Day 29. Worthington, MN. 70 miles. 1,300 ft climb

On to State # 5--Minnesota.  The ride out of Sioux Falls was supposed to be on a great bike path around the city, but that, too, has been flooded out.  So, the ABB handlers (that's what the staff are called) figured out a new route out of the city that still allowed the riders to go pass the namesake falls, which also were very full.

A Falls Named Sioux

 Terry got a really nice photo taken by Lucy with her new camera, and then they couldn't resist a little hamming it up. (Remember, she's the youngest rider, also from England.)  Lucy sent me the photos and I couldn't believe Terry's beard!  I've never seen him with that much before. 

Sioux Falls

Oldest & Youngest

 Like or Dislike?

 Almost immediately upon leaving South Dakota and entering Minnesota, the roads got better, everything got even greener, the farms and houses got tidier with nicely planted gardens, fresh paint and no extra cars or farm equipment lying about.  Sounds like Garrison Keiler's Lake Wobegon, doesn't it, "where the women are pretty, the men are good looking, and the children above average."   Maybe there's truth to that after all!

They had rolling terrain, no major hills and even some tailwinds.   It was sunny and already in the high 70's at 6:30 am when they started and got up to the mid 90's by late morning. The heat and humidity were a challenge for many riders, but the ABB Support Vans were continuously making sure everyone had enough water and staying hydrated.  Terry still didn't really suffer from the heat---much to the envy of the others--although he did get some leg cramps, which might have been a symptom of electrolyte imbalance.  He took some salt pills and that went away.  They rode through miles of corn fields and some wheat fields, but given the flat terrain, everybody got in early.

They were delighted to find their rooms ready (which isn't always the case and they have wait around awhile to check into their rooms)  and a beautiful fruit, veggie & yogurt spread laid out by their motel to welcome them.   It seems that really scored some big points with the riders since many of them mentioned it on their own blogs.  Small things can make a big difference.

Tomorrow is a century ride of 102 miles and it's forecast to be hot and humid again.  Heat warnings are up throughout the Midwest.  Another weather pattern they'll have to contend with, probably until they cross Lake Michigan in 7 days, but at least it's mostly flat terrain.