74.2 miles/ +1837.9 ft/ Total miles 2158.9
Minnesota is home to various interesting roadside attractions that I passed today.
Big Ole in Alexandria:
Otter in Fergus Falls (county seat of Ottertail County):
Pelican in Pelican Rapids:
Somehow I mis-calculated the distance between Alexandria and Pelican Rapids. I thought it was 67 miles, which is long but manageable for me, especially since there would be more than 40 miles on the bike trail. However, it turned out it is 75 miles, which is quite long for me. Boo!
But wait, there’s more: today there was a strong wind out of the south! Yay! The bike trail was headed generally northwest, and the road from the end of the trail in Fergus Falls to Pelican Rapids was mostly heading north! So I had a decent tailwind, and made good time, including food stops in Ashby and Fergus Falls. So it worked out well. The weather for tomorrow does not look as positive (likely will have some rain).
I am trying to plan out the likely stops in North Dakota. There is one long day of 78 miles with no services between the start and end points, which will be the second day after I leave Fargo. After that, the days are manageable.
Judy's Bike Ride 2017 
If you stop at Enderlin, N.D., after Fargo, ask for Terry at the Traxside Cafe. She worked for the Seattle Police Department for years, and retired back to Enderlin. Nice woman, and someone with a presence in the community. This stretch of N.D. is flat and straight — enjoy the entry into the Plains. From here, west, services get fewer and far between, so make sure you always have enough water as well as food. I loved this stretch of the country — wide open spaces, farmland as far as the eye can see, and lovely people in the small towns. — Dave
P.S. I camped right in the downtown park in Enderlin, which included a shower within its local restrooms. This option continues as you head west: pretty much every small town will let you camp in their park and use their restrooms. As long as you buy dinner and breakfast in their local cafe, they figure it is a good investment. It is a great way to interact with the locals. — Dave
But wait: stop for a rest day in Fargo and enjoy the largest city on your route before Seattle. I dipped into my archive from my trip last year and found the following connection: the person is Enderlin is Terry Taylor: trtaylor49connectup@gmail.com . Enjoy the ride. Welcome to the Plains. I hope you enjoy the wide-open country. — Dave
Thanks, Dave. I had been thinking a day in Fargo might be good. Depends somewhat on the weather. That 78 mile stretch from Enderlin to Gackle is intimidating. I definitely want a day with light winds.
I’m glad you had a nice tailwind for the 75 miles. That is long, especially when you aren’t planning it and with all your gear!
Great Ride Judy. I stopped a couple on the trail. Marie & Dennis Riding from New York to Montana. Had BOB. They said Beast Of Burden. They stayed at the Barn. I missed the people you met in Ashby. Must have been during my nap. Safe Travels
Judy, Vernon just shared your blog address with us and we are enjoying your ride vicariously. We actually have bicycled the west coast of Michigan and are familiar with grade from at Arcadia south of Frankfort. We vacation often at the Weir Cottage near Frankfort.