The Land of 10,000 Lakes

8/18 - Detroit Lakes (53 miles)
8/19 - Dorset (53 miles)
8/20 - Cass Lake (46 miles)
8/21,22 - Rapid City (56 miles)
8/23 - outside Rapid City (10 miles)
8/24 - Tower (50 miles)
8/25 - Aurora (40 miles)
8/26 - St Paul/Como Park ;) (5 miles)



















This section of the trip was probably the most difficult portion. Not so much physically, but more psychologically. We were ahead of schedule and could reach Minneapolis (site of a friend's wedding on Labor Day) in a couple of days if we wanted to. But, we decided to ride up toward the Boundary Waters just for fun... but riding "just for fun" at this point wasn't super appealing. Throw in some serious saddle sores and the result is full-fledged drudgery... That's why we were elated when Karen and Ed offered to put us up for the night then drive us from (near) the Boundary Waters to the St.Paul-Minneapolis State Fair!















Highlites:
*MN should be recognized as the bike trail state. There are trails which parallel roads almost everywhere.
*Camping/showering free was abundant and easy cuz around every corner there was an inviting lake.
*The MN state fair was a ginormous celebration of local MN products, animals, and entertainment. It was also a celebration in spending!! Everything was way overpriced and it was easy to get swept away because everyone was spending (and we had become soft!). Our favorite attractions were: all-u-can-drink milk station, Bonnie Raitt concert (and tailgetting w/ the drunken comrades who sold us the tickets), soybean info both were we took naps, and Everything-on-a-Stick!