If I rode today, instead of waiting for prevailing winds, I could keep on schedule. The ride was short, around 36 miles, but faced directional (SE) headwinds that would escalate by the hour. The 13 mph headwind would increase to 15, then 17 then 20, then 23. 

My strategy divided the ride into three parts: the first 20 miles would be a bear, but better than later in the day. I would fight the headwind, but should accomplish the 20 miles in 2-3 hours. The second part of the route involves a sharp left turn, then 8-9 miles with the SE  winds pushing me. It should go fast. Lastly, the route turns right and i'll have headwinds again. If all works well, and I leave early, then I should be at my destination well before noon.

Arising at 5:15 AM, I had time for devotions, packing,and  eating breakfast, still being on the road by 6:45 AM. The headwinds jolted  me immediately, coming at a 45 degree angle. My pace was slow, but not as slow as I thought it would be. One is always faster early in the ride. 

I had mentioned tons of lakes on the map that could not be seen from the road. Not today. Today, they were all over the place. The state clearly made no effort to accommodate the lakes, and put the roads right through them, making two smaller lakes. Some lakes were small already, maybe 3-4 acres, while some may have been 1,000s of acres. But the roads were kept straight. I counted 12 lakes this morning that had a road running through them.

Once I made the left turn, putting the wind behind me, I flew up and down hills. Too soon, for my liking, I was already at the point where I turned right again, preparing for the onslaught of wind. But it did not come. For some reason, the winds lessened, and I arrived in town 4 hours after departure. The high winds did come later, but for that moment, they made it easier on me.

There are no motels here, but a couple have allowed part of their basement to be used by over night bicyclers, on a donation basis. They have a shower, washer/dryer and two beds. There is a picture of Jesus, with an arrow pointing down to a Bible. The inscription says "Life Information".

As I pulled up, three bicyclers were leaving, having stayed the night. One, from Seattle, was going as far as Fargo. Another from Seattle, was going to New York. One, from England, was circumnavigating the United States.  They were leaving for a destination 78 miles away, and it was 11 in the morning. That will be my destination tomorrow, and I will leave much earlier. Of course, I am slow.

This bicycle friendly home is a gift to bike tourers, like myself. The downside is that you do not get to pick your roommates, and that cuts both ways. My image of having this place all to myself vanished, when a lady from Michigan showed up on her bike. She set up a tent. Maybe I will have this all to myself, but the day is young.

The extra effort yesterday resulted in a restful day today. Tomorrow's ride is 78 miles. The map indicates, in bold print, "Limited services.", so I will stock up in the morning.

The good news: I will have a tailwind tomorrow. The bad news: I discovered that my next town, Enderlin, is having their All Class Reunion tomorrow. Once again, there is no room at the inn. Therefore, I plan to stay in a county park 18 miles, or so, west of Enderlin. My 78 mile ride became a 60 miler. On Sunday I will arrive in Fargo. Once I cross the river, I'll be in Minnesota.

Since there is no cell coverage where I will be staying tomorrow night, there will be no journal entries until Sunday. Who knows, if the tailwinds are strong enough, I might zip past Enderlin. Though I am tiring of 100 mile days. We'll see.