Shifting Gears

Season 4 Episode 14. Pedal with a Purpose. 8/23 Fargo, ND to White Earth Lake, MN 68 miles. 855’ climb.  After our low point of battling daily headwinds, our rest day in Fargo on 8/22 was exactly what we needed - it was restorative! We were surprised at how quickly we rebounded right back to highly spirited moods. Excellent food coupled with rest does that.  The Fargo food scene is delicious with highlight dinner at Mezzaluna, and brunch at BernBaum’s where I’d never have guessed I’d find a bagel to rival that of my native Montreal. This city, where the west literally begins, has a cool downtown scene and vibe, and felt like an amazing college town as well, home of NDSU - go Bison! I’d definitely recommend a visit as part of a western road trip.  The only negative was carrying bikes up steep stairs as our AirBnB had no elevator. It was the 3rd property where we had to carry our bikes and another reminder of accessibility. I used our rest day to get a haircut and met Serge...

Season 4 Episode 13. Discover the Spirit. 8/16 Wibaux, MT to Medora, ND, 37 miles. Plus 22 miles in Theodore Roosevelt National Park 1,921’ climb.  We woke today to our worst air quality yet. The index was in the “orange” zone and our destination a short 37 miles away, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP), was in the “red” zone, indicating unhealthy. So we started cycling masked once again. As I warmed up, I could feel my sweat under the mask from my upper lip area drip into my mouth. I wondered if this could prevent or postpone dehydration.  Our 4th state! Riding on the gravel of I-94, having it to ourselves as the eastbound lanes were under repair, and yes, riding behind a “Road Closed” sign, but this time with permission of the crew who said there is no shoulder on the detour route so we should go this way until the next exit. Haystacks series continued. Today’s destination was Medora, the small and completely touristy, but cute nonetheless, gateway town to TRNP. We rode...

 Season 4 Episode 12. Montana Montage. 8/11 Stanford, MT to Lewistown, MT 45 miles. 1,199’ climb.  8/12 to Mosby, MT 83 miles. 2,351’ climb. 8/13 to Jordan, MT 51 miles. 2,428’ climb. 8/14 to Circle, MT 67 miles. 3,062’ climb. 8/15 to Wibaux, MT 77 miles. 2,072’ climb. Our remaining days in central and eastern Montana were fairly alike from a cycling perspective - lots of farmland, hay, wheat, cows, long roads, big sky, long stretches without trees, so few spots to stop in the shade as relief or places to relieve oneself privately.  We enjoyed cool morning temperatures near perfect for cycling, and afternoons that grew hotter but were manageable. There were very long stretches with no services, so we were carrying extra water and food. In some cases, our entire ride was to get from one town to the next town with nothing in between. As such, the cycling could be a difficult grind at times, and at times I dare say boring or, better said, uninspiring.  Aside from Lewist...