Erie, PA 50 Miles

We left around 7:45 a.m. this morning on our bikes, heading further east, to Erie, PA.  We had a later start than usual as it would be a short day, only 50 miles to Erie.  The ride was pretty, rolling hills, some farm land and lots of farm stands.  We had some excitement on the route-we had to carry our bikes down a steep ravine to get to the other side because construction was going on at the bridge.  With about 10 miles left, Milano, Katie, Annie, Sue, Linda and I stopped at a farm stand and each bought a delicious peach.  Very refreshing and a healthy choice compared to the usual 9:00 a.m. ice cream sandwich I seem to be on the hunt for when on the bike!  We got into Erie around noon time and hit Backyard Burger, a burger chain.  I didn't order a burger though, but chicken fingers instead.  Around 1:00 our hotel rooms were ready, I showered and now am blogging.  We only spend tonight in PA.  We are at a Comfort Inn.  Tomorrow we ride 91 miles into Hamburg, NY, then onto Niagara Falls, NY, my birth place, and home of my parents just 6 miles away, in Lewiston, NY!  I am so excited to see my parents, sister, brother, brother in law, niece, cousin and Uncle.  I'm getting closer to my home.
Total mileage= 1,360 miles.

More Photos Austinburg, OH

Austinburg, OH-57 Miles I love Ohio!

Waking up in a first class hotel sure has it's perks.  While in Cleveland, we stayed at the Double Tree.  Just awesome-they give you a hot chocolate chip cookie in a cute brown paper bag when you check in.  The bed was so comfortable, like a marshmallow.  Once up, the usual routine...slather on the sun screen, try to make some sense of my bed head (oh well it's only going under a helmet in minutes, so who really cares?!), brush teeth, dress, pack, get the bike down to the lobby, and suit case in the trailer.  We had a scrumptous buffet bfast right in the hotel, then it was onto Austinburg.  Riding through Cleveland was ok, it was early morning so not much traffic. The weather is perfect.  Sunny, no humidity, and around 86 degrees.  At the 30 mile mark, Milano's friend, Jim, a Forensic Psychologist, met up with us and two ohter riders, Sue & Linda, and we rode a beautiful route that he knew through breath taking wine country.  Jim is a very cool guy, smart and a great sense of humor.  I even got to ask him his view on the Casey Anthony case!  We stopped at this covered bridge and took photos.  See below.  He's the guy Milano is hugging!  It hink he really enjoyed riding with us chicks.  We loved having him along.  In no time, our ride was over, and we were at the Comfort Inn in Austinburg.  Upon getting into the hotel, my rear tire was flat.  Perfect timing!  The rooms were not ready yet, so we had lunch at Mr. C's Restaurant.  I ate a burger, cole slaw and fries.  Tonight is our last night in Ohio.  Tomorrow, we ride into Erie, PA.  Before I know it, we'll be in my home town of Niagara Falls, NY!  My family is putting on a barbeque for all of us on our lay over day there on August 3rd.  Total mileage for 20 riding days:  1,307 Miles.

Huron to Cleveland, OH-55 Miles 7/28/11

The morning began at 7:30, breakfast and on our bikes headed to Cleveland.  My great friend, Deb Milano was very excited for this ride as the route goes directly by her home in Rocky River, OH.  Three of her friends from home spent the night in Huron so they could ride in with she and Sue Wright, also from the same town.  It was quite humid and a bit drizzly.  We got on the road about 8:00.  We had several stops along the way and road right along Lake Erie.  We stopped and saw 2 cottages Milano use to own in a quaint little settlement.  Once on the road her friend got a flat, we changed it.  As we got into some more quaint towns,we stopped at their favorite candy store, Brummers and sampled some of the candy.  After all our dilly dallying, we kicked it into high gear, and hauled ass into Rocky River.  We were greeted at the local park by the local newspaper reporter, who interviewed Deb, and took photos of all of us.  It was very exciting! We then rode onto Milano's house--just beautigul, on Lake Erie, where her husband, Jay, and beautiful daughter, Jessica, and schnauzer, Lilly anxiously awaited us.  They were so happy to see Deb, and I guess, the other 26 of us!  After posing for more photos for the paper, we jumped back on our bikes, and once at the end of Milano's drive way a police escort escorted us in on our bikes to the Cleveland Yacht Club where Deb & Sue's families and friends put on a wonderful cook out for us!  Once we entered about 75 of them applauded us all!  It was very touching!  A truly wonderful day.  We ate, hotdogs, burgers, mac salad, etc... just delicious! (oh, I had 2 slices of red velvet cake!) and then it was back on our bikes for the last 10 miles into Cleveland.  The riding into Cleveland was busy, and typical urban riding.  I was glad to get to the hotel, The Double Tree, right here in the city.  Cleveland is a very nice city, and today, I toured the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on our off day.  Tomorrow, we ride onto Austinburg, OH 57 miles.    

Huron, OH. 68 Miles. Lovin' Ohio!!

I stayed up too late watching reality t.v. last night, Gene Simmon's Family Jewels. and was a bit bleary eyed when I awoken.  The usual for b-fast, steel cut oats, yogurt, raisins, juice, tea.  On the bike @ about 7:00 a.m.  The morning sun was beautiful.  We left Bowling Green headed for Huron, OH 68 miles down the road.  It was a nice ride, again flat, pretty farmland, and nice roads, although we did come into contact with some road work, but no big deal.  The highlight of the ride was a baby cow somehow got out from the grazing area and the electrified fence and was walking down the road.  The bikers ahead of me directed him to the side of the road and then Nancy went up to the farm house to notify the owners.  The cow was so sweet.  He looked like an oreo cookie.  I did manage to get a picture of one his relatives.  Perhaps his Ma' or Pa'.  He seemed scared so I didn't want to approach him. The biggest challenge of the ride was some head wind the last 12 miles or so.  Once into Huron, 4 of us continued on past  Motel 6, and ate lunch at this local joint called Lemmys (named after the Lake Erie Monster)  The owner, was the most friendly guy.  Milano, a fellow Ohio girl, had been there before, and ordered the breaded perch, a delicate white fish caught right in the waters of Lake Erie.  It was incredibly scrumptuous!  I'm glad she likes to share...I ate some of hers, and then some of Sue's as well!.  The owner, even gave us a slice of free chocolate cake for dessert!  So good, and dense!  He was impressed we are riding cross country.  He himself is a 2:32 marathoner!  The people in Ohio are so friendly, kind, and unassuming.  Milano says the cost of living is reasonable too.  I could easily live here.  Tomorrow we ride 55 miles into Cleveland.  Milano and Sue's families are hosting all of us for a cook out at the Yacht Club in Rocky River.  They say we are getting a Police escort in for the last 2 miles!  The H.S. band may even be playing they said!   All to welcome us!  Wow!!  We are looking forward to it!  After that we have an off day.  We will stay right in Cleveland for the night.  The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is on all of our lists.  Oh, the temps have been great, low 80's no humidity.  What a change from last week when our brains were frying on the road.  My total mileage thus far, for 18 riding days:  1,192 miles. Photos tomorrow, my AT&T server isn't covering me out here. 
Love,
Kit  

Promised Photos, hey not everyone is a computer geek...thanks for your patience!

Bowling Green, OH. 49 Miles Just Beautiful!!!

I'm really liking the state of Ohio so far.  Since we got here, which was yesterday, the temps have been in the 80's, there has been tree shade on the roads, and small towns that are well manicured, and seem to have great eats.  We began are day leisurely as the mileage for today was a mere 49 miles.  I slept until 6:45 a.m., ate a small bfast of raisin bran, and tea (not much fuel needed for such a short, flat, ride) and was on my bike at 8:00.  We rode through a state park, right along the river, and did have to ride on a dirt path for a few miles.  Once on the country roads, we saw beautiful houses, well kept farms, and rode through the town of Tontogany which was absolutely gorgeous, beautiful homes, made me feel like I was in New England, and a great ice cream stop, where I ate a soft serve vanilla cone, and my riding pal, Milano ordered her favorite, Root Beer float.  I was feeling so upbeat, and happy, that I even told the Village Sheriff what a beautiful town he lives in as I ventured into the gas station john.  After we finished our ice cream, it was back on our trusty two wheeled machines where we easily whipped off the last 14 miles into the city of Bowling Green, OH.  Bowling Green is know for it's university, Bowling Green State.  It is a sprawling college set right on the main drag.  Bowling Green is a college town, with restaurants, bars, and a great bike shop.  Milano and I went in and a nice guy named, Jake assited us.  I bought some GU (electrolytes) and a sleeveless jersey in case it gets scorching hot again.  After giving my Visa card it's own work out in the bike shop, we then biked the last 2 miles to the Best Western hotel which is where I shall rest my head tonight.  Oh, we did eat lunch at McD's as it was right next door.  Tomorrow it is on to Huron, OH, 68 miles away. 

Defiance, OH. "God Bless America!" 83 Miles

We started off riding in the fog today at 6:40 a.m..  The humidity contributed to a misty ride for the first couple of hours.  Our destination, 83 miles later in Defiance, OH.  It was a nice flat ride, no hills, but a lot of road kill.  Raccoons, a kitten (so sad!), toads, possums.  The temps were in the high 80's but still comfortable.  We had plenty of cloud coverage for the first 4 hours, then the sun popped out.  Riding through these country back roads I've noticed a lot of flags out, American and the Rebel flag.  Signs that say, "God Bless America" on store fronts.  You'll notice in the photo below, me at a convenient store pointing to the sign-(darn it won't upload-I'll try tomorrow....)  I felt so moved, and Patriotic at that moment, I began singing in my loudest vioce my own rendition of God Bless America.  I don't know if the dudes pumping their gas appreciated it but I think they found it entertaining.  I've also noticed signs that say pray to the Virgin Mary, and a lot of Pro-Life signs on people's front lawn.  "Dorothy, you're not in Kansas any more!"  At the 60 mile mark, we pulled off into a town called Paulding, and ate lunch in  a cafe style diner.  The local folk were very friendly, and interested in hearing about our ride to Maine.  Milano flirted with all the retired dudes playing cards, and talked about their mutual love for the Buckeyes.  I ordered a BLT.  It was so good.  We then rode the last 23 miles into Defiance, OH.  It is a bustling town with stores, fast food restaurants.  Milano is really happy we are in her home state of Ohio.  She was born and bred here.  She loves the Buckeyes, and The Ohio State. I am doing laundry now, and we are at another Motel 8.  Tomorrow we ride only 50 miles into Bowling Green, OH.      

Huntington, IN. 71 Miles. Back in the Saddle again!

Up at 5:50 a.m.  Cheerios, banana, tea, hardboiled egg for bfast.  On the road at 7:00 a.m.  Leaving Logansport for Huntington, IN 71 miles later. It was a great ride...humid, but lower temps, around 90 degrees, so much more bearable than the past 7 days.  I rode with Karina, Katie and Milano.  We had great conversation, and laughed a lot.  The way this ride is suppose to be.  For the past 7 days it has been that all of us are in survival mode because of the temps.  Today, we were all so happy.  We had some gentle rolling hills, and shaded country roads.  Just lovely.  I didn't hallucinate that creepy kids were walking out of the corn fields-- (Movie, Children of the Corn).  It was a stellar day!!  Made it into Huntington at about 12:15.  We are at a Motel 8 tonight.  I had lunch with a bunch of the riders at a restaurant called Richards-a log cabin style restaurant.  I ate a grilled cheese and french fries.  The others had roast beef, mashed potatoes...you crave this food when you are out here on your bike for hours.  Your body wants fat and salt.  Total mileage so far- 986 miles.  We bike into Defiance, OH. tomorrow, 83 miles.  Wow, almost 5:00, I think I need a beer to celebrate this wonderful day.  God, it's great to be alive.
Love,

Kit    

Photos Finally!

Watseka, IL.-7/21 & Logansport, IN.- 7/22 "Your brain did fry!!" And your ass was handed to you on a paper plate!

Blogging is a trip, along with this trip!  Yes, the heat continues to be a real factor in making me miserable and negative in my blog, but I am trying to be humorous too.  I am sick of the mid west, and I am sick of the heat!  The mid west has handed me my ass on a paper plate with this heat!!  Not a china plate, but a paper plate.  I'll back track for you since I didn't have service to blog with my AT&T carrier in some of these podunk mid-west towns we are staying in. The heat index was out of control, 115+ heat index,.  We were all on the road these past couple days by 6:00 a.m.  It's tough shoving steel cut oatmeal, eggs, juice, coffe down your throat at 5:30 in the morning.  Once on the road, the humidity is like being in a plastic bag, and the sweat pours off of you like a river.  On the 21st we were to ride 86 miles to Watseka, IL.  The endless corn fields, lack of shade, beating sun, and high temps fried my brain at mile 60 after 5 hours in the saddle.  I started feeling out of it, got emotional, felt like I was melting off my bike, and had visions of ending up in a manure field, or worse yet, a corn field unconscious!  Have you ever seen the horror movie, Children of the Corn?  I hallucinated seeing those creepy little kids waking out of the corn fiels trying to snatch me off my bike!  The riders I was with found a tree for me to sit under, and they called the Sag vehicle a.ka. meat wagon, to come and get me.  Pretty amazing what the heat can do to a stubborn chick like me...it can bring you to your knees in a sobbing heap. Once in the sag, I got control of myself, and the AC felt incredible.  10 minutes later I was able to remember my SS number and my name!  Many other riders bowed out and didn't complete the full distance either...everyone's physiology is different in this heat, and some of the riders are ok in it.  I envy, and admire them at the same time.  I have had a real tough time with the heat for 4/14 rides we've done.  I am ready to kick some ass tomorrow though, the heat is going down, only suppose to be 92.  We are set to ride 71 miles into Huntington, IN.  Today is a rest day, and I am in Logansport, IN.  I slept in until 9:30, cleaned/greased my bike, did laundry, and then ate dinner at Bob Evans.  Real good high fat American food!  I am excited to be riding out of the mid west.  I can't say I have enjoyed it at all.  The lack of shade, twisted high temps, when riding on these farmland roads and lack of scenery has me choking on my corn flakes.  Oh, did I tell you they have corn fields out here?  Total mileage thus far-914 miles.
Love, Kit

Streator, IL. Heat Index: 110-120 degrees... Holy S*#T!!!! "Your brain is boiling!"

  "Your brain is boiling" are the words my guide, Carol said at last night's map meeting in reference to what the heat is doing to us .OK.  This heat is twisted! I am saying, please, have mercy on us!  I began my ride today out of Kewanee, IL. cycling 78 miles to Streator, IL.  My ride began at 6:10 a.m and ended 6 hours later.  As it has been the past 6 days it was extremely hot and humid the moment I left the hotel. My mind set today was be safe, be smart.  This heat can kill you.  I felt great today.  I biked with Ellen, a teacher from VT. most of  the way.  It is so important to have a buddy to bike with in this heat in case anything happens to you.  The scenery was the usual corn fields, there were maybe 10 solid seconds of shade from a tree.  I saw an awesome wind farm, and took photos.  Now I just need to get the engineer, Susan to help me upload them for you to see.  The terrain was flat for the most part, some hills. At mile 60, we stopped for ice cream!  Oh man, it saved me!  The last 18 miles into Streator were excessively hot, but we were thrilled to have made it.  Ellen, Deb and I biked in together and upon getting into the hotel we high fived each other & said, "We are living on the edge!"  Truly. I am staying safe, and believe me I would not have done the full 78 miles if I wasn't.  I am taking very good care of myself.
Love,
Kit       

Kewanee, IL. 78 Miles. 115 Heat Index-HELL ON EARTH.

I'll start out with the positive. Yesterday, Monday, was a rest day, and just wonderful!  The temp was over 100, with a heat index of 115 degrees.  I slept in, stayed in my AC hotel room and rested.  One of our riders, Jean, who also is a Sag driver, her family had us all over for dinner in Muscatine, IA.  Fried cat fish, and blue gill, with a lovely fresh Buffalo mozzerella salad, cous cous, pasta salad, CORN of course!!!  Delicious! And delicious desserts.  Her family is lovely, and they had a beautiful home on acreage of land.  Now onto today... Our day began today, Tuesday, in sweltering humidity and heat.  We were on tap to ride 78 miles into Kewanee, IL.  I felt great the first 35 miles....but then began not feeling great, and stopped at mile 41.  The guides told me I absolutely am doing the right thing.  I am a much stronger rider than this heat is allowing me to be.. 78 miles is nothing to me on a day when the heat is not at 115 heat index. It is very frustrating for me to not be doing all the miles these past two days.  The heat leaves me little choice though because the bad feeling you get from it comes on so gradually.  I know I did the right thing stopping.  I have a long way to Bar Harbor, ME, and don't want to end up sick out here on the roads of the mid west laying belly up in a corn or manure field. Some riders have been making the full distance these past couple of days.  I am happy for them, and envious at the same time. The word is we are suppose to have 3-4 more days of this...so I guess I better fasten my safety belt and accept it.  The heat is also zapping my appetite while I'm on the bike.  I did still manage to stuff my face with a slim jim, sports beans, p'nut butter crackers, M&M's, oreos, and nuts.  Oh, oranges and bananas too.  I had an egg salad sanwich for lunch.  Oh, also an ice cream sandwich for dessert.  Huh.  Maybe it's not zapping my appetite after all.
Love,
Kit    

Muscatine, IA-98 miles INSANE HEAT.

99 degrees today, and a heat index of 107.  Insane to be outside, let alone cycling.  My day began on the bike at 6:15 a.m.  Stepping out of the hotel was like stepping into a plastic bag.  The humidity was twisted!  Right then, I knew we were in for it.  I called it a day at the 60 mile mark.  My friends I was riding with, were experiencing what I guess is heat exhaustion...one of them felt dizzy and shaky, and me, well I began laughing at nothing, and basically felt out of my head, singing crazy songs,. All signs we need to stop.  The state of Iowa is all farmlands, steep rolling hills and there is zero shade on the roads. I've never seen so many corn fields in my life, and the smell of cow manure, in the heat is nauseating.  I am not liking riding out here at all...I know it is because of the heat.  The whole time we were riding, there was not one person outside...the towns were empty.  Everyone was inside.  At the sag stops, I would douse my head with water, pour it all over me, but I only felt cool for a minute.  Out of the 23 riders, 7 made the entire distance.  Others hung it up at the 25 mile mark, 75 mile mark, 80 mile mark.  All wiped by the heat.  We are all incredibly strong riders but this heat nailed us down today. I know I made the right decision to call it quits today.  Tomorrow is an off day  We get 1 day off every 5 consecutive days of riding.  On Tuesday, we ride 78 miles into Kewanee, IL.  The temps are suppose to be better.  I long for the days of 80 degree weather.
Love,
Kit

Finally! Internet Connection!!!!!!!!!! Dyersville, IA 43 miles

Sorry I've been remiss in blogging since my 7/13 entry in Wabasha, MN.  I've had difficulty getting on the net with my AT&T server.  Since then I rode 71 miles on Thurs. into La Crosse, WI, then on Friday had a wild ride into McGregor, IA-67 miles, lots of hills...and today rode 43 miles into Dyersville, IA, another wild ride, winding, long hill climbs, some 2.5 miles long not much of a shoulder, high hot temps and incredibly humid.  Once I got to the hotel, I layed in bed for 3 hours until I felt recovered.  It's really something the heat and humidity here in the mid west.  We have ridden a total of 650 miles over these past 9 riding days.  Tomorrow we ride 98 miles into Muscatine, IA.  Hopefully the humidity will let up. I am not liking this heat and humidity at all...but still persevere through and do every mile.  Don't worry...I take good care of myself, drinking eating, hitting each and every sag stop.  I also am sure to always ride with 1-3 others to insure the safety factor.  My good riding buddy Deb tweaked her knee today while we were climbing Pike's Peak out of McGregor this morning.  I think she'll be fine though, she is tough as nails.  I am really looking forward to better temps, and scenery.  I find the mid west to be not real spectacular scenery.  Maybe tomorrow I'll be more positive...I think I am just over tired! 

Wabasha, MN 84 Miles

Today was a beautiful ride! The temps have dropped into the 70's/80's and that made all the difference! We ate breakfast at 6:00, and were on the road by 6:20. Our ride was beautiful, through more country roads, and farm land. I felt really good today, and believe it is due to better temps. We rode through Red Wing, WI which is where they make Red Wing work boots. We saw a lot of trains today, and rode a lot of hills. Today we rode 84 miles, and it felt great! We are in Wabasha, MN, our last night in this state, then tomorrow, we ride into La Crosse, WI, 71 miles. Here at our hotel, the Red Bull Adventure Team is here filming a BMX adventure flick just across the highway. They even have their own private black mini helicopter. We had a super dinner, ribs, cous cous, caesar salad, rolls. I love the food! The temps are suppose to climb again this weekend into the 90's but for now I'll take what I can get! I have a friend who said she'll help me tomorrow publish photos...sorry, I am not real good with all the settings etc... The fact i am blogging is a miracle within it's self!!

Love,

Kit

Slaying the Beast! 106 Miles, Stillwater, MN.

I killed the beast today.  106 miles from Milaca to Stillwater, MN.  My day began at 5:00 a.m., up dressing in my gear, sun screen, then shoving breakfast down my throat at 5:30, Raisin Bran, juice, tea, scrambled eggs, peanut butter sandwich.  I was on the road at 6:00 a.m.  The ride was great the first 40 miles, winding country farm roads, a lot of cows, Alpacas, horses.  Beautiful vast farmland.  Then around 10:00 a.m.the heat factor began...no other way to express it, but brutally humid, and hot, 90 degrees plus!  I drank a lot of course today, water, gatorade.  Ate a lot too on my bike, Pay Day candy bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter crackers, sports beans, oreos, slim jims, fritos, cheese sticks.  All in an effort to power my body to the end.  A few riders and I ate lunch at a coffe shop in Wisc. right on the MN/Wisc. border.  I ordered a grilled cheese, but only ate half...I was feeling the heat...I doused my head numerous times with water, and ice cubes down my shirt, shorts, anything to keep my core body temp down.  After leaving lunch I realized I left my camel bak at the restaurant, and had to ride a few miles back to get it.  I was so mad!!  it was so hot!!  The last thing I need is additional miles.  The final 65 miles were hot, humid, the sun is just relentless on these farm country roads, no shade.  We had a lot of steep rolling hills, especially when we got into Stillwater.  I was in the saddle for close to 8 hours.  I got a bit delerious with 10 miles left, and started laughing my ass off when my friend, Milano got a flat tire.  We were so fried, and exhausted, and she gets a flat! Two of the sag drivers fixed it, there was no way I was going to leave her on the road side alone, so I just began losing it, and laughing.  Once it was fixed, we finished the ride with these incredibly steep hills, I was yelling, "who is playing this dirty trick on us?!" We were elated we made it in safe, and in one piece.  This ride, our guides said, is with out doubt one of the most difficult.  Once I got into my hotel room I sat on the bed for a while, and was so glad this day was over.  Tomorrow we finally have an off day.  I plan on sleeping, hydrating, eating, and doing some maintenance on my bike.  Our guides made pasta and meat balls for dinner.  So wonderful.  I had a beer too.  All of us women toasted our good ride.  We are all thrilled! On Weds. we jump on our bikes again, and ride 84 miles into Wabasha, MN ( the movie, Grumpy Old Men) was filmed there.  I will again ride every mile in memory of my favorite aunt, Ann Newell, and all of you.  My word is my bond.  I am having trouble uploading pictures...so hang in there until I get some help today, then I have abunch to publish.
Love,
Kit

Milaca, MN 61 Miles...oh my it's HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were on the road at 6:45 a.m.  It was steamy hot and humid already.  I stopped to take a photo of Charles Lindbergs birth place.  It is a beautiful, modest home on land with shaded trees...a real find in this state, since I've yet to see any shade what so ever!  It's challenging riding in this heat, but somehow, we are all doing it.  We are a bunch on incredibly determined women.  The women on this  trip are, many teachers, college profs., librarians, nurses, biologists too name a few.  There is one woman who is diabetic, and she rides like a warrior!  I have so much respect for her.  A few of the women, like me, are doing this ride as a fund raiser for cancer or other notable causes. Our route today, 57 miles was much of the same as the past days...open country roads, all farm land, lots of stinky turkey farms, and chicken coops.  The smell is nauseating when you get a whiff after being on the bike for many hours!  The 90 plus degree heat is just like nothing I've ever ridden in.  I am being very safe, and careful on th bike...constantly drinking my electrolytes, and eating, it is vital to keep your salt up too.  My friend, Milano and I got lost today, and ended up doing an additional 4 miles, so we rode a total of 62 miles today.  As usual, I was so happy to get to the Motel 8 here in Milaca at 12:30, and crank the AC.  Once here I showered, then went to Subway and downed a totally loaded Italian sub.!  Oh  god did it taste great!  I fell asleep for an hour or so, and woke up to then have a wonderful dinner prepared by our traveling chef, Michelle.  Enchiladas!  Delicious!!  After dinner the guide, Carol a retired Navy Captain, held our nightly map meeting.  Tomorrow, we ride 106 miles into Stillwater, MN.  The Guides serve bfast to us at 5:45 a.m., so I will then be on the rode by 6:15.  The good news is there should be some overcast tomorrow, and possible showers.  I welcome it.  I have begun to hate the sun.  pictures tomorrow...my battery is about to die!   

Little Falls, MN 81 Miles....Guess What? HOT & WINDY!

We were on the road this morning at 6:30 a.m. We woke to a light rain.  Once we got out of town, and on the open country roads the wind was intense for the next 40 miles.  Probably gusting around 30 mph.  I biked with a group of women, and we all took turns pulling, and breaking the wind.  Still, it was a challenge!  The roads are full of farms, so there were 4 dogs today gunning for us, and chasing.  I don't think they wanted to bite us but instead play.  Still, we out sprinted them.  At the 40 mile mark, the wind finally died out, then the beating sun was out and the temps again were up to 90 plus degrees for the remaining 40 miles into Little Falls.  We did get a tail wind.  I was praying to my Aunt, Annie that we'd get some relief, and we did!!  I was in the saddle for about 7 hours today--now I know how the guys in the Tour de France feel.  I was so happy to get into the hotel, and off my bike  We crossed the Mississippi River today, which was really cool-hopefully I'll manage to post a picture below. We just finished dinner, barbeque chicken, potato salad, corn, rolls, and lemon cake.  It tasted incredible!  Tomorrow is an easy day, just 57 miles,  Then Monday we do around 100.  I'll write more tomorrow evening.
Love,

Kit 

Wadena, MN...60 Miles too hot to say!!

I am a North East girl, through, and through...these temps out here are crazy hot!!  90+ degrees today, again, humid, relentless beating sun!  We began at 7:30 this morning, and the temps were in the 70's with a nice breeze, rolling hills, pretty lakes, cows.  I biked with Deb and Lynda-she is an Ultra marathoner from Louisiana.  Deb almost hit a dog today he ran in front of her wheel, a little cotton ball pooch, he came out of the weeds!  We laughed, but only because we avoided him.  We stopped in Ottertail, MN at a diner called Betty's Restaurant, really home cookin'.  Pies were the hit with myself and my posse.  Apple pie, and ice cream hit the spot at the 40 mile mark.  The people here in MN have a really cool accent like the folks in the movie, Fargo, "Ya know, the funny lookin' guy!"  Seriously, they are very kind to us cyclists who come in looking haggard, hot, sweaty.  We passed through towns with beautiful lake front cottages, and it was really tempting to jump in the lake to cool off, or break into their home and get the AC on and watch TV on the couch!!!.--I did consider it!!  I am drinking a lot of electrolytes mixed in my water, and eat fig newtons, peanuts, M & M's, power bars, slim jims.  Pretty much, I am constantly eating to keep my energy level and blood sugar up.  The group I am riding with, Womantours takes great care of us, there is a sag wagon every 15- 20 miles so we can replenish our water, they have gatorade, cookies, oranges, apples, peanut butter sandwiches, chips.  Today they had an ice bucket, and with 10 miles to go, the sag drive, Nancy showed up--it was like an angel fell out of the sky!!,  myself, Deb, Ellen, Jean we poured ice water over our heads.  I took handfuls of ice and threw them down my back, shirt.  Anything to keep the core body temp down.  By the time we were 2 miles from the hotel, we were all pretty well cooked, and anxious to get into our rooms.  I cranked the AC on, and took a cold shower!  We were then going to go to the Elks Club for lunch, and get some of the local flavor, but it was closed so we went to Burger King--sorry Mom!.  The fat and salt tasted great!  We are eating well despite what you read on my blog!  Michelle, one of our guides cooked grilled Salmon last night, salads, rolls, watermelon.  Incredibly delicious!  Bfast today was scrambled eggs, steel cut oats, yogurt, coffee, juices, cereal, just about anything you want.  Tomorrow we ride 80 miles into Little Falls, MN.  I'll post pictures tomorrow.  I need a cold beer!  My attention span melted somewhere between Ottertail and Wadena, MN. 
Love, Kit

Leaving Fargo to Pelican Rapids, MN 60 miles! HOT!!!

Our ride began today! We left Fargo, ND very excited!  We had a big breakfast, took photos, and by 8:30, we were on our way!  Open flat roads, with some rolling hills the entire 60 miles.  No shade, just hot country roads, about 85+ degrees.  I rode with my friends from last years trip, Deb Milano, Clarkie, and tried keeping up with a fast chick from Boston, but couldn't wihich was smart, because it was so hot.  I drank a lot of fluids, electrolytes, and ate slim jims,  shot blocks--like gatorade chewies, power bar,cookies, M &Ms.  Then stopped at a road side bar for a big fat hamburger.  Oh man!  This is great!!  Hey, eat to ride, ride to eat!  Got into the Pelican Hotel in Pelican Rapids, MN around 2:00.  Glad to get here, and get out of the sun.  I took a cold shower, and drank more fluids.  Around 6:30 our guide Michelle will cook us dinner.  I thought of all of you while I rode, and how lucky I am to have you all as my friends and family. Tomorrow we head into Wadena, MN about 59 miles.  Below are some photos of the start of the trip , leaving Fargo.  I'll post again tomorrow.
Love, Kit

I Ride 4U & All The Others B4 U

Today I am packing! I leave Nantucket early Monday morning and arrive in Fargo, ND that same evening.  I am very excited to begin!  My focus for the ride will not waver.  Every mile is 4U and all the others B4 U and after U.

Love,
Kit