Friday, July 8th: from Cooperstown, ND to Fargo, ND or ... Is Sweet Machine a pedalo?

 This is unbelievable: at 4.30 am some of the humans are already slouching and stuffing their packs in the truck. Outside it looks as if heaven opened the doors and let all the water come down. Even the wind is howling around the building. 

Because of this weather Greg shuttles us to the breakfast place. Here he keeps us for another 45 minutes - he just wants to know the weather report: will it get better? Come on, boss ... maybe we can take a nap while everyone is waiting. And at last came the "GO" word! 

I'm in the bag but I can hear less raindrops falling on the plastic cover. My boss is cycling by herself - almost - she notices some riders in front and behind her. The first 14 miles comes with a crosswind - it could be worse! 

After that right turn on ND 32 south we get an overwhelming tail wind. The 1st waterstop is in Hope (what's in a name?): there is a small cafe with two benches on each side and a bar counter in the middle. A friendly man behind it serves us some hot drinks. 

Back on the road my boss tries something new: cycling without hands and let the wind do the work. In this mode of cycling we pass Colgate (toothpaste anyone?) and turn over another Page. 

The last part leading to the aid station brings a crosswind again. In Ayr it's time to change clothes and grab a burrito (wonderful)! 

The second part of the ride is another 30 miles in pouring rain - with a crosswind. My woman thinks it's exciting! Many fields cannot cope with the all the water - even some houses are flooding now. 

Once we cross the Interstate 29 we cycle along an old road. 

Totally wet my boss arrives at Oak Grove High School. A hot shower finishes her day of cycling. 

Time for the weekend to start and time to find some food. Broadway does not look very appealing: lots of liquor stores and the humans around do not look very sober anymore. She finally finds a pizzeria where some other CA-riders are. An ice-cream as dessert finishes the meal. 

Back at the school she still finds some energy to set up the tent. And guess what... the sun is out!