Day 25 Sioux Falls SD to Fairmont MN

“I need something else to hurt so my butt stopes hurting!” Russ

Another LOONG day in the saddle. However the weather was cool, the winds were cross tailwinds for the most part and the Paceline was efficient. We arrived in state number seven in a state of happy exhaustion. I have never had the pleasure of visiting Minnesota. So far my impressions are very favorable. The roads are very good, the drivers are extremely courteous and the farms are well tended. Lots of corn so far as we just missed the corner of Iowa so the climate must be very similar.

The Pace line was efficient and clicking and yours truly stayed disciplined for once. On arrival to Fairmont, a bearded older gentleman zoomed out to meet us on an e-bike and seemed to know a fair amount about our journey from previous groups. I answered many of his questions and he offered to show us a shortcut but apparently missed it and asked us to go back. We never go back especially with the destination in site. I found out from later arriving riders that he owns the bicycle shop in town. He was earnestly offering to sell his store to them.

Overall a good day and everyone was on the bike at least for some of the ride as recovery continues for those afflicted by the gastrointestinal virus. I had thought it would be devastating to complete every mile, (EFI) but how many people will ride over 3000 miles in their lifetime, much less in seven weeks? This is still a very worthy accomplishment. Tomorrow an easier day with a later start.