If Only it had Rained

June 29, 2025

Today’s temperature peaked at 84 degrees and the humidity peaked at 77%. Based upon the amount I sweated today, I’m pretty sure I would have been drier if it had rained. I guess I have to stop telling folks I am from the Northeast or North Carolina or Portland, OR. People from those places tolerate humidity (or maybe inhumidity (I made that word up)) much better than I do now that I have been living in Colorado for almost 6 years.

Today didn’t start exactly the way I had planned. At 1:36am my phone went crazy. It was a tornado weather alert. Not sure if one actually touched down, but at one point I’d swear it sounded like a train was barreling through the parking lot. After that I didn’t sleep all that well and 6:30am came up on me way too quickly.

Today’s ride began with a solemn moment. I rode past the Fort Snelling National Cemetery and paused for a moment to remember all of the thousands of military men and women buried there and my friend General Bill Cooney who passed away just last weekend at the age of 92.

From there it was all about meandering along the rivers and through the parks for more than 20 miles. Honestly I can’t remember a more relaxed ride since I was probably 5 years old. Mrs G will tell you that I’m not one to ride on multipurpose paths, but today I really enjoyed seeing all the walkers, runners, cyclists coexisting and being polite and friendly. Kudos to all you Minnesotans.

The rest of the route took me through some nice small towns and past I don’t know 10,000 lakes 😉. Seriously there is either a lake or a pond or a creek or a river any direction you look. And with all of the trees and fields it’s greener than green. A huge change from my last ride from Otto to Buffalo WY.

I finished today in Osceola, WI. Yup got my 62 mile minimum in Minnesota and crossed the St. Croix River into Wisconsin. Osceola is a nice little town and its major tourist attraction is Cascade Falls. Just for all of you, I rode an extra 3 miles and walked 134 steps down to the falls took a picture and hiked back up those same 134 steps.

Not much more to share other than it just started pouring while I’m sitting in the grocery store writing this. So maybe I should be more careful what I wish for 😳

Until tomorrow

This is a view into Fort Snelling National Cemetery. It is always overwhelming when one sees the number of graves and also the respect paid to all the veterans who rest there.

This is the Gateway State Trail and the canopy of trees I was fortunate to ride through for miles and miles.

The mighty Mississippi River. When I crossed it on my way into Illinois on my last trip, the water level was extremely low. This view is much more impressive.

A random windmill I saw along the route in MN. It is still actually connected and appears to be operating. A far cry from the big white turbines, but still functional

My sign of the day. I think it was about 65 miles today in Minnesota and 5 in Wisconsin.

Cascade Falls…I can’t hear all the oohs and ahhhs. Remember I walked down and up 134 steps to take this picture for you. Ok that’s better 😉

And finally PSG and Chief Osceola. He was a Seminole Chief way back in the day. Rumor has it the history about him that the town embraces is more folklore than reality. But who am I to question it?

Today's ride: 70 miles (113 km)
Total: 371 miles (597 km)

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