More riding through farmland awaited us after leaving Brookings, and we were soon at the Minnesota border - our sixth state! We took the requisite photos, refilled water bottles, and headed out for the last 16 miles to Tyler, MN with a strengthening wind at our backs. With that wind came the threat of thunderstorms, and each glance in our mirrors made us ride just a bit faster. Bruce and I covered the distance in short order and we rolled into Tyler still dry. We helped unload the gear bags from the truck and quickly setup camp, but the weather then cleared. The forecast is again for cool temperatures tonight with a chance of thunderstorms, so we should sleep just fine. We're camped behind one of the local churches on a lawn dotted with large trees - quite a sight to see our little community spring up in such a beautiful location.

Dinner was provided by some of the women of the church where we're staying; spaghetti, salads, and wonderful pie. This is a quiet and friendly mostly Danish community, and rumor has it that tomorrow's breakfast will feature some traditional Danish pancakes.

It was sad to see Gerry go today but he has many bicycling adventures ahead of him this summer (RAGBRAI next week, then the Big Ride Pacific Coast in September). Since he lives on Whidbey Island and skis at Stevens Pass, I look forward to seeing him soon. he's really an inspiration, a strong rider and a kind and gentle person. I only hope I can achieve the same at his age. We'll miss you the rest of the trip, Gerry!