Day 28 - July 25th - New Ulm, MN to Owatonna, MN
| Route Distance: | 71 | Average Speed: | 15.6 | |
| Total Distance: | 1913 | Maximum Speed: | 40.0 | |
| Riding Distance: | 71.4 | Elevation Gain: | TBA | |
| Riding Time: | 4:34 |
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| Picture Notes: Fog on the river in New Ulm Corn, corn and more corn Red Bull - Breakfast of Champions Hey, are those new bicycle jerseys? Alan, our mechanic Click here for more pictures from today |
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| A good day on the bike today - calm winds, not
too hot or cold, very few hills. We polished off the 71 miles by around 1:00
pm which included a couple of rest stops for lunch and a stop to print some
pictures at Wal-Mart. We rolled out of New Ulm after breakfast, and again
headed east through Minnesota farmland, which is primarily corn and
soybeans, with the occasional cattle ranch. There was quite a bit of
construction in the first 20 miles with the shoulder torn up here and there.
It seems that the Minnesota construction crews generally put the
"shoulder construction" signs after the actual construction, and not
before. Maybe it makes sense if you're driving by at 60 mph, but at our
speed it didn't seem to make sense. We've started counting the number of times we pass Justine along the way, as we generally ride faster than her but we stop while she keeps going. I think we're up to 87 for the trip so far; the counting has become somewhat of a sport and we keep threatening to pass her and then stop immediately so she passes us again. All part of the Big Ride fun... We again had the chance to stop in the towns along the way and took several opportunities to chat with local residents about what we're doing. It's really fun to share the experience with others and gauge the varying reactions to this trip. We do have to be very clear that "bikes" refers to bicycles and not motorcycles, which amazes people even more. We're camped tonight at the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatonna, MN. We have a small grass field next to the (unfortunately closed) Beer Garden, and the showers are on the somewhat primitive side, but they supplied hot water and a way to get clean so it wasn't all that bad. At least ½ of the group ended up at a nearby Mexican restaurant for dinner, and I'm finishing this up as I digest the meal and listen to my MP3 player at one of the picnic tables. I'm feeling tired today even though yesterday was a rest day and today's ride wasn't too difficult; I think it's the continuing routine of riding and camping. I'm also missing my family more and more, and while I'm completely enjoying and immersed in this incredible adventure, I'll be glad to get back home. I would like to take today to thank all of my sponsors that have helped me raise over $12,000 for the American Lung Association - I couldn't do this without you, and neither could the Lung Association:
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