I-94 or County Road 39 from Jamestown to Steele, ND? As I ate a delicious slice of homemade banana bread, plus my usual of hard boiled eggs, cereal, juice and coffee I pondered which highway to ride the 65 miles to Steele. I chose “Big boy highway” over rural farm road with the potential of encountering over protective farm dogs. Also, if I got “smooched” by a big truck I would never know what hit me and depart doing what I enjoy. On the other hand, I would probably survive a dog encounter, but the bite would be painful, the recovery long and painful, and my journey would be over. So I-94 was the choice!
ND is FLAT, but for a biker that is a good thing. In the above photo, looking East, you can just make out I-94 which was my highway of choice for today. When I stopped to take this photo I noticed my Garmin 520 cycle computer indicated an altitude of almost 1,900 feet. With a slight tailwind and temperatures in the low 80’s I barely noticed the climb. (Or it might be that after almost 2,000 miles my quads are a bit stronger than a month ago.)
At one point I came upon a herd of cattle just standing still, eating grass and looking totally bored with life. For some reason I hit play on my iPhone and the song “Knee Deep” by the Zack Brown band started playing. Believe it or not, the cows immediately looked up, started wildly swinging their tails and I am sure I saw a few trying to dance. I slowed down to observe them more closely and I truly believe hearing Zack’s “Knee Deep” brought some joy to my new bovine friends. I gave them a loud “Moo” and got back to pedaling. Crazy, but true story. (If you have not heard “Knee Deep” or “Toes” by Zack Brown, find the songs on iTunes and enjoy. I promise will see why ND cows love to hear a bit of rock n roll as they munch and crunch.)
One huge benefit of riding I-94 is the beautiful rest stops! Highway developers place the rest stops about 30-40 miles apart, which is super for travel by car, but for a biker that is about one rest stop per DAY. The above was at about mile 45, so a perfect place for me to visit with fellow travelers, eat a snack and drink a bottle of water.
At mile 63 I came upon this gorgeous view! I have no idea what the yellow crop is, but it is the first time I have seen anything as pretty as the above. (The flowers were not sunflowers, but someone reading this post will hopefully know what grows in ND and is yellow.)
Short post today, but “Have WiFi, will post!” (Anyone remember the below TV show?)
Bismark, ND tomorrow!
Greg
I have a pretty good bike trip/cow story from my YFC Hawai’i bike trip in high school. Will have to tell you one day! 😂
I think it is a field of canola.
Yeah Diana the farmer got it right. I am staying at a B & B in Glen Ullin, ND and the owner’s husband was a farmer in the area forever, age 90. I asked him and he said the yellow field is Canola, just like Diana said.
Thanks Diana, I knew someone with farming background would know the crop!
Greg
“There’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark out, and we’re wearing sunglasses. Hit it!” I know you’re going the other direction, but this seemed appropriate given your first picture. Glad you could liven up bovine lives with a little Zack Brown; always good to put pep in your step. Stay safe, and keep the great pictures coming!
Glad the journey is going well Greg. Loved the story of Anita joining you! Just returned from my annual audit of Whittier and seemed so strange to not see Anita there in her hiviz pink vest and big smile! Yep even missed you too Ken!
Take continued care and be safe!
I agree with Ken. After you’ve been on this solitary journey for 2 months + talking to cows and other objects, how am I going to survive???😍. You always find a way to avoid boredom. Hugs!!
Glad you avoided the mean dogs. The scenery is beautiful! Of course I remember Palladin. We loved that show! We actually had some reason today and our fields look a little like some of the greenery you are passing.
Please avoid making out with anything bigger than you.
Paladin wow memories little boy toy gun and a cedar bean pole for a horse. Greg dancing cows your talking to, I remember you attacking an innocent mouse with your huge size 16 extra tough. You probably should get out of the sun😂