Wood, Wind and Ore

Where were we last post ? well we've moved on and some (you're right Mr Adam). Both of us admit to a serious case of mountain fever. So, there went Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and now we sit somewhat stunned in Minot, North Dakota, a mere spit from Montana. Those hills/mountains are calling.

A motel, somewhere

Left Marquette and made Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the first night, then a 400+ haul to Minot. The bikes are running really well. Waved a sad goodbye to Lake Superior at Duluth and with it those amazing ore docks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ore_dock). The forests full of wood also petered out at the North Dakota border where someone turned on a huge wind machine as the land became flat and agricultural, left shoulder now bulked up from 'sailing' along the highway, still following 2 west. Have been watching the deer cruising the edge of the highways and counting the number sadly turned into road kill. So far so safe, for us.

Couple of decent chaps, we just forgot the flag. Rugby, the geograhical centre of North America (just past Leeds)

I forgot to mention back in Quebec a bird flew into the front of my bike and disappeared amongst the forks, I thought it was dead. We were heading for Big Macs (a cultural moment) and I had this image of me riding into the car park, getting off the bike and pulling out the bird, dropping it on the floor and walking inside. The area we were in had a sort 'good ole boy' flavour so I thought it would help us fit in. However, before we stopped I stood up on the foot pegs and looked down to see the bird enjoying the ride, it was fine and when it saw my shadow flew off to the side. What a dude I thought, how much practice does that take ?

The wind in North Dakota

So onwards and upwards, getting very used to being on the bikes, feeling confortable and enjoying being there and here. Looking forward now to the Glacier National Park in Montana and the Going to the sun road, (http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/353/Montana/Going-To-The-Sun-Road.html), should be fun.