Good afternoon from Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Yes, that's right, MINNESOTA!!! No offense to our North Dakota friends, but there's not a whole lot going on in ND except for wind, mosquitos, and huge farms. We enjoyed our time there, but we were happy to cross the Red River outside of Fargo this morning and get into the "Land of Ten Thousand Lakes".
We had three big days in a row and decided to do an easier 60 mile day today. We finished off our time in ND with a 90-miler into Fargo and then a great tune-up at Island Park Cycles. It was a great feeling to get on this morning with a new chain, new tires, and dialed-in brakes and shifters.
I thought I would depart from the normal trip updates and fill you all in on some of the unique things that we've learned while riding our bike across the country. One of the big things is the Cost-Calorie Analysis that I undertake every time we stop to get food. Usually we just fill up water, use the facilities, and get going, but every once in a while we'll be feeling low on the ole blood sugar and need a boost. I do a little browsing and review the nutirtional info on various snack items. Actually, I don't review the nutritional info or ingredients completely, just the calories. Then I check the price and see what kind of deal I'm getting for the money : ) This morning I had a latte and two day-old doughnuts (probably shouldn't become a habit). The doughnuts must have been at least 300 calories each and they were only...are you ready for this?...$0.59!!! That's a $1.08 for 600 calories. I did the analysis and I liked the results. Fruit pies rank high in the cost-calorie analysis too. Usually around $0.89, these babies pack in 450 calories of sweet goodness : ) I think the ultimate example of cost-calorie analysis is the 2/$1.00 Hostess Choco-Diles (chocolate-covered twinkies) that I found in eastern Montana. At 400 calories each, I barely had room for dinner. (DISCLAIMER: I am a strong advocate for organic, sustainable agriculture and food production methods. I enjoy fresh, healthy food. I do not plan on continuing these dietary habits into the future, but we are often confronted with the fact that it is difficult to get quality food from gas stations. I realize biking 5,000 miles is not an excuse to abandon healthy eating habits, but I'm enjoying it : )
While I am riding and dreaming of all the potential meal options, Jenny seems to care more about showering. I have a hard time understanding this. She is happy with a piece of lettuce and some pickles as long as she is clean and fresh. But we are not always 'clean and fresh' which brings me to my next point. Can you think of four things that would put you in an irritable state? How about tired, sore, hungry, and sweaty? Now think about bike touring...we are pretty much in this state 8-9 hours of the day, but that's the beauty of it. As I said in my last post, we appreciate the simple things so much more. We are also learning how to make decisions together under stressful circumstances and how to laugh at ourselves. I am learning how to give Jenny support and encouragement in meaningful ways and she is teaching me that not everything needs to be go-hard-as-you-can all the time.
We are learning to highly value public libraries and parks.
We are seeing that a simple smile, wave, or thumbs up from a stranger can greatly enhance your attitude.
We value quality road construction and maintenance (something we may take for granted in a car).
We are learning that a song, either a silly improvisational song or an inspirational hymn, can give strength in tough times.
Also, as I've seen many broken glass bottles along the side of the road, I think about how someone made a conscious decision to throw that garbage out the window and how that could drastically alter our day (flat tire) and/or potentially harm us. Then I think about how all the decisions we make have potential impacts on others...I want to consider those impacts before I make decisions and be sure I try to minimize the negative impacts I have on others.
There you go, some of the many things we are experiencing and/or thinking about while riding. God is leading us every pedal stroke of the way and above all we are seeing that He is good and He deserves our respect, praise, and love. The scenes we've taken in and the gracious people we've met are small expressions of God's infinite love and we are grateful.
The new total for the '5,000 for Thirst' fundraising efforts is $5,868.00. Incredible! Thank you all for your support. We hope to get some more media coverage in Wisconsin and Michigan so I'll keep you informed on that.
Lots of love,
Scott and Jenny
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