Creative Solution

Hello My Friends,

Seventy miles!
Last time I rode 70 miles in one day,
I was much younger.

Here's how it came to be…

In Pipestone, MN there is a bike trail, a rail trail,
First one developed in MN sometime in 1970's.
"Casey Jones Trail.”

I rode that trail for 70 miles.
It is not that long.
I rode back and forth,
Back and forth.

Right now, I can imagine
My strong, long distance road biking friends
Rolling their eyes!

I did too ...
When I first considered possibility.

Sometimes an option that is
Close at hand,
Convenient,
Predictable,
Is good choice ... even if unusual.
Hooray for creative solutions!

Bob & I headed to trail for 16-mile ride together.
Portion of trail resurfaced.
Places where trail crosses road,
Pavement pulled up, broken out,
Being replaced with concrete.

We were able to get off bikes,
Walk around barricades
To intact trail.

On the way back,
Work had progressed,
Pavement chunks piled too steep
To carry bike over.

Two young worker men offered:
Each picked up a bike,
Carried effortlessly to roadway.
Strong, kind,
Our Bike Angels for today.

Not having to watch for traffic
To get completely off road,
Was a gift.

Watching for vehicles, including trucks,
Watching shoulder for trash and rubble,
All tire me.

Here I was with nearly private trail,
Flat and smooth.
That's where I pedaled today's 70 miles.

Reduced number of miles left.
Especially helpful as rain is forecast.

My dear, good Super-SAG, Bob,
Was at trail head to refill water bottles, get snacks,
Encourage me.
Such patience!

Every day he reminds me of the
Tremendous value in Asking for
And Receiving Help!

We are in Pipestone for another night.
Tomorrow's adventure awaits.

Hugs to each of you,
Lin