The state of Minnesota has a fantastic bike trail system. From Park Rapids I headed east on the Heartland Trail, then south towards Brainerd on the Paul Bunyan Trail. The first few miles of the Paul Bunyan were very hilly, through a heavily forested area. Very fun biking. It turned into a big mileage day. I met my hosts, and fellow cyclists, Jack Olsen and Yvonne Leiser at an intersection on the bike path. We loaded my bike into their truck alongside their tandem recumbent, then off to join a other cyclists for a local group ride. Jack Yvonne and I agreed on a shorter route than those that were offered. I ended the day with 102 miles and fell asleep in a chair at the cookout after the group ride. That night I awoke to a strange sound out on Jack and Yvonne’s deck. I grabbed a flashlight and went outside to investigate. I found a fat raccoon looking back at me from up in a tree! I went back to sleep without any further raccoon chatter waking me up.
Had a great visit with Alan Zemek and his sister in law, Karen. Karen, cooked up a fantastic meal asparagus, potatoes, and steak. After dinner we went out on red hook lake on Alan’s boat. Alan gave a tour of the area while Karen caught sunfish and a colorful sunset appeared, accompanied by the soulful sound of loons. Alan gave me a copy of his new book, Generation Busted, it looks like worthwhile reading. Before heading out on the heartland trail I visited with a group of community leaders at the local coffee shop. Thanks again Alan Zemek for the great stay in Park Rapids.
Before leaving Bemidji, Mike and I went to the local country radio station, KB101 and had a brief interview promoting the Habitat 500, with host Heidi Boyd. Also, I got my rear wheel spoke replaced at the Home Place Bike and Ski Shop. Pleasant ride down to Park Rapids, got close to Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Al Bontrager and I met up with fellow rider Mike Fiske, #121, at Perkins for breakfast. Mike hasn’t done much biking in the past 40 years. Literally. But, I think Mike has the drive and the sense of humor it takes to have a great ride. I’m looking forward to meeting up again in Sandstone. Thanks again for the lodging Al.
The spoke survived the ride to Bemidji. There were some nice big rolling hills on the way. I met my host Al Bontrager on the west side of town at a church softball game. Before heading to his house, I pedaled a few more miles to make it an even 100 for the day.