Hey all,
We've returned to civilization. After crossing the SD-MN border, the world around us changed rapidly. Cell phone service, towns every 10 miles, libraries open 5 days a week, gas stations open on weekends. It's amazing. Two nights ago, the Slingers graciously welcomed us into their home in Fairbault, MN (about 40 mi south of Minneapolis). We were pretty haggard upon our arrival, and we were spoiled with hot showers and a fiest the likes of which we had never seen. We are all incredbly thankful for their hospitality.
The day leading up to Fairbault was a long one. We began in Delano, MN, about 30 mi West of Minneapolis, and biked into the city. We all really enjoyed our quick trip through the city, it seems like a great town. But we weren't really there for the whole city, just a particular edifice in the southern part of it: The Mall Of America.
I've gotta tell ya. That place is KA-RAZY. 2 roller coasters, a log ride, mini golf, a ferris wheel, 2 food courts, 4 stories. After spending the prior three weeks in Montana and Dakota ranchland, walking through the doors of that monument to capitalism was a total sensory overload. One cannot help but bump into other people because the whole time you just want to look up. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) we could not stay long because we had about a 100 mile day to complete. So we ran a couple errands (Chuck got a haircut, Beau got an iPod, I got a Virginia flag, and Connor got an Ireland flag....because, you know, there's a flag store).
Yesterday we had our first full day of rest since Vancouver, again thanks to the Slingers. Today we ride to Rochester, MN to be pampered once again. In fact, for the next week or so, we may not have to sleep outdoors. A strange thought. So, at this point its Chicago-or-Bust then a beeline for the coast. We are less than three weeks away by our calculation. Practically around the block. Keep up the comments, we all like hearing from you.
Tall Man Out.
10 comments:
We had such a great time with the fearsome foursome from Virginia! We want to thank them for stopping and wish them luck the rest of the way - and beyond! Don't forget to ask them about Connor's leg waxing; their 3 a.m. jump in the pool; the four-wheeler rides; Harry Potter 3D; Dance, Dance Revolution; sleeping until noon; and the many great stories of rural Americana. We're proud to know people that challenge themselves and live out their dreams - GO CONNOR, ISAAC, BEAU & CHUCK!
The Slingers
P.S. Mary, Betty and Laura were happy you forgot about their volleyball games!
Isaac, I took your recommendation to heart, and I'm picking up my new Allez Elite on Saturday.
Hi Guys, This is the third time I am responding Im such a computer whizzzzz! I've enjoyed the trip so far. All of us in Pa are rooting for you. Keep the comments coming. I can't understand why Cathy thinks the goat is a female? I'll discuss it with her this weekend. Stay safe and have all the fun I would .That gives you a lot of leeway. Aunt Mame
Hi Guys,
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair Mag, the Rev. Desmond Tutu explained the meaning of the word "ubuntu". He said it is the essence of being human. A person is a person through other persons. You are human only in relationships. We are interconnected."
I'd say you have epitomized ubuntu on this trip. Without the support for each other, the kindness of strangers gifting meals and hot showers, and your shared agony and ectasy, the trip would have been much less enjoyable. So besides boasting that you are the world's formost experts on the varrying flavors of vennison jerky, you can say you are "ubuntu".
(I know, if this were the 60's someone would ask, what am I smoking?? But apparently while Aunt Mame was having fun, I was attending philosophy class or something!) Ride on... Love, Cathy
It Couldn't Be Done
by Edgar Guest
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to predict failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.
So I'll admit, Isaac, between reading all of this and Mal getting one, I might just get a bike. It could be good for me, you know? Plus then I could mow down annoying kids on campus.
But...my bike will have brakes. I know, I'm lame...but whatever. I like to stay alive.
Hope you guys are having as much fun as it sounds like you are.
Sarah
Hey guys...the taxi cabs were honking at me today and in their siren song i heard 'get everyone out of the midwest and on to our slim covered city streets.'
you guys better come up sometime for an nyc fixie 5 boro ride.
hey guys, this is droge, just wanted to say how awesome it is that you all are keeping up the blog. its really cool for all of us back home to get a taste of your amazing adventure. i really like the pictures. keep on hauling and i look forward to hearing some stories whenever it is i see you next. rock on.
-droge
helloooo all! just wanted to drop a line to say hello and that biking cross country sure beats the hell out of biking to the loft on Wednesday nights. enjoy the last few weeks of your trip and i'll see you all soon!
-Suzanne
Gumption. I like that word. As one of your many friends along the way said...you do have gumption. Stay strong and healthy. Reading the comments is like being able to see between the lines of your story.
We continue to have fun traveling with you on google earth. Have a great time in the big city. We have always known your halo. Now you have your wings.
I also thank all the generous people who have fed and housed you and given you their stories and heart to carry with you. love to all
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