4:44 ST
14.5 avg
"The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord o my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship your holy name..."
(Matt Redman)
It rained in the night but the roads were dry by the time we left at 6:40. There was already a nice little NW breeze but nothing that intimidated us. Besides, it was supposed to change to an easterly as the day wore on.
This picture pretty much tells what the ride consisted of today: flat (blessedly flat!), cloudy (blessedly cool), wide shoulder (Notice where the rumble strip isn't. It isn't across the width of the shoulder like yesterday.) The only thing you don't see is the wind.
This was actually not a bad place for a break. It was a closed weigh station so there was no traffic, and it was a shelter from the wind. The rest of our stops were just alongside the road today because, for 60 miles, there was not one gas station or convenience store. 60 miles!
Riding the interstate is not typically what we choose, but I-29 has not been bad, as I mentioned yesterday. Interstates are usually noisier, mostly because of the 18-wheelers. But sometimes they are an advantage, especially when the wind comes from our left. And especially when two trucks pass us at the same time. (We have come to call that a "double wide".) They cut off the wind, then the "backdraft" catches us and gives us a nice little boost. Sweet!
We reached the outskirts of Fargo about 11:30 and these were some fireworks stores we saw. They were all within a short distance of each other; in fact, two them were right next door to each other. (If you don't know already, we usually work with Tracy and Renee, my brother and sister-in-law, at their fireworks stand each year, thus the interest.)
We liked this last one. You can just see through the tree that the sign says "Generous Jerry's Fireworks".
We went to the bike shop that was recommended to us to get the front chain and front tire replaced.
We ended up replacing both chains, the front tire, a shift cable, shift cable housings, having the shifting adjusted and the front bar tape rewrapped. Oh, and new bar end caps to replace the ones Silver Streak has recklessly lost . Umm, yeah, a bit more than we had planned. But at least the chain shouldn't fall off like it did twice yesterday.
Having lunch seemed like a good thing to do while we waited so we went next door to ..... McDonald's. Yep, Gerry's choice.
After he enjoyed his cheeseburgers and fries, we went across the street to Subway for me. :o)
A little break behind the bike shop before going to our Warmshowers hosts.
God blessed us by directing us to Rick and Stacy and their family. It was so enjoyable to fellowship with believers! They very graciously welcomed us into their home, and fed us HOMEMADE lasagna and HOMEMADE brownies! Oh my, you have no idea what a treat that was. A shower and comfortable bed are also included. Thank you - we are very grateful.
My favorite name for today:
"Chahinkapa Zoo"
We can tell you are praying for us. For the first day in a couple weeks, I didn't have a headache all morning. And Gerry's shin is a bit better today. Thank you!
I was asked about how my ears are doing. They are better, though not 100%. I still have some pressure and a feeling of them being a little plugged. I will probably have them checked again when we get home.
Also, we have tried to reply to your comments on the blog but, for some reason, it isn't working. We do read them and so appreciate the encouragement.
Stacy told us that a bicyclist was killed here last week by a distracted driver, then Gerry read tonight that a bicyclist was killed right outside Bozeman yesterday. WE DO NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED THE PROTECTION THAT GOD IS AFFORDING US. We have had several close calls and are convinced that God's angels surround us and your prayer for us is effective.
Yesterday, we finished our fourth week. Looks like two to three weeks left.
Tomorrow will be 75-80 miles to Grand Forks. Weatherunderground says SE winds. If that proves to be true - yahoo!
"Let me be singing when the evening comes",
Pat
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