60th Reunion Ride: Day 1

June 24, 2016

I am underway with this ride!

Longer than I had imagined for first day—
It worked & I am tired, bit stiff, ready for early bedtime.

Most of ride on bike trails
Let me soak up joy of biking.
No traffic meant
Miles of total "breezing."
Very fun and only five other riders all day.

Out this morning at 5:50 a.m.
Bit later than I'd pictured and plenty early.
Out through Dundas, MN where on whim,
I stopped at "Martha's,"
Small coffee shop open only Fri. and Sat.,
Filled with delicious homemade baked wonders.

At counter requested special something to start my ride to Wyoming.
Martha, her father, two customers all interested and cheering.
Man said, "oh, you are the one my wife read about."
Woman asked what kind of bike I ride.
Martha asked how old I am.
Father said "What difference does that make?"
His comment captures why I am making this trip.
Because I can at any age.

Martha's father gave me surprising gift.
He asked to give me powerful blessing / extraordinary well wishes.
Words for strength, joy, safety.
Winged me through the day.

On Sakatah Trail today,
Self care was top of my list.
There was bakery item w/ strong bottled coffee.
Later lunch in a cafe.
Two times of lying on picnic bench to rest.
Lots of water.

Route through Mankato,
Bit tedious, sidewalk riding through
Old town Mankato; new to me.

Other side of city, beside YMCA
Found "Red Jacket Trail."
Plan was to bike to Radian
Be picked up by Bob.

Red Jacket Trail interesting with several loop alternatives,
Meaning I was riding
Nowhere near where Bob was driving.
Fortunately each has cell phone!
Many calls exchanged,
Rendezvous finally made.
All is well for both, even with extra miles.

Probably today held biggest challenge in connecting.
I rode alone all day on trails—
Bob as end of day pick up vehicle—
One time arrangement for trip.

Tonight we are back in our Northfield Village-On-Cannon home.
Ending this day sleeping here,
Tomorrow both leaving together in car
To start ride at point where today finished.

Before sleep time,
Car will get packed.
So MANY bits and pieces
Covering needs for different places,
Different adventures.

I'm excited, delighted, grateful
To be making this ride.
Lucky me.

Hugs,
Lin