39.1 miles/ +1516.2 ft / Total miles 2500.1
Today is the first day with my new attitude toward this part of the trip:
- North Dakota is beautiful
- Riding slow is OK; in fact, if it’s hot, riding slow is better than fast
- Take your time
- Enjoy the small towns
- Etc., etc., you get the idea
I always knew that the west would be challenging: long miles between towns, open country, and being alone for many hours each day. But knowing it and actually doing it are two different things. Now I feel ready to take it on and enjoy the wide open spaces that I have been looking forward to since the beginning of the trip. The rest days in Bismarck made a huge difference! It is still challenging, but I am figuring out ways to make it work for me.
I left Bismarck at about 7 and enjoyed the ride along the Missouri River and across it to Mandan.
Railroad trestle across the Missouri:
For most of the ride, I was on county roads with almost no traffic. The weather in the morning stayed reasonably cool, and wind out of the north (cross-wind for me) kept itcomfortable. At the tops of rolling hills, there were some great views across the countryside:
When I got to New Salem, I stopped by to see “Salem Sue,” a very large Holstein cow high above the town:
And I stopped at the Muddy River Coffeehouse on Main Ave. I had plenty of time to talk to Rachel, the owner, about small town life and her new business venture in New Salem (and of course, to have lunch, snacks, iced coffee, etc.):
So tomorrow will be another similar ride, heading to Hebron, with a possible stop for second breakfast in Glen Ullin. Then onward to Dickinson on Saturday. The hot weather continues into the foreseeable future, so this strategy is the best way for me to make good progress.
Judy's Bike Ride 2017 
An enviable day Judy!
As I often say, “Start out slow, and back off.” You are in for some beautiful scenery !
So glad you’ve found your pace! Do stop and smell the roses and the coffee along the way – western ND has some gorgeous spots. As wide as Montana may be, Idaho should be pretty quick and then you’re almost home!!
And I like ‘Salem Sue!’
Love the pictures today, good to hear your new approach is working for you. I’m so glad that bike guy in Bismarck was generous with his house and time and told you that rest would really make a difference. Once you hit the wall it’s hard to see the simple things. Have a good day tomorrow, and I look forward to hearing more about North Dakota!
In a few days you will be in metropolitan Wibaux, home town of my UU cycling buddy, a spawn of the Dobrowski settlers (many large families), and fellow Civil Engineer, which makes him a quality guy of course!! Great photos. And under 40 miles, my kind of ride. Enjoy.
I hadn’t been reading for a few days, but heard from Uncle Henry that the ride was taking its toll. I’ll catch up after posting my comment. Good to see now that you’re back to feeling good about the adventure. It’s a heroic ride no matter what the pace. Do you have your route and schedule mapped out to arrive Winthrop on Aug 12? You’ll have top bragging rights on NCR-YoT. But be careful not to upstage Tracy.
I have to cover a lot of miles in Montana before I can figure out stages across Idaho and Washington. The plan is to be in Winthrop on Aug 12 but that’s a long time from now.
As you left the house this morning and I drove to work, I was thinking “Judy is living my dream”. You go girl!!! /Laurie