The North Dakota Flatlands

Easier riding today

June 30, 2009: Stanley, ND to Minot, ND

Our encampment in Stanley, ND was located next to a rail line. We used our location to our advantage, however, in determining that the Amtrak train carrying our friends Joe and Adeliza, (the proper spelling of her name, by the way) would be stopping in Stanley to pick up passengers. We stood by the tracks like a bunch of vagabonds, waiting for the train. Upon its arrival, we were able to spend about 90 seconds waving to our friends prior to the train’s departure. So much for the excitement in Stanley.

After a sound sleep, we prepared for the ride from Stanley to Minot. As we rode, we once again faced headwinds, although only of 5-10 mph variety, compared to the 15-20 mph monsters of yesterday’s ride. The terrain was also much flatter, with very few of the state’’s famous rollers.

As we’ve ridden across North Dakota, all of us have generally agreed that the condition of the highways and shoulders here are significantly better than those that we experienced in Montana. This perception changed, however, as we drew closer to Minot and out of the oil-producing region of North Dakota. Fifteen miles west of Minot, the roads became perceptibly worse and the shoulders, in some instances, non-existent. The money from big oil must speak volumes.

Otherwise, today’s ride passed without incident, with the notable exception of Chicken’s sixth flat tire of the journey.

Upon our arrival in Minot, several of us made a quick trip to Val’s Cyclery.  The group had a need to purchase supplies such as Chamoix Butter and tubes (Primarily for Chicken).

Tomorrow’s ride will take us to Rugby, ND, the geographical center of the USA.

Today’s riding distance: 61 miles. Elevation climbed: 1,240 feet.

Yesterday’s riding distance: 68 miles. Elevation climbed: 2,380 feet

Shopping at Val's Cyclery

Departing from Stanley