Cycle Across America – Day 57

63miles / 925ft climb

Hutchison to Minneapolis

With warnings of a strong headwind we were apprehensive about today’s ride and how hard it might be and how long it might take to complete.

We shouldn’t have been. It was beautiful. For 90% or more of the ride today was on a lovely dedicated, tree lined bike trail. With the trees providing shade much of the way along the trail, we were protected from the hottest of the sun’s rays that sap so much of our energy.

The tree lined bike trail also protected us from the worst of headwind and the ride was beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable.

Minnesota is known as the ‘State of 10,000 lakes’ and as we cycled today, we passed along and between many of these lakes. Yet again, the scenery has changed and yet again, it is beautiful.

As we got nearer to Minneapolis, the neighbourhoods got more and more ostentatious, with enormous houses overlooking many of the lakes.

I love a good coffee and cake stop but we have been unable to indulge recently as there were simply no places to stop along many of our routes recently.

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then I loved our coffee and cake stops today! The first in the little town of New Germany was cool, relaxing, comfort and had a great choice of foods. The second, about 20 miles from our destination, had panoramic views of the lake and again a great menu with something for everyone.

It was a perfect day for us all and when we reached our apartment where we will have a rest day tomorrow, it just got better. A down town apartment block with stunning facilities.

Supper in the apartment, a quick card game (of course) and off to bed with the luxury of not having to set the alarm for early morning. The perfect end to a perfect day.