43-Morrill-Albany: On the trail

35.7 miles/ +456.3 ft. / Total miles 2039.9

I left Alice’s Attic early this morning (6:15) to try to beat the wind out of the northwest (I was headed due west). Almost no traffic on the road, so I made good time to Bowlus, where I stopped for second breakfast at Jordie’s Trailside Cafe. I first heard about Jordie’s from a west-to-east rider back in Escanaba, Michigan, so of course I had to go there. 

But first I had to cross the Mississippi River:

I met two local cyclists who were having breakfast at Jordie’s. We had a great time talking about the trail system, long-distance touring, and how much food touring cyclists can eat. 

Here’s the front of the cafe:

At Jordie’s, I signed the guest book for cross-country riders. They are so supportive of cyclists! 

After breakfast, I turned onto the Soo Line Bike Trail (later became the Lake Wobegon Spur Trail). I will be riding on trails for about 100 miles, all the way to Fergus Falls. The paved bike trails are a wonderful break from riding with traffic.

The trail was mostly in the trees, with some views across the fields and farms:

I made today a short day so I would have time to meet friends who live in St. Cloud. We worked together in Washington, D.C., about 40 years ago, and then they moved to Minnesota and I moved to Seattle, so we have not seen each other very many times since. It is wonderful to catch up on what’s been going on for the past 20+ years, and enjoy some off-the-bike time. 

Thanks for all the encouraging comments on yesterday’s post – and all the other ones too. It’s nice to hear from every one of you!