Update 29 - 8/2/01
We are drifting across the high plains of eastern Montana, one might call us "High Plains Drifters."
Leaving Fargo, we continued through farm country as we rode northwest. We spent that night at a great city park in the little town of Hope. As we came into town we met Brian who is also riding west. He is from Glasgow, Scotland and is traveling around the world. He will ride from Boston to San Diego, then tour in Australia and Europe before returning home next May. We have ridden a few days with him so far and plan to see each other from time to time on our way to the West coast.
Our route led us to Rugby, North Dakota, the Geographical Center of North America. After a long day into a 25 MPH headwind we reached the monument where we took photos. We sure hope they come out as climbing hills into a headwind all day made riding there difficult.
As we continued west through Minot, we passed miles of sunflower fields. Unfortunately, they are not in bloom yet. The farms slowly gave way to ranches as we approached Williston. This part of our route is on the Lewis and Clark trail, following the upper reaches of the Missouri River. We look forward to returning here in 2004 to recognize the 200th anniversary of the Voyage of Discovery by following the Trail from Saint Louis, Missouri to Astoria, Oregon.
The terrain gave us more hills west of Minot as we began our long slow climb toward the Continental Divide in western Montana. At the tops of the hills we enjoyed the great vistas of Montana's big sky country. Constant winds and waving grasslands made us think of what this part of the country was like when the great herds of buffalo used to roam here. There has been higher than average rainfall this summer, so the grass is still bright green. We try to take photos of the broad open plains, but know that it's just not possible capture the feeling of this vast land with a camera.
George and Sharon Miner
Vancouver Bicycle Club, Vancouver, Washington
2000 da Vinci Global Venture towing Bob Trailer
Free as the Wind - Our one year self-supported tandem tour of the USA, Mexico and Canada
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