Minnesota continued to be Minnesota today. We saw more dairy farms and fewer cattle, and the contour of the land changed as we approached the Mississippi. There were more rolling hills, deeper valleys, and a long downhill to the river itself. We are staying at the dorms at Winona State University, and Jeff tells us that this is our last dorm night for the entire trip.
We have been incredibly lucky with the weather the last few days. Very easy temperatures during the day, and pleasantly cool in the tents at night. The only rain we’ve had was the torrential downpour in camp when we stayed in DeSmet. Today was no different with the thermometer in the low 80’s and occasional headwinds. We pedaled more than 90 miles and lost altitude for the day as we ended up in the river town of Winona. The last 15 miles were quite different. The valley dropping down to the river was heavily forested with just a few farms and buildings. I also saw orange Alstromeria flowers, just like I have outside my back door, growing in the ditch at the side of the road. I felt homesick for my sweetie at the sight of them.
We drove through Rochester and saw the Mayo Clinic (it’s many buildings throughout town). The bike shop we had hoped for was closed, so we rode on. Outside of town, Scott and I heard a honk and turned around to see a Wonder Bread truck behind us. We motioned the driver over to the side, and he graciously stopped. Tom Haase, is a division supervisor for Interstate Brands Corporation. We took our pictures together, and promised to send him a copy. It happened that many of the riders came up behind us at this time; so many cameras were out there clicking.
In another incident, a woman gave Beth a $2.00 lottery ticket as a donation. She said she didn’t have any money, but she wanted to contribute. That kind of donation is even more meaningful to us than a large check from someone with a lot of money. Thanks very much, whoever you are.
While we were in Minnesota (we’re leaving tomorrow), many individuals approached us for our stories and several ended up contributing, even though we weren’t really asking them to do so. What a wonderful outpouring of support for the cause of the Lung Association and an affirmation of what we’re doing here on the Big Ride.

Today, as you can see is Wonder Bread day! Our new friend Tom admires our company uniforms. This was really fun.

Our featured rider today is Paula. Here she rides with her bear on top of her helmet, where it usually sits. She is from Atlanta, has worked in accounting, and is contemplating a new career. Maybe we can get her to move to Seattle?