First stop in Minneapolis was at REI, 7 miles in the opposite direction of where we needed to go. A great spot to re-supply and we were hoping to find Adventure Cycling maps, a non-profit company that offers 40,000 miles of cycle specific routes throughout North America. We were on the hunt for the Northern Tier maps but could not find them because no stores in the Minneapolis area carried them. In order to get these maps, you must have them sent to your home or an address. As we do not have a home and often do not know where we are headed, this turned out to be a difficult task. No maps at REI, but as always, the employees were extremely helpful and curious about our travels. It was a great introduction into Minneapolis because the people could not have been nicer which was a trend throughout our entire time in Minnesota. Minnesota nice is a phrase for a reason.
Next stop, Whole Foods. Oh wonderful wonderful Whole Foods. We devoured a huge salad for lunch, something we have been craving since most of our vegetables in Central America were always cooked. We stocked up on quinoa (a fantastic and healthy alternative to rice that seems to last much longer in our stomachs compared to rice or couscous), dried fruit, nuts and bulk items before hitting Trader Joe's for their brand of tasty bites. All set to ride.
Although we would have liked to spend more time in the Minneapolis area, we were anxious to sit in our saddles and make headway. Our first night was at Lake Elmo, 35 miles outside of Minneapolis. Riding the last hour in the rain, we hunkered down under the awning in the campground to wait out the storm before setting up our tent. We were approached by a tall man in his early 60's who had also ridden across country with his wife a few years back and was willing to share his maps. He and his wife turned out to be the camp hosts. They retired a few years back and sold their house and business in exchange for an RV and a life on the road. Kudos to them. They act as campground hosts in Big Bend National Park in Texas in the winter and Minnesota in the spring/summer and take trips in between. In their 50's they decided to ride from Bellingham, WA to Bar Harbor, ME. Wow, we were in awe. Great conversations and a few hours later, we had wide grins on our faces hearing of their experiences and were given their maps of the northern tier. How lucky are we? The best bike routes to get us to Buffalo. Thank you generous people.
An extra day at Lake Elmo due to the massive storms rolling through, we eventually made our way north and east. The roads were paved, the people could not have been nicer and the sun was shining. We were in heaven and soaking up every second of being back on our bikes and back in the United States. Traveling overseas is definitely appreciated, but we were ready for some exercise. Exercise and no people whistling at us, which seems to be the national past time in Central America. Just the sounds of the birds and frogs serenade us as we ride the fairly desolate roads.
Having smoothly paved roads and wide shoulders for cycling is a definite bonus, but the food is also wonderful. We more or less survive on pancakes and Subway. We find that our meals are shared with the local retirees, eavesdropping on their stories of the fish they have caught and the bear encounters within the last few days. We see ourselves sitting at these tables at their age, hopefully sharing stories of our experiences on the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota or the rivers in Wisconsin. There is much to explore in these rural areas and we will do so one day. Until then we will continue our way east into Michigan, filling up on pancakes and $5 foot long subs from Subway. The long days of sunlight allow for long rides, averaging close to 70 mile days.
Next stop, Whole Foods. Oh wonderful wonderful Whole Foods. We devoured a huge salad for lunch, something we have been craving since most of our vegetables in Central America were always cooked. We stocked up on quinoa (a fantastic and healthy alternative to rice that seems to last much longer in our stomachs compared to rice or couscous), dried fruit, nuts and bulk items before hitting Trader Joe's for their brand of tasty bites. All set to ride.
Although we would have liked to spend more time in the Minneapolis area, we were anxious to sit in our saddles and make headway. Our first night was at Lake Elmo, 35 miles outside of Minneapolis. Riding the last hour in the rain, we hunkered down under the awning in the campground to wait out the storm before setting up our tent. We were approached by a tall man in his early 60's who had also ridden across country with his wife a few years back and was willing to share his maps. He and his wife turned out to be the camp hosts. They retired a few years back and sold their house and business in exchange for an RV and a life on the road. Kudos to them. They act as campground hosts in Big Bend National Park in Texas in the winter and Minnesota in the spring/summer and take trips in between. In their 50's they decided to ride from Bellingham, WA to Bar Harbor, ME. Wow, we were in awe. Great conversations and a few hours later, we had wide grins on our faces hearing of their experiences and were given their maps of the northern tier. How lucky are we? The best bike routes to get us to Buffalo. Thank you generous people.
An extra day at Lake Elmo due to the massive storms rolling through, we eventually made our way north and east. The roads were paved, the people could not have been nicer and the sun was shining. We were in heaven and soaking up every second of being back on our bikes and back in the United States. Traveling overseas is definitely appreciated, but we were ready for some exercise. Exercise and no people whistling at us, which seems to be the national past time in Central America. Just the sounds of the birds and frogs serenade us as we ride the fairly desolate roads.
Having smoothly paved roads and wide shoulders for cycling is a definite bonus, but the food is also wonderful. We more or less survive on pancakes and Subway. We find that our meals are shared with the local retirees, eavesdropping on their stories of the fish they have caught and the bear encounters within the last few days. We see ourselves sitting at these tables at their age, hopefully sharing stories of our experiences on the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota or the rivers in Wisconsin. There is much to explore in these rural areas and we will do so one day. Until then we will continue our way east into Michigan, filling up on pancakes and $5 foot long subs from Subway. The long days of sunlight allow for long rides, averaging close to 70 mile days.
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