North Dakota

North Dakota gave us an awesome welcome. We rode about 120 miles into Devils Lake and it was a rather eventful day. The morning saw a double paceline with a sunrise behind it. We left at 5:45 am and by mile 17, the sun was just rising. The afternoon provided us with a crazy thunderstorm. When the wind stopped us from moving, Kathy and I found shelter from the wind and warmth behind a nice hay bale. When we got to Devils Lake we found our chariots awaiting us. Sort of. We had rides to Isaiah's farm!!
At the farm we had tractor rides, and horse rides, and amazing meals! There was another thunderstorm that evening and we got to see a cool light show. And we got to sleep in! Which may not have been a good thing.
On Tuesday we rode into Rugby, ND... the center of the universe! Or at least North America. Starting late (sometime after 10, but before 11) may not have been a good idea. It was only a 60 mile day, and it should have been easy. But at 8 it was already breezy, and by 9 it was flat out windy. It was a long 60 miles, and was far harder than the 120 we did the previous day. And the wind gusts did a number on us.
Unfortunately we had our first van ride of the trip. A wind gust caused a fall and Katrina wound up with a funny looking finger. The brake made for some great x-rays, and Katrina was back on her bike before the day was over.
In the center of the universe, we held prom. Prom was an excuse to wear silly outfits found at thrift stores through out the midwest. We of course had a post prom trip to the DQ, then returned for a dance party on the high school stage. Quite a good time.