Today was supposed to be a simple ride to Medora, North Dakota, of around 65 miles. Then tomorrow would be a short ride into the city of Dickinson, of around 35 miles. I think the Lord had something else in mind.

Sleeping soundly, I was suddenly awake. The clock said it was exactly 5:00 AM. That was my first clue that He might have other ideas about today. Despite the early rising, it wasn't until 7:30 that I was on the road.

The route today was primarily on I-95. Most bicyclers steer clear of interstates, but I love them. The shoulders are wide and very clean of debris. There is a rumble strip to alert drivers if they start to drift, and the noise alerts me also. Additionally, the vehicles tend to draft the bicycler a bit, giving him an extra mph or two. The vehicles' speed does not bother me. In Montana, drivers were going 70 mph on two lane roads with no shoulders. The interstate is much safer.

I suspected that I was supposed to ride all the way to Dickinson today. It would make for a long day, and close to 100 miles, but I just kept pedaling. I arrived at my original destination, Medora, by mid afternoon.

Medora is a town worth re-visiting. Clearly a tourist destination, it has all sorts of outdoor  activities and attractions. It also has a bicycle shop, which I needed. Last night I discovered that my air pump was broke, so I had to pick up a new one. It also gave me an opportunity to air up both tires while I was there.  

Brent Hunter told me of the time that he and his wife, Linda, were bicycling, and she was exhausted. He said that there is only 20 more miles to go, and she could do 20 miles anytime  with her eyes closed. She agreed and finished her ride. Every time that I am tired bicycling, I recall the story, and count down the mileage to 20, not to the finish. I know that if I could get the mileage down to 20, then i'll be able to get to the end.

Finally pulling in to Dickerson, I started calling numerous motels, looking to stay two nights.  They were full. Why didn't I call earlier? Yet Comfort Inn had space. All I needed to do was figure out how to get there. Thirteen hours after leaving this morning, I was in a motel room unpacking. 

It just seems crazy that I put 103 miles on the bike today. Feeling much better than the 99 miler five days earlier, and much, much better than when I did those 65 hills two days before.  The only odd thing is that I am not hungry. That will change by breakfast.

Okay, Lord, i'm here a day earlier You planned. What do You have for me to do?