Medora, North Dakota to Richardton, North Dakota - August 11, 2021

The Farmhouse Cafe (Medora)

This morning, before leaving the campsite, a mountain bike pro, from Minnesota, approached me in the bathroom while was washing up. He asked how I was doing, then offered a little food and drink.

I’m always bashful about taking things from people; I need to become more comfortable with it. I realize that it does them good too.

I walked over to his van and met his partner. The two of them offered caramel rice cakes (on the wrapper one had written the words “I think you’re awesome!”) and a little can of Coke. It was so thoughtful. The sugar would help.

The lady was taking some of her artwork to sell at a market. I hope that it’s a successful trip.

I spoke with them for awhile. I missed their names because I wasn’t paying close enough attention. This is something that I’m working on.

Leaving the campground, a young man dropped his window and yelled out, “You’re a badass!” He flashed the peace sign. I just told him that I was plugging along.

I’m lost in daydream often, so it amazes (and startles) me that others take the time to offer words of encouragement. The world is a beautiful place. The media paints false pictures.

I dropped by the Farmhouse Cafe, in downtown Medora, for breakfast. A man named Mike, who I later found out was one of the three county commissioners, sat beside me at the breakfast bar up front.

Mike has ranched for mast if his life, being content to live in North Dakota, not traveling much. He had a lot of questions about what I was doing, and I enjoyed finding out more about his time on the planet. Mike was on the verge of retirement from public service; his son and grandchildren currently live within a mile of his house. What more could a person ask for? He genuinely patted me on the back as he left.

North Dakota Badlands

Lunch Stop

Later, on my way to Dickinson, I stopped to chat with a westbound cyclist named Wil. He was biking to the west coast, trying to raise money for ALS. I enjoyed my short chat with him. He will love the alpine cycling to come.

Here is a link to his website:

https://sites.google.com/terpmail.umd.edu/againstthewind

I’ve never strongly considered bicycling for a cause. It’s possible that I’m becoming a better human being by taking these tours. That is my hope.

Note: Shortly after conversing with Wil, I was repeatedly dive bombed by hawk.

Hawk Encounter (I wish I had video…)

I was down to my last clean change of clothes, so I sought out a laundromat in Dickinson. The first one I attempted to enter was closed due to construction work around it.

Prairie Maid Laundromat wasn’t far away and IT WAS IMPRESSIVE - everything that a large-scale laundromat should be. While I washed clothes, I had a bite to eat and rearranged my handlebar bag. I slipped the final Adventure Cycling map into the slipcase. The trip is nearing completion.

Prairie Maid Laundromat (Fine Machines)

I cycled away down Old Highway 10 to Richardton. Previously, I had made a reservation at the Ray Bern Motel. The owner met me at the office and showed me room number five. She was extremely particular about what she wanted turned off before I left the next morning. I could tell that she cared for the place. It was furnished with an assortment of second hand items, but was clean.

Ray Burn Motel

I spoke with Beth (wonderful) and pushed off to sleep.