Day 32 Cold Spring

June 19, 2018

Cold Spring, MN

After a night of campers randomly setting off fireworks, it was a little tough to get moving this morning. But we had a big day planned and had to roll out early...90 miles to St. Cloud. We took off around 7:30, Dave and Jindalee still ensconced in their tents. We looked at the radar and saw a patch of rain moving slowly in our direction, but dying out a bit as it moved NE so maybe it would miss us. After 45 minutes of riding, we determined that would not be the case. On went the rain gear as the showers caught up to us. We biked in the rain for the next 2 hours. No fun. Whatsoever. The trucks that passed us would spray even more rain and god knows what on us, like being on a city sidewalk when cars go by in the rain. We tensed up ever time a truck came up. Oh, and this county has a new way to install the rumble strips on the side of the road; instead of putting them just inside the white line, they put them anywhere from 6 to 18 inches to the right of the white line. So to get off further off the road, you’re forced into the rumble strips. Stupid, stupid design. Just sayin.

By the time the rain started to subside, we were worn out. We’d been sprayed with so much road crap and chicken poop off of the trucks, we’d had it. We stopped at Pete’s Surplus in New London to warm up, fuel up and brighten our outlook. Jon grabbed a couple of burritos; I got a breakfast sandwich and hot coffee. When we asked about a place to sit, the owner indicated the row of ammo boxes across from the register. The chip vendor that was there stocking product said that all of the locals sit there in the morning drinking their coffee and catching up on news. Hilarious. We had a great conversation with the owner and discussed route options heading towards St. Cloud. He told us about a bike path that is at least partially paved to get us halfway there. That was truly the only saving grace of the day. Next stop was Paynesville, where I made an executive decision. We were both tired and grumpy and not excited to go another 40 miles. I found a hotel in 17 miles with laundry, just off the bike path. We were originally headed for an RV camp, but after last night’s fine shower facilities, I was more than happy to shell out for a room with our own shower that was clean. We checked in, took blessedly long showers and walked across the road to grab dinner from the grocery store. More rotisserie chicken along with carrots and guacamole and a local brew. After dinner was laundry time. We asked he receptionist for info on the laundry facilities...$4.00/load wash and dry and $1 for detergent. Then she says, “you know what? Just follow me; you can use our laundry room for free. Awesome sauce. The toughest part was staying awake long enough for it to be done! 😃😴

Today's ride: 67 miles (108 km)
Total: 1,912 miles (3,077 km)

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