your story makes me want to go back and explore North Dakota when it's warmer! Thank you!

Karen in Boise

[eclectic]

Ahhh yes the exploding soda cans. Be glad they were in a cooler. Ever have one explode out of the cooler? Not pretty and nasty to clean up
(you would think we would know better having lived here for more years than I care to admit)

At least you can appreciate why I choose not to ride outside from Dec to March.

[cosc]

I'm so glad to hear a report about Candisc this year. I've ridden the tour 4 years and experienced glory days and unspeakable head/crosswinds. I'd thought about riding the tour this year, but decided to try a Wisconsin ride that was the same week. Congratulations for completing a great challenging week of biking!