5/21 Day 1 - Grand Rapids to Aitkin

No surprise - it rained AGAIN!  For those who had rain gear, it was the day to wear it.  If not, purchases were made along the way :)  Cyclists were off about 8:30 - ready and able, willing another question.

           Tom suited up and ready

The group on their way









The route began in Grand Rapids - through town - crossing over the Mississippi, turning left and following the river (mostly)

Welcome to the Mississippi

The river along this route flowed slow and smooth, a lazy river indeed.








TOM'S NOTES:  Not a day for the faint of heart.  Heavy rain at the beginning--it just wanted to let us know that we are NOT in control.  Rain continued for the first 30-35 miles.  At one point I was riding along and got the feeling that something was different somehow--then I realized the rain had quit--the road was still wet so I was still getting a drenching from the spray off my tires.  At about 40 miles the road was mostly dry and I enjoyed that for about 15 miles.  When Patty and I stopped for a sandwich and some soup, it was cloudy but dry.  Bad timing--I should have kept riding, because after eating the rain came back for all but the last 10 miles of the 77 we rode today.

We're reportedly following the Mississippi River, and I've seen a few signs to confirm that, but there is so much water around--rivers, lakes, swamps, and just plain mud puddles--that you kind of lose the impact of following the "great river."  Tomorrow's forecast is for morning rain, then some clearing.  I really hope the forecast is right.  More to come.

Signing off:
We are dry, warm and settled in our motel in Aitkin.  So far, so good.

See you tomorrow,
Patty along the River