Day 31 - 100 miles from Mankato to Rochester, MN

Michael was on the Cervelo today. We started in 83% humidity and within a block climbed a 9% grade hill for about three quarters of a mile. Good warmup.

Although the humidity and temperature was high, it was a great ride. Fortunately, we had a side to side tailwind for most of the ride. On a bike, favorable winds can make up for a lot of things like humidity and temperature.

MN does have many beautiful lakes like these here. Note the flag is not moving; calm is good also.

A panoramic view at the  SAG stop. There was a lake across the road, Two riders considered going swimming.

 These pictures show there is more to MN than just corn and bean fields. There are trees!

Theses picture were taken in Rochester and are of the famous Mayo Clinic.I thought the architecture atop the building was interesting.

On the way to the motel, I ran across this ear of corn tower at the Fairgrounds.

Rachel, these next pictures are for you. They were taken as we walked by Carousel Floral Gifts and Garden Center close to our motel. As you can see, there are many beautiful pots for sale amongst other items you can see in the background you would have liked.

Here is a tip for tours like we are doing - use individual sealable plastic bags for categories of clothing like bike jerseys and shorts, underwear, daily clothes, socks, etc. After you wash each item always put them in their bag. This really helps to keep you from misplacing items or leaving them behind at an overnight stop and helps you get ready quickly when it is time. Lay out what you are going to wear the next day the night before.   This minimizes getting ready in a panic and forgetting something you want or need on the ride.

As many are losing weight, a frequent discussion item at the dinner table is what are we going to do when we finish the tour and continue to eat like we have become accustom but are not riding 80 miles a day! Could be tough.

Here's a picture from our 114-mile tandem ride, which our friend Don took, that I forgot to include in yesterday's blog. I was going to do no hands but thought better of it!

Tomorrow we leave MN on our 88 mile ride to La Crosse, WI. Anne and I will have visitors the next couple of days as John, Denny, Mary and Duane will be with us after the ride. We are looking forward to seeing them and for them to see our group.