Howdy, eclectic, Kathi, R900 and Kabymom,

Our little group is growing! I am so looking forward to this ride and also look forward to meeting each of you. I've been communicating with a Candisc volunteer and just found out I'll shuttle up to Garrison yet on Friday shortly after my plane arrives in Bismarck. I have my long list of packing items, but am going to pare down as much as possible to fit everything into my rack pack plus my bright pink and black backpack (should be highly visible)

Will be shipping my bike to Rory roughly two weeks before the event. I'll be able to rent a bike case from a nearby bike shop, which is helpful because they cost around $250.

Will you be taking cell phones with you in order to contact the SAG if necessary? My cell phone only works in my local area, so am unsure whether or not I need something more sophisticated for the bike trip. Am tempted just to wing it.

One of the (cute) guys at the local bike shop said he had ridden from Chicago to Montana through No Dak and really enjoyed it . . wind and all. Said he saw lightning strike an old barn way out in the distance. That rather scares me. I don't believe I'd care to ride when it's lightning, but walking with a bike isn't much better

I am sooooo glad this thread has started again.