Day 52 – Aug 3, 2015 – Hastings MN (via Prescot WI) to Lake City MN – 53 miles
Ok issues. Lots of issues. My bike had problems. I had major issues going up hills. As soon as there was pressure from the harder pedaling, pushing up the hills felt like I was riding up hill on my lowest gear with the breaks on. We decided to stay around and find help. Luckily we found a very nice place, Bicycle Bob’s in Prescott. Unfortunately, it was back tracking 6.5 miles for a total 13 extra miles. Bob is a retired man who has created a little bike co-op where he fixes bikes for free but will accept a nominal donation. He does it out of his garage.
Bad news. Bob checked things out and took my back wheel off. He felt that the bearings were adjusted too tight. He fiddled around with it for a good 30-40 mins and also found that my rear wheel was a little out of true. That means it was wobbling because a few spokes were not tight. He eye balled it an adjusted it. I tested the bike and it felt a whole lot better. Yet, I had trepidations because we still had over one thousand miles to go. Gregg mentioned to Bob that perhaps the packing of the bearings need to be redone. I agree, that is probably what needed to be done, but Bob’s place was probably just not up for it. He could have done it but it would have taken more time than we had to spare.
So we went on our way very late in the day. We did not get out of the Hastings area until about 1:00pm. Not a very good start time. We pedaled along trying to follow the MRT- this great Mississippi River Trail. First of all, it is no where near the Mississippi river. Secondly, it takes you on “family bike trails” that meander around the towns and country side, and basically waste our time. We are trying to make miles. This is been our biggest problem as we diverged from our original tour plans.
Finally we hit a road, HW 316 that brought us back into our groove. And to Gregg’s delight, we had a tailwind too. So, we made some miles but far too late in the day. When we finally got to Red Wing (yes the place that makes the shoes/boots) I started getting nervous and upset that we will not be able to make it across this country at the pace we are doing.
Gregg this morning expressed real fatigue. He said, he was tired, his body was tired, and he could not do so many long days in succession. Lack of sleep is what he was complaining about. Well, I have to say that I am also very tired. I wouldn’t say because of lack of sleep. But my bones are hurting. My knees, shines splints (probably from the dragging bearings on the rear wheel) my arms, my mid and lower back, yep all of that. But I am dealing with that pain. Gregg too complains about lower back pain.
But more than anything it is a difference of attitude about what this is all about. For Gregg it is about an extended bike tour, something he has done for 30 years every school vacation. Yes, it is a longer vacation for him. He is not really about the pushing through to get there in time, but more about let’s do it in a way that doesn’t hurt too much. On the other hand, for me, especially after experiencing the PCT hikers last year, I know that there is a lot more to it. It is about perseverance, about pushing sometime when you may have wanted to stop about 20 miles earlier. I know, that if we want to make it, there will be really hard days.
So, there were a lot of arguments today. At one point Gregg said he would even drive a car beside me and support me but didn’t feel it was necessary to really “do it all”. (Gregg here — that is not how I meant it) I felt that I really wanted to give it my best shot. Yes, bike mechanical issues have to be dealt with. We still need to seek out a “real” bike shop to repack my wheels and do a major tune up. But, still, I feel like I would like to see if we could make it.
The main issue at hand is timing. We have a train to catch in Washington DC on Sept 5. At the time we diverged from our original plan up near Granby MN, we were about 3 days behind, which would have brought us into DC around Aug 31. The plan to cut off sometime didn’t really work because we are not really doing the 55-80-75 mile days that I had planned in the lake areas of Wisconsin. We have fallen behind.
So this evening, we found a very nice place to stay at Lake City MN called Willow Lake Resort. We cooked in a kitchen and had our famous curry, this time with fresh ground pork, and we looked at the BIG picture. As it turns out we may still be able to make it. We may have to stop in La Crosse and fix my bike but….maybe it is still doable. Tomorrow we rise early – and try for a 83 mile day to La Crosse. Wish us luck – that our attitude stays positive and that our bikes don’t fall apart.
auchandgrog
I am so glad that you got the postcard! Much of this is a blur in terms of time and place although all the places stand out so much. Fargo was a good one. It is hard to put it all into words. I am so exhausted when I write much of this stuff. It is so exciting to think that people are reading it. I feel that this journey is doing something, to my muscles, to my joints and to my soul, and that is good.Yes, we are doing it as we can and we may get on a train, or a van to make it through, let’s see? Hugs Audrey
auchandgrog
Hey there. Yep, the Kili experience is right there with me all the time. It was 5 days, this is taking a little bit longer. I am so glad that you are following our blog. I hope your are well. I think of all my friends so often. This experience puts many things into perspective. Love – Audrey
auchandgrog
Hi Pete, Gregg here,
I look forward to doing a show and tell at a future bike camping trip. Now we I can say day 53, not so hard. Have you actually found the some of the street views on google? We have stopped a few law enforcement guys for directions. One guy the other day started to tell us his life story…very talkative that guy. We too look for good stuff by the side of the road. Most of it I reject not because it is not good stuff, but because I don’t want to carry it. We do, however, have a few Montana Licence plates we sent home.
Anthony Henin
Courage! You’ve climbed the highest mountain in Africa, so this should be a cinch. 😛
Dagmar
Liebe Audrey, I see you and Gregg on the road figuring it out. But know this: Everything is a right decision. Maybe this is the lesson of the trip that it demands its own tribute and your plan is just not that important. The ride determines its own course. It is after all NOT work, not a task to be accomplished according to “the” rules, but its own thing, here and now, with Audrey and Gregg and the road and what it demands. Who cares if you jump on the train for some 200 miles to catch up East or get off the train West later for a day or two to tread the asphalt in Texas? Yes, it is all not so easy with trains and tickets and schedules. Or is it 🙂 Enjoy this amazing life, this moment on the bike, wherever you are. That is what counts. All the miles behind you and ahead of you are just that. You’ll figure it out. And it will all be alright.
Got your postcard from Frago today. Made me smile. A postcard from Fargo… Thank you! Big hug!!!
Robin and Peggy
Hang in there guys! Everyone is routing for you. My colleagues at work ask “Where r they today?”
Everyone I tell your story to is amazed, but to be honest, the first thing everyone seems to comment on is 3 months alone together 24/7??? That’s a challenge. You guys have done great up to now.
Just think of all you sacrificed in the heat of eastern Washington and the dreary never-ending plains of eastern Montana and North Dakota. A dip of your tires in the Chesapeake Bay will make it worth it.
You can do it.
Pete
Sending some positive vibes your way. Can’t wait till the next time we’re sitting around the campfire together and you’re sharing the stories. It’s so easy to SAY day 52. Tough to live it. Having a lot of fun trying to find the same view/angles on Google Street View as your pictures. Have you guys been stopped by any law enforcement? Any new mental distraction games you’re playing Audrey? I’ve started to look for money again on long grinding uphills. It keeps me from looking up. I used to have lots of luck before the invention of debit cards. Especially areas where it would blow against chain link fences. Kinda like a fishing net.