catfish

Ok i made it into north dakota today. I wasnt able to go as far as I wanted to go. My plan was to make 70 miles and camp at this really cool place in the middle of nowhere. I got an early start like up at 6 am still dark out had coffie and hit the road at first light. It was a strong head wind today like 12-15 mph from the north east as the road wond arround sometimes it would just about stop me in my tracks and at other times it was a dorect hit form the side, (crosss wind). the first 15 miles were pretty flat. I knew there was a tiny town called Bainville and I would get some miles in befor eating breakfast this morning.

When i walked into the cafe i saw the menue board and pancakes were $2.00 each I ordered 2 Maybel the cook/waitress said you had better just get one and if you still are hungry Ill make you another. When she delivered it I sAW what she was talking about. it hung over the sides of the plate,. they had soem homemade carmel suryp to go along with it. There was another couple from Alaska in the cafe and we were in a conversation aboutthe Alcan. About this time another couple from Airazona droped inand wanted 3 pancakes each we all laughed, then explained the reason was because of the size of them it was ok!

Soon it was time to go. Ihit the road and was still thinking I could make 70 miles today then the road got hilly nothing too long but with this head wind it would be like a 20 minute climb then down hill for 30 seconds or so and climb again after time I was getting wore out. it was a cold wind but soon took of the leg warmers, tried totake off the jacket but it was too cold with out it so i left it on.

Wasnt much to think about today so i started to listen to that little negitive voice inside trying to convince me to quit. and today I was just about ready to. I got thinking about how many miles have gone by all the times and people and now the werther was cold and windy bla bla bla!!!!!!!!! ok I realized that I couldnt make 70 miles today infact i did good just to make 45 miles. I got into the city or town of Williston and was too exhusted to try to camp so i got a motel instead.

I returned a call from Kelli. It was good to hear from her cause Id lost contact for a while and was concerned. we talked about the tuff day and she reminded me that it is just 2 more states and make a right hand turn at the mississippi river and go south for a coupla days and home. sounds easy, but then she has a way with making things easy. We also talked about the recent news stories and by the end of the conversation i was reinspired to continue.

From the hills and fighting the wind today my legs are like jello tonight. Took a loong hot shower and feel more livley now. I am wanting to make it to Minot in two days from now it is 135 miles. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be rainyin the morning and a strong north wind. the first 14 miles are north then the road turnes due east. I hope to make 70 miles tomorrow then the next day it is only about 55 into minot and a well deserved day off.

Thanks for stopping by

catfish/ welliston N.D.

Gus Riley

Cat,

The First week of August this year, the better-half and I rode the North Dakota CANDISC ride. We started at Garrison and went south down the west side of the Missouri River. We had head winds the first three days (like the ones you discribe) but it was super hot and humid. Add that to the hills (and there were alot of them) and 70 miles was a long ways. We made the first 70 miles okay, we did 78 miles of the 106 miles the next day and only 38 miles of the next days 51 mile day! For us it was take a SAG or die...it was hot, hilly, headwindy and humid! We just couldn't finish either day!

I think North Dakota is flatter the further east you go. May the winds be kind to you too! Cheers!

Elizabeth

Howdy Catfish!

Sorry I have not been in touch. I just got back in town from San Francisco where I spent about 4 days doing training for work. All that I can say is that our airlines are hurting. I had a row of seats all to myself on the way out and on the way back on the trip. On the way out to San Francisco we were delayed 5 hours due to mechanical problems on the plane, severe thunderstorms, and President Bush's speach. Continental gave us an $8 meal voucher to go get dinner, free earphones and movie on the plane, a $5 phone card, and a certificate for $100 off our next ticket. They wanted to keep our business bad. Ate some good seafood and chocolate while I was there. I'm glad to be home. This week is busy, I have my Spin-a-thon on Friday. I will let you know how it goes. Don't give up man! You can do it!

Elizabeth

beth nuveen

george...didn't know about this website until today, otherwise you know i'd have been sending you some energy all along! sorry to hear that you are struggling. you will not back down...i listened to elton john's "funeral for a friend" today with thoughts of you. keep on pedaling buddy. we're all pulling for you. god bless america and catfish on a bike. your friend, beth