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Northern MN: Day 6

Hibbing—Mountain Iron Loop: 46 miles

Thursday, June 22, 2017

It’s Never Too Late!
(That goes for you, too!)

Hard rain during night.

Clear morning highlighted puddles on trail,
Raindrops clinging to lengths of grass,
Sparkled like threaded rhinestones.

Loop ride today,
From Hibbing to Mountain Iron and back.
Plan had been to turn around at Virginia, MN.
Weary legs by Mt Iron told us, "Enough.”

Mountain Iron Library was place
We asked for directions to food.
Much discussion with librarian Sally
Suggesting best would be returning to Buhl.

Back ten trail miles to Buhl, MN.
“Buhl Bill's Bar and Burgers" welcomed us,
Along with half dozen motorcycle riders.
Fed us tasty food just right for reenergizing.

Twice today I had funny exchanges about
Being an Old Gal biking.

Librarian Sally told me she had bike hanging in garage,
“I used to bike, not now.”
I told Sally how old I am. Her jaw dropped.
"I'm going home, take down my bike, and start riding again!"

Later back in Hibbing at combo visitor center / senior activity center,
I walked in midst BINGO game,
Seeking Hibbing map.

Woman came to help me,
Asked where we had biked.
I told her.

She peered at me.
"You're not young,” she said.
"78" says I. “You can still follow your dream!”

We laughed together.

Today was day to see lupine blooming.
Swaths of blue on roadsides, under power lines.
Alone, or mixed with daisies, roses, something spiking orange,
Beautiful.

Sending love to each of you,
Lin

Statue of Merritt—first to discover iron here in 1890.

Info about Bruce Mine Head Frame (we don't think we're related!)

"Bruce Mine Head Frame"—a massive device for lifting ore, now trailside. We were interested in namesake contraption!

Very helpful librarians, Sally (and Bob), Mountain Iron Library.

Roadside Attractions: Lovely Lupine!

Lin Bruce
 

Lin McLaughlin Bruce uses stories of her cross-country bicycle adventures post age 60 to inspire and encourage people to reach beyond perceived limitations. In her words, "It's never too late to say 'yes' to bigger things!"

Irene - June 23, 2017

I have been to Hibbing a couple of times and saw Bob Dylan’s house. So glad to know that you are both doing so well. And you are so young at 78! I read once somewhere that age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. So true! Hugs!

    Lin Bruce - June 23, 2017

    I love that: “If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!” Thank you!

Beverly Collier - June 23, 2017

Hi, Old Bicycling Gal! Love your stories. Keep riding! Team work always works!
Love you,
Bev

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