Day 31, Wednesday, July 15, 2015, Mankato, MN to Rochester, MN, 101 miles and 2500 feet of climbing.  There’s an old saying, “What doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.”  I think that is beginning to apply to this tour.  Though it was another 100+ mile day, it was, “Nothing but a step for this stepper.”  Once again the weather was perfect with temps in the upper 70’s, overcast skies and single digit mph wind out of the south.  The roads were good with rolling hills and a few extended climbs thrown in just to keep it interesting.  Unlike most days I did not look at the time between leaving and arriving.  I just road a steady pace and watched the miles click on by.    No sense in worrying what time it was!!  My song for the day was the James Brown tune, “I Feel Good….” I was talking to one of my fellow riders today and he made the point that this ride is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for him and he was really feeling fortunate to be here.  As we parted ways I reminded myself that this is my second opportunity to ride cross country like this.  I am double fortunate, oh yes I am!  It was nice to ride into Rochester, the home of Mayo Clinic.  I wanted to take some pictures, but the traffic was heavy and the navigating through town was tedious.  I just hope that I never have to visit this town.

 

An espresso with a sunrise at Caribou Coffee.  Of all of the franchise coffee shops I prefer Starbuck, bottoms up!

 

Leaving Mankato, MN.  Here comes the sun.....

 

Neil is one of my favorite riders.  Like me he prefers to ride solo, and doesn't say much, unless it is important!

 

Georgia Bob aka Bobby.  Retired military officer, grew up in southern Georgia near where Jimmy Carter lives, (but he NEVER voted for Jimmy!)  He has given me lots of tips for preparing "Oker" aka Okra and refers to corn fields as "Grit Fields".  Oh, and he is one strong rider.

 

Dentist Bob.  Though I am not certain, I have come to suspect that in his practice he does not utilize Novacaine (or any pain meds) and that his preferred tools are needle nose plyers, a hammer and a chisel.

 

Colorado Paul.  Riding to raise money for MS and in memory of his wife who recently passed away from MS.  Strong, steady ride and a heck of a nice guy.

 

 

This guy grew up in New Jersey, resides in Texas, pilots a tandem bicycle with his wife in the back and is riding this ride to celebrate his 50th birthday.  I don't think I need to say anything more...

 

One of the many hog raising operations we passed today.  If I could attach an audio file you would hear a whole lot of squealing and grunting.  If we had "scratch and sniff" digital technology you would get the entire essence of what I experienced!  I saw an interesting sign today.  It pictured a young guy with the caption, "I'd really like to grow my own food, but I can't find any bacon seeds!"

 

Small town America.