Little City by the Big Lake

In case you missed it previously we have posted pictures on Picasa at the following link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Kansasjack/BikeAcrossAmerica?authkey=Gv1sRgCIO0jfLJqPesIw#slideshow/5360340668505928402

Rugby, ND to Minnewaukan ND July 25, 2009 - We had a great day today cruising through the North Dakota countryside from Rugby. Two years ago Braden, Roger, Lynda and others from Wichita did the week long CANDISC bike ride and Rugby was one of our overnight stays so we were in familiar territory, we camped at the Rugby fairgrounds. The ride from Rugby to Minnewaukan (The little city by the big lake) was about 60 miles. It has been the consensus that today was one of best cycling days we have had in some time. Had a great lunch in Esmond. We are staying at the city park along Devil's Lake as Minnewaukan celebrates its 126th year. Part of the celebration includes a walleye fish fry tonight which we will partake of. As I blog away I hear the local librarian mention that there is concern that Minnewaukan could flood from Devils Lake so they are fearful that 127th celebration may not happen with the lake growing in size. In 3 days we will leave North Dakota and enter the great state of Minnesota.

Minot, ND to Rugby, ND July 24, 2009 - We left Sandy and Terry's after a breakfast of homemade egg, Canadian bacon and cheese muffins. Down the steepest hill in Minot to Railroad Avenue and out of the back of Minot. We had quite a few miles with no shoulder on a 4 lane highway, Route 2. We all had lunch in Towner a community we had camped in previously during CANDISC. After lunch Art and Braden went to the local park for a nap. Art reports he woke up much later in the afternoon and was abandoned by Braden who evidently woke and left him sleeping in the park. All was well however as we all reunited in the Cenex station at Rugby. There was some confusion where we would be staying but we all ended up at the right location-the fairgrounds.

Makoti, ND to Minot, ND July 23, 2009 - We arrived in Minot where Sandy of Minot (we met her on CANDISC bike ride in 2007) had graciously offered her house for the night. Sandy had left her home open for us and we started showering in shifts. Sandy's husband Terry came home but was aware of our visit and a great host. One of our group, Jim, while showering broke the shower head off. Jim came walking out of the shower with shower head in hand and handed it to Terry. Terry found the accident amusing, Jim on the other hand was very embarrassed. That evening we had a hamburger cookout and did our nightly stupid road treasure activity. All 11 of us slept at Sandy's on the floor, on couches and in spare bedrooms. We really appreciated the hospitality of Terry and Sandy and still a little embarrassed about the shower incident. Thanks again Sandy and Terry!

Newtown to Makoti, ND July 22, 2009 - We left Newtown at a reasonable good time after we had a great omelet breakfast that we prepared in our motel room. The day was pretty easy with more hills but good winds. We all arrived outside of Makoti at our favorite meeting spot the local CENEX station and convenience store. Upon entering Makoti a home sign said Makoti next 6 exits hard to believe with 139 population. Makoti had 6 streets. Makoti was small but had a beautiful city park with showers available at the Thrashers building out by the elevators. We had a nice evening at Makoti with very few mosquitoes.

Lund's Landing to Newtown July 21, 2009 - Gary's truck had a dead battery, Loony Lund said he had no jumper cables although everyone thought he did. We happily left Lund's Landing and headed for Newtown with lots of hills but a pretty ride along the banks of Lake Stephenson. We arrived in Newton mid-afternoon, ate and found a motel/laundromat. 5 of us stayed in one motel room but it was a big one with a stove, fridge, and usable shower. Most of did laundry, ate and made a visit to the local grocery store for supplies. Our biggest event here, other than clean laundry was to buy enough food for Art's morning omelet breakfast extravaganza. As I recall among other things he bought 3 dozen eggs and 3 pounds of bacon. Breakfast will be served at 7 ish.

Willison, ND to Lund's Landing July 20, 2009 - A strange day was about to occur. We left Willison, Jon and I from a mosquito free motel and the rest of the crew from a mosquito invested park. We all stopped at a local bike shop which was actually just a small part of an auto repair and tire center to see about spokes and tires. We fought mosquitoes and hills to get out of Willison. I ended up cycling alone and at around mile 19 I was nervous about directions and had no map. Somewhere around Lake Sakakawea I stopped at a house and spoke with the occupant about directions to Lund's Landing. We said I was going the right way but that I should be aware that the owner of Lund's Landing had a temper. I arrived at Lund's Landing to find a great spot with a patio, showers, nice view of the lake. Braden thought we had a great spot and was told by the owner to make ourselves at home since he was closed for a few days. We all fixed some food a the landing and were having a great time until the owner showed up. We looked around a bit and spoke to a few of us and then when Art walked out of the shower area with dripping wet laundry the owner snapped and went into a tirade about the cost of water, septic tank maintenance, etc. To avoid further conflict we departed to the adjacent campsite and spent a lot of the next two days about our encounter with Loony Lund. Our camp site had no water and lots of mosquitoes. Fortunately Braden and I went back to the person I got directions from earlier and were able to fill several solar showers and numerous water bottles to get us through the night. We all hit the tents early to avoid mosquitoes.