  July 23 2004 - Watertown to Hutchinson, MN (84 miles) &nbsp; Today the day was about one word...wind..and it was not in our favor most of the day..OK..all of the day. The route led through more cornfields than I know what to do with including a nice visit through Olivia, MN which claims itself as the "Corn Capital of the world". Tell me...How does one go about getting that claim to fame? Is there a Corn Council that studies and provides information on the corn populous in the world? Inquiring minds want to know. I actually felt really wonderful during the ride which of course makes me nervous. If I am feeling good then I must be about to crash (not literally..but tire out). It never happened which I am quite pleased. The weather turned absolutely amazing these last two days..from 90's with humidity to 70's with none. Actually was a bit chilly this morning. Hutchinson's claim to fame was that they were noted as the mosquito capital which is not exactly the claim to fame I want for my town.
Luckily the cool weather kept them away...or was it the beers? Speaking of which, Alan (the Aussie) is leaving us tomorrow. Some folks brought him going away presents and then a bunch of us went out for beers although Alan left really early so we celebrated in prime fashion without him. Somehow, biking 80+ miles makes one crave french fries and onion rings so while partaking in that, Molly, Marrissa, Kira, Jeremy, Peter, Brian, and Meg all stuck around while Molly led us in a game of "I Never" which is sort of like Truth or Dare except one has to ask questions and see who did what.
It was quite interesting learning about people. But of course...I was an angel (OK..stop laughing). Like I said...this experience is part quest and part summer camp. At least we weren't singing. Then it was back to the gym floor for bed at about 10pm. Oh..almost forgot. I did my "stupid move of the day, part two". I was attempting to put my bike in the trailer when a gust of wind came and pushed the door into my bike which was conviently being held up by me in front of my face so now I have a nice little cut on my forehead. Just another reminder about this trip to take with me for a while. July 24 2004 - Router Day - Northfield, MN to Pepin, WI (72 miles) This was the route that Keith and I were trained on when we spent that glorious week in Cannon Falls, MN at the start of the trip.
Therefore, it was nice to see the marks remaining on the road after all this time. Just a few touch up arrows. This is going to be a nice trip as long as the wind coorperates. We go through the town of Red Wing, MN where the Red Wing Shoe and pottery&nbsp;companies are located. On my way back from Pepin, I grabbed lunch with Paul who led us on the tour in the begginning. We got caught up and I filled him in on the current trials and tribulations of the trip.
Didn't seem to surprise him one bit having gone through this ordeal, excuse me...experience, himself. Rest of today was pretty laid back. Found some nice off road trails leading back into what else? Corn fields, of course. Should be getting back as Jeremy called me and wants to see if I can get back early...sort of told him I was on the road. (Hope he doesn't read this during this week) Oh well.. &nbsp; 
