North Branch to Maple Grove

 No pictures today - No biking today.

It rained over night, and was drizzling at 6 AM.  The forecast was variable, but all weather channels agreed that at some point it was going to rain today.  Our leader and tour planner took a very democratic approach to the decision.  Although all of would like to have completed the loop, we also agreed that it has been a great trip & that completing the last 50 miles wasn’t worth the potential risk of going down on a trail covered with wet leaves, or getting caught in a storm.

This was the best day to have a washout.  The logistics were pretty straightforward.  Some of us drove the 50 miles to our starting point with as much gear and bikes as we could fit.  There we unloaded into the hotel lobby, picked up my big transit van & drove back to North Branch.

We were then able to get everything, and everyone else in the two vehicles.  We were back in Maple Grove by 10 AM.  When we arrived, the sun was out, but the forecast was still dismal.  No one regrets the decision to not ride.  This is all part of planning a trip like this.

Tonight we will have a final dinner where exaggerated stories will be told.  

I am very satisfied with the experience.  I’ve made 10 new friends from all around the country - Maryland, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon & Wisconsin.  I have accomplished my goal of keeping my fitness at a high enough level to do a trip like this.  I continue to enjoy riding my Cruzbike Q45 recumbent.  I most enjoy the comfort compared to some others on the trip riding their upright bikes who spend too much time shaking out the numbness in their hands, or standing up on their pedals to give their butts some relief.

Thanks for following along these past few weeks.

0 miles today - 736 total miles for the trip