Monday, June 26, 2000

Today we traveled from Minot ND to Rugby ND, a distance of 68 miles. As long as we were going east, south, east-north-east, south-east-south, or east, we had a tail or side wind and the going was very easy because the land was almost flat. However, when the road turned north, the wind became a head wind and we would suddenly feel like we were climbing Logan Pass in Glacier National Park all over again. I exaggerate somewhat but the change from a tail wind to a head wind was quite a shock.

When we started riding in Minot, I noticed that the cadence (measures the RPM that the pedals are turning) was not working. We stopped and I could not find anything wrong. I determine what gear to use by how many RPM I am turning the pedals. I was somewhat lost today without cadence. I finally figured out that the magnet that is attached to the pedals had fallen off and the computer was not receiving any signal. I tried to fix it after we arrived in Rugby but I was not successful. I will need to wait until I can get to another bicycle shop in Fargo ND.

Rugby was declared the Geographical Center of North America by a geological survey conducted by the U.S. Department of the Interior. A monument recognizing this fact is located at the intersection of the main north-south, east-west highways. There is a Museum and Prairie Village located just east of the monument.

We spent about 2 hours in the Museum and Prairie Village. They had a number of old John Deere and International Tractors, as well as some tractors that have not been built since the thirties. They had quite a collection of old horse/mule pulled farm machinery as well as some steam tractors and steam driven equipment. They also had a number of old cars, especially 1920’s Fords. They told about a man born near Rugby who died at the age of 51 in Portland OR. He was 8 foot 7 inches tall. He weighted 400+ lbs. He spent a number of years selling beer, farm machinery, or working in various circuses. Finally he went to Marquette University in Milwaukee WI and obtained a law degree. It was an enjoyable time spent in the Museum.

We caught up with Don Cockman, the gentleman from England whom we saw on and off for the better part of three days, back in MT. He has not had a rest day and we have had two rest days, however, we are in the same motel tonight. We just cover more miles in a day and then rest up.