Worthington, Minnesota

So I guess it is natural to think of Minnesota in terms of icy cold and snow. Today we saw a different side of this state and it is beautiful. Green, lush, lots of corn and mile upon mile of windmills, our ride was filled with the beautiful sights of the south end this state and unlike yesterday, traffic was thin and although it was in the high 80's, it was a really enjoyable day, all 444 miles of it.

Over the years that we have travelled together, we have developed a bit of a daily routine. We begin the day early, usually around 7:30 and after we have eaten breakfast. Our first stop is usually about 100 miles later. We'll stop and have coffee, maybe water if it is a hot day and stretch our legs for a bit. Then we do another 100 miles or so, stop for gas and lunch, decide our end point for the day and then go another 100 miles or so, rest then finish the day at tour end point where we gas up, usually swim in the pool, have dinner and end our day. Today we joked that in the days that lead up to our destinations, we live at gas stations and hotels. Sometimes the stops of the day are coordinated with stops at Harley dealers if they are close to the route.

Today we managed to score a couple of new poker chips at dealers along the way. I used to collect t-shirts from dealers but that got expensive I didn't often wear them and they took up a lot of space.

Poker Chips

So these little gems usually cost about $2 although I have been to dealers that gave them away and once paid $5 in New York City. The colors vary but earlier this year I started collecting this color and decided to keep the same color for the year.

You might ask, Aren't all dealers the same? Well, yes and no, there are always unique bikes to look at and products that are unique to that dealer or area so it is always interesting to stop and look.

Now, for those of my friends that are amusement park bluffs, today we passed through a place, Wisconsin Dells, that had more rides and attractions than anyplace I have been other than Disney. You should check it out.

Do I look relaxed at 70 mph?

So, that's it. Another great day of riding. Tomorrow we should get to our first destination on this trip, Mount Rushmore.