West. Day 19.
- patti brehler
- Apr 24, 2021
- 3 min read
June 27, 2016
Bismarck to Glen Ullin, North Dakota
Original Facebook post:
POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD June 27, 2016
“Can I help you find anything?” a clerk at Dan’s Market asked me as I wandered the produce department like I’d never seen fruits and vegetables before.
“No,” I said. “I’m just marveling at your selection!”
I was glad I grabbed a handbasket instead of a pushcart. I was practically drooling. Fruit! Two bananas, one apple, one peach. My luck it was Monday – buy one muffin, get a second muffin free. Two fresh-baked bagels. Kind bars just had to be cheaper here than at convenience stores along the route. Packets of tuna fish (no cans!), hummus in a pouch, instant coffee. Meals in a pouch – cheesy Alfredo noodles and Mexican steak with beans and rice.
And not just food. I needed more sunblock, bug spray, toilet paper (that again), and Blistex (the wind and sun wreaked havoc with my lower lip).
By the time I got back to the yogurt section (second breakfast), I suddenly recognized the growing weight on my arm. I had to get out of there!
I hauled four plastic bags out to my bike; a fellow customer joked, “Storage problems?” I laughed, planning on eating at least the yogurt right away.
And there, wadded up on my seat, was my raincoat and yellow bungee cord. Was someone messing with my bike, as the east-bound cyclist at camp last night was concerned about? (“I didn’t feel good leaving my bike out there,” he had said.)
Tucked under the bungee was a note. “This dropped off two blocks south. Thought you might need it.” Signed, with a phone number.
Skirting through Bismarck, along a shady section of bike path between two golf courses, I came upon two women walking. One leaned on a walker. A graying springer spaniel bounced on an easy leash beside the second one.
"Passing on your left," I said. They turn to let me by. People have so encouraged me lately I stopped to chat. "I have never ridden in such horrible wind these last couple days."
They nod. "The winds are worse than usual," the woman with the dog said. "I thought my little plum tree would blow over!"
Indeed.
From my B'76 journal, 40 years prior.
6/27/76
The other day we rode 74 miles. It was great! Most of which we had a tailwind! got into town at 4:00 – fantastic. That night (Landers) went to the show and saw the Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox. Great movie – most of the scenery looked like what we’ve gone through in Wyoming. Then Dave [the other Dave] and I went to a bar – he is an interesting person – born and raised on a small farm in Wisconsin. Has been all over the past few years – got a wandering bug in his blood – I envy his freedom but don’t regret mine.
The next day we stayed in Jeffery City – a “booming” mining town. Strange. Had the best pizza!
Todays’ ride was just the limit! I’ve been feeling stronger every day and enjoying the hell out of everything. It’s been quite windy and we all have to ride sideways with the crosswind. We got a paceline going, although it was more of a group ride. Me, Mike, the tandem, Shirley, Colleen, Miya, Nancy. Such a good time. I felt so rowdy and everyone was so quiet trying to ride – I just started singing – I think I sang for a whole hour. It was fun.
The Bike Inn we’re staying at tonight is really neat. It’s a restored hotel - hot showers. The lobby downstairs is neat with cavings and such with a balcony. Something like Spanish-style.
We got to see the film we missed in Reedsport – “Bike Back into America.” FANTASTIC! I got goosebumps all over just knowing that I’m a part of it. It’s hard to remember just what we’re doing because we’re doing it. If that makes any sense. Am extremely glad I brought my movie camera. Imagine! What I’m going through with these people. I don’t think I’ll ever go through with anyone else. It’s great!
We celebrated the Tomadatchis 1-month birthday tonight. We ate out and had ice cream and pie. We all sang happy birthday! Hm!
By the way – they found out the bad water came from Packer Johns’s Park – we don’t know if it was from the stream or the well – we all had water from both – we all got sick except for Tom and he stayed in a motel that night.
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