May 21

May 21, 2007

Parshall to Pick City - 88 miles

Just another leisurely 88 miles within the grass lands of the Dakota’s. Today Grey Davis has retired his position as support driver, personal motivator, nutritionist, cook, and keeper of man in general, to head back to Sandpoint on the train. It is good for me (Cassandra) to be back with the team again and to be around such inspiration. “These are my people…” was a great song to blare through the van windows this morning for the riders. “ It ain’t always pretty, but it’s real.” Well, ain’t that the truth!

The boys are taking it easy today – so they say – in order for Dick to bounce back from his ‘against the wind’ episode yesterday. The winds are easier on them and the tornado coming through North Dakota this evening should push them along nicely:) The duo take turns leading every two miles and take a slower pace. After lunch, energy is draining more quickly than it can be replenished but to my surprise, Dick comes back with “WE GOT POWER”! – Must have caught a piece of tailwind in our eastward ways.

Following the Lewis and Clark Trail still, we pass over Lake Sakakawea and will stay in Pickstown, ND on the lake. Thank you to Debbie at the Sakakawea Motel for sponsoring a night at her lovely little place.

As we near the end of the day, the meadow larks song was soon tuned out by the rumbling of thunder- yet somehow still a peaceful noise in the distance- and the riders are happy to make it to shelter before the lightning strikes. (see photo)

…a beautiful ride today, to say the least…