Author: greg

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’!

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

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.

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

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!

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

Yesterday, acted as envoys in the no man’s land between Packers and Vikings territory. Happy 150th to Red Wing,MN. No one worships at the seething maw of the american beast like you. Thanks for all the hills. Excellent soviet beach party. See you in Wisconsin, home of broasted chicken and the “California Burger”- i.e. a burger with lettuce and tomato.

still life w/mold

Sitting in a cafe, trying to decide if we possess the fortitude to climb back onto our steeds. We may have celebrated our 100 mile ride into madison a little too much. We had a lovely wake-up call this morning from East Madison High x-country team. Spent last few days on sweet bike paths through Wisconsin. Zach has ordered a new knee from Sears-Robuck.

Shop along bike path

We’ve hung up our bike shorts for the past fews days in exchange for two fists full of beer. Immediately after arriving In Chicago, we high-tailed it down to ol’ kentucky to Karp’s lake house (“I will name my first daughter ‘lakehouse’ in its honor” – Z. Humes) to spend a few days relaxing in the water, playing cards, and, oh yeah, consuming more alcohol than human beings were meant to. The occasion was Zach’s brother Jake’s 21st, and he will certainly never forget what little he remembers of it. Another BikeBums tip of the day: Avoid Bowling Green, KY at all costs, and most certainly the improper proprietors of the State Street Pub – they have no class. If, however, you do find yourself in that vincinity, make sure to check out the Tuesday night slave-kabobs. We eventually mopped up the television and returned to Chicago, only to resume drinking. Tonight, the karaoke bandit strikes again, and tomorrow Nick and I will resume our eastward crawl.

Successfully navigated through the Mordor that is Gary,IN. Turns out we had less to fear from the fire-spewing towers than from the sinister raccoons. Nick broke the no crashing rule in South Bend, but earned a 9.4 for his recovery. Nick’s Uncle Bill treated us with beds, Bears, and a mountain of spaghetti. Tested our sanity again with another 119 mile day. Lake Erie awaits!