Year: 2006

Had a great time in the Twin Cities, full of great food, good times, lethargy, and kareoke. Humes did a last-minute bike swap to something with more gears. Got a late start yesterday, but still covered a fair distance. Riding through steep rolling hills along river, which are hard, but beautiful. Turns out Zach is part Mac truck. Entertained by lame road rage.

Mr. Zachary Humes

Okay, sportsfans – we’re safe and sound in the Twin Cities, wrapped safely in the warm embrace of Zach Humes’ hospitality, which included beer, muffins, late night pizza, and an outrageous 80’s dance remix. Yesterday we rode an astounding 118 miles, beginning with a great tailwind, and ending with cherubs floating high above us dumping 50 gallon drums of rainwater into our shoes. Taking a few days off to allow the bruises on our hindquarters to heal, and to get zach’s steed road-ready. Pictures have been uploaded. Stay tuned for more news!

Weather finally cooled down, due to glorious string of thunderstorms. Now only 69 degrees. Having a great time counting dead bodies of frogs, mini-weasels, and turtles along the road. Hot tip – DQ provides free ice cream to those who risk their lives chugging hot topping cocktails! Soon we join the bums of the Twin Cities!

Kipp and Sally – super spies and phone pranksters

Hey y’all,

I just wanted to make a quick post since it’s been a little while since Greg has posted. I spoke with him very briefly just now, and he said he made it to Minnesota! I didn’t quite catch the town name, but he’s about 130 miles from Minneapolis, which means about a day and a half of riding. He also said it’s very very hot!

 I’m sure he’ll have a more extensive update soon.

Keep on biking, Greg and Nick!

We’ve been riding along some nice bike paths. Mississippi headwaters were 80% gorgeous, 20% sham. Hit a great all you can eat blueberry pancake breakfast yesterday. And now, the heat. 99 degrees + 80% humidity + bikes = we are puddles of goo – please send tupperware. Still deep in bud lite country. Mn is the land of expensive camping. So far we’ve only counted 4268 lakes.

Met great people in Fargo – Peter and Geni – who put me up for 2 nights, made food, lent tools, shower, laundry! Even picked Nick up from airport! They are superheroes who never stop running or riding – have toured all over the world. Nick’s first day went well, though hot. In fishing territory now! Whimpered for our lives during huge lightning storm.

Buffalo on buffalo

I’ve made it to Fargo! Bright lights, big city! Chillin’ in the library here, uploading pictures as we speak (are we speaking?). The new photos start at #331. Unfortunately, Megan’s camera has been having some problems lately, so I haven’t been able to take any pictures for the last few hundred miles. However, Nick will be toting along a shiny working camera, so fear not – the eye candy will continue!

I just spoke with Nick, and have learned that he has ditched his orginal plans to tunnel beneath the greater portion of the US to meet me here in Fargo. In lieu of that, he has opted to use the much faster method of catching hold of a flock of geese. The birds should drop him off in Fargo tomorrow evening (unless they take a detour to the Sahara). This gives me a whole extra day to explore all the wonders that fargo, nd has to offer. And don’t worry – I will steer clear from any wood chippers I see.

The trip has been going great so far – I just picked up a new set of tires (hopefully these will fare better than the previous set), as well as a new chain. When it came down to it, I really only spent about half of the solo portion of this trip alone – I found a fair amount of fellow tourists to keep me company, and my noble buffalo companion has not yet left my side! Yet I am looking forward to be joining up permanently with another steel horseman. Good times shall surely accompany Nick and I as we pedal towards the Twin Cities. Big wheels keep on turnin’!

Had a great few days riding with the Germans. They were great company, and it was due to their good sense that i rode out a storm today in a farm shed instead of getting drenched! It’s been hot the past few days, but the people out here are unbelievably nice. Will be in Fargo tomorrow – expect pictures!

Dirk and Monica

flooded house

Took a short day today, due to a combination of the heat, lack of camping options, and the number of beers last night. Fairly certain i’ve been bought more beers than i’ve paid for so far! Bar last night had a 2 lane bowling alley! Spent the day with a german couple – great lazy day hanging out, talking about differences here and there, split 2 6-packs! They like Bud.

At the geographic center of North America, slurpin’ down a giant DQ freeze – lemon-lime, baby! Wore a hole through my rear tire – good thing i’ve got a spare. It’s 250 miles to the next bike shop! Huge flying red ants tried to drive me insane while changing out the tires, but i persevered!

Buffalo in the middle