Week 62 - a mix of disorientating experiences & extreme weather does nothing to help Ellie & Mark find their groove as they cross from Montana into North Dakota
45 years ago cycling from East to West across America, I remember writing about the Amish woman, Sylvia Zook who took me & my friend in during a thunderstorm and saying…”We will always remember Sylvia was the gatekeeper of our journey. She taught us there are no average Americans out there. Everyone had a twist of eccentricity in their character.”
The Eccentricity of the average rural Americans sounds even increasingly ECCENTRIC!
Great to hear from you. Was Sylvia the lady with the trampoline? There does seem to be an endless supply of eccentricity out there, which is wonderful to experience. Thankfully, there is also a deep well of kind and wonderful people too, you guys being a prime example of that. Sending ye both our best wishes.
Hi Ellie and Mark, I'm glad you are enjoying your trip across old Uncle Sam with all it's weirdness. I'm doing a cycle tour of Ireland, getting cool but dry weather, ever got a bit of colour on my legs ! ! Continued safe travels to you both and take care.
Hey Gerry. Delighted to hear you’re getting a bit of colour on your legs back home. A wonderful time of year to be cycling there. I’m trying to keep mine milk bottle white. Safe travels to you too.
North Dakota is right below Manitoba where I grew up. I might even have been in Winnett at one time or another with the 'rents during a summer camping trip. We've been through the Badlands too.
Enjoyed it. After cycling through the US a number of times there’s a lot there for me to relate to. Don’t envisage returning, cycling in Europe doesn’t deliver so many crazy interactions or kindness but right now it’s perfect. Currently in Sardinia 🚲⛺️
Hi Beverly, hope you’re keeping well! We hit a patch of roadworks outside Circle, MT and the road crew were not happy for us to cycle a 6km stretch where the dust was impairing visibility and there were a lot of big earthmoving machines at work. Luckily the company sent an employee down in a pickup to offer us a lift through that stretch.
Incredible stories. Sometimes they sound like from another time period. I always think of America this advanced civilisation but then there these big massive areas with nothing there but God, as they say.
45 years ago cycling from East to West across America, I remember writing about the Amish woman, Sylvia Zook who took me & my friend in during a thunderstorm and saying…”We will always remember Sylvia was the gatekeeper of our journey. She taught us there are no average Americans out there. Everyone had a twist of eccentricity in their character.”
The Eccentricity of the average rural Americans sounds even increasingly ECCENTRIC!
Great to hear from you. Was Sylvia the lady with the trampoline? There does seem to be an endless supply of eccentricity out there, which is wonderful to experience. Thankfully, there is also a deep well of kind and wonderful people too, you guys being a prime example of that. Sending ye both our best wishes.
You are Legends!
Complete side note but I was admiring your saddles, you should frame them, they are the perfect embodiment of your amazing trip!
That’s a great idea! Some way of commemorating our beloved saddles would be wonderful.
By the end of your journey your arse made need framing too😜!
Hi Ellie and Mark, I'm glad you are enjoying your trip across old Uncle Sam with all it's weirdness. I'm doing a cycle tour of Ireland, getting cool but dry weather, ever got a bit of colour on my legs ! ! Continued safe travels to you both and take care.
Hey Gerry. Delighted to hear you’re getting a bit of colour on your legs back home. A wonderful time of year to be cycling there. I’m trying to keep mine milk bottle white. Safe travels to you too.
Oh man, I can't unread the potato thing! LOL
North Dakota is right below Manitoba where I grew up. I might even have been in Winnett at one time or another with the 'rents during a summer camping trip. We've been through the Badlands too.
We loved the badlands!
Enjoyed it. After cycling through the US a number of times there’s a lot there for me to relate to. Don’t envisage returning, cycling in Europe doesn’t deliver so many crazy interactions or kindness but right now it’s perfect. Currently in Sardinia 🚲⛺️
Ooooh Sardinia. Looking forward to hearing about that. It’s been on our list for a while. Enjoy!
Highly recommended, some great wild camping
YIPpeee
Yippee ki yay!
Phil Lynott 1st thing Monday morning 👍👏. Still miss him😢. Thanks 👍.
The coolest Irish man who ever drew breath!
I was wondering what was the story behind you riding in the back of a truck with your bicyles.
Hi Beverly, hope you’re keeping well! We hit a patch of roadworks outside Circle, MT and the road crew were not happy for us to cycle a 6km stretch where the dust was impairing visibility and there were a lot of big earthmoving machines at work. Luckily the company sent an employee down in a pickup to offer us a lift through that stretch.
Great writing once again. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jim. Calling it as we see it.
Curioser and curioser.
Hope ye’re doing okay there after that fire Martin. Sending ye our best wishes.
Interesting listen as always I hope ye are keeping a diary it could be a best seller
Incredible stories. Sometimes they sound like from another time period. I always think of America this advanced civilisation but then there these big massive areas with nothing there but God, as they say.