Today I cheered
35 days we've been on this journey. 35 days of ups and downs. I've literally climbed mountains to get to this point. However, I'll be honest. It doesn't seem quite real at points. Have I really ridden a bicycle halfway across a continent? Why yes. I guess I have.
Today was a good day. It was a good choice that we decided to hang out in Jamestown for a day yesterday. It rained and rained and rained. We met Kurt early in the morning because he was there to ferry our bags to Fargo. After riding a month loaded it felt great to just pedal. We stopped in Valley City for lunch and had a good pizza at Corner Pizza. If you dine in you not only get a free soda you also get a bonus ice cream bar! Then it was more or less our only climb of the day as we rolled to Tower City. Jeff had promised pie, and we found pie. We got a peanut butter pie to split. Though some in the group have some opinions on that choice. I was really hoping for a fruit pie. Others wanted one of the cream pie options. We were each given a veto and rather unfortunately I think we all cancelled each others preferences out.
After Tower City the terrain really flattened out and I raced to Fargo. After 80 miles my legs were still feeling good, so I pushed and ended up with a great time for the day. Barb Witteman had prepared a fantastic supper for us and we all hung out in the garage and told stories of the last month.
In my mind Fargo has been serving as a big halfway checkpoint along the way. We've been offloading gear to Fargo, and Barb and Kurt have served as a lovely home base for us. For the past month Fargo has served as a big, far off, nebulous, goal. As I rolled into town I cheered. I was here. I've made it! Fargo! (Perhaps the first time and maybe the last I've ever cheered Fargo)
Now eastward we go. But that's for tomorrow. Today is a day of rest and fixing. Today is a day of family as we are graciously hosted by two of Jeff's sisters Barb and Michelle. Today I reflect on all we've done and I'm excited for what comes next.
'till next time
-Matt
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