People like bike tourists. I am not sure what it is but it's a fact. Last night we had our best night of sleep on the trip at Donn Olson's Adventure Bicycling Bunkhouse in Dalbo, MN. The bunkhouse was made of roughly hewn, full-grown trees and the outhouse and outdoor shower were made with real 2x4's and 2x10's which had logging and farming paraphernalia tacked to the walls--in essence it looked like a homestead circa 1900. In the hay loft, above the bunkhouse, we hung our wet supplies to dry and then enjoyed the amenities of the kitchen. It had two fridges, a pizza and coffee maker, as well as dishes, cutlery, and cycling tools. The place was also stocked with high calorie foods ands drinks with prices written on them with magic marker. We ate three pizzas and a handfull of other treats and drinks, including breakfast for $7.50. What? No one was home, Donn was in Alaska when we called and he told us to "make ourselves at home." If that was not enough there were samurai and pirate swords in the loft. We took many pictures and videos.
Many thanks to Sandra for teaching Jer how to use his new camera! Sandra, Ben, and Connor are on the same trail but are pulling off almost 100 mile rides every day. Maybe tomorrow. And hopefully we get to see them again.
Cycling today was smooth. Very few hills and great weather. We were lost for one minute and somebody pulled up and gave us directions to the nearest town and said we were crazy as he laughed and drove away.
Tonight we ended our ride in Bowlus, MN, a small town of 290 people in central Minnesota. After a beer at the local tavern we headed to Jordie's Trailside Cafe, which sits next to the Lake Wobegan bicycle trail--part of the Northern Tier Bicycle Route created by the Adventure Cycling Association.
We barely had to introduce ourselves before Jordie, the owner, advized us not to camp in the city park which costs 10 bucks a tent but in her backyard garden. The cafe is a small oassis with an outdoor pavilion and cycling-themed decorations. Jordie said their business would not survive if they did not embrace the cyclists from the trail. We dig it.
Once inside the cafe's garden we met a few nuns from the local parish who were interested in our journey. They took a picture of us and gave us their blessing. Then we had some really good burgers which a couple at the restaurant paid $10 towards. The owners ended up having us put our bikes and tents under the pavilion because it might get wet tonight. It's weird feeling taken care of like this but we're definitely getting used to it.
a restful evening
awesome kindness of strangers
we roll with smiles
Miles Logged Today: 63
Total: 216
Jordie's Trailside Cafe in Bowlus, MN
No comments:
Post a Comment