57 miles from Monticello to Ft Snelling. Arrived around 1:30. Nice weather all day but we were still beat. Charlie’s computer reported 417 miles total. The ride was only supposed to be 375. My squishy bits are in full rebellion. I will not be riding to work tomorrow! Not many pics today.

68 miles. Hot (85 deg) with a headwind (19 mph). A picturesque church and some farms constituted the scenery. The hotel had a nice pool, which almost made up for the day. At the end-of-the-trip meeting, we had a photo contest and YT won with the cloud pic below.

77 miles today. Was supposed to be 62. I’ve given up on mileage forecasts. I get there when I get there. Was a nice start to the day, although it was quite chilly to start (48 deg). Mid morning the thunderstorm rolled in and we had pelting rain and strong winds for a couple of hours. I only made it to lunch because I hung on to the wheel of this 65 yr old hard woman (thank you Cathy!). She set a brutal 18 mph pace but I just stared at the wheel and killed myself to keep up. At lunch, I was sure that I would sag to the hotel. But the clouds parted and the sun came out so I went for it. I’m glad I did. The afternoon was a delight! Rolling hills in picturesque farm country with only one dog that chased us.

There were more than a few directions snafus today, not the least of which was the unmarked lunch spot that everybody missed!

I was glad to get to the hotel, but bummed to learn there was no pool, no laundry, and that there are still smoking rooms in hotels. The whole place reeks. It’s pretty disgusting. Dinner was awesome and the mayor of Little Falls came to greet us for dinner.

Anyway, to bed and here’s hoping tomorrow isn’t as wet or long.

This last pic is Lee and Liz sharing a drink menu. Liz works for MNDOT on alternative transportation.

85 miles. No rain. Yeah! But a gnarly headwind all day. The route and scenery was simply stunningly wonderful. There was 19 miles on Hwy 169, however, that was pure hell. No shoulder and trucks passing within inches. That sucks.

But, when we got to the hotel, the hot tub was great, and I totally partied with the ladies. Of course, they were all old enough to be my mom (or grandmother), but they still made great margaritas!