Fargo, Here I Come!

I’m sitting on an American Airlines’ plane preparing for takeoff. Cindy helped me get my bike and two months of gear checked in and I have my fingers crossed that the equipment makes it to Fargo. Most people only think of the movie ‘Fargo’ when I tell them where I’m going as did the baggage clerk. She told me no one goes to Fargo. I told her I hoped I wouldn’t end up in a wood chipper (you had to have seen the movie). She hoped so also. I can’t thank Cindy enough for supporting this biking endeavor. We’ll see each other in two weeks in Montana where Cindy will be hiking in the areas that I’ll be riding through. I told her to carry a lot of bear spray. I’ll also see Cindy numerous times in California. I’m a little nervous about this ride but no more than I usually am before a big ride. I always wonder if I packed too much or too little, can I peddle up all of the hills and mountains and what types of snacks will fulfill my required salt intake. Chili Doritos got me across America two years ago. Shrimp flavored crisps (English version of potato chips) helped me conquer the Scottish Highlands last year. I’m thinking Cheese Doodles this year. They kind of look like carrots so maybe I’ll think they’re healthier than Doritos and shrimp flavored crisps. We’ll see. One hour into my journey and I’ve encountered a true challenge and I had to make a life or death decision. A small human behind me on the plane screamed and cried so loudly that I actually thought about opening the plane’s emergency exit door at 20,000 feet and exiting this world but I sucked it up and painfully endured. I’m proud of my shear will to carry on. I’m now getting ready for my next flight from Chicago to Fargo. The crying should commence once the wheels leave the ground. No crying on this leg and I actually was able to nap a little. The Fargo airport is tiny but efficient. All of my gear made it to Fargo and I was whisked away to my hotel by Amber who served as a van driver and desk clerk. Because I had to assemble my bike Amber immediately upgraded me to a business suite on the 11th floor facing the Red River so I could watch fireworks. Amber rocks! 

I had a nice explore of downtown Fargo which surprised me with its upscale restaurants and bars. My lunch was awesome and my dinner at the hotel was way above average. I met a biker in the hotel lobby that is riding east from Spokane, WA to Minneapolis. He has logged 500,000 miles over his lifetime. He began riding when he was 16 and is now 77 years old. My new hero, Dave! 

My bike is finally assembled and I’m ready to get a good night’s sleep. I have grocery shopping to do tomorrow before the team arrives and I move from an extremely comfortable hotel to a church floor. I begin riding west on Saturday. Can’t wait!