Glyndon, MN to Battle Lake, MN 85 Miles June 19

It was a beautiful dawn leaving Glyndon. Minnesota has lived up to its name of Land of 10,000 Lakes, if not more. Our route was constant up and down, but over every hill and around every curve was a gorgeous deep blue lake amongst reeds where small birds sang and played, distracting me from the effort of pedaling the hills. I had planned to replenish my water at mile 60 in Edwards where my map listed a business. Unfortunately it wasn't open when I arrived. I was desperate, so I knocked on the door of the house across the road and was given ice cold water from the hose. Carol had the same idea when she came through Edwards. Evidently we both have good "thinking outside the box" minds. The hills finally leveled off and I had an easy run to Battle Lake. I found our room at the Battle Lake Motel by spotting the laundry hanging outside the door.

Battle Lake, MN

When the three of us compared notes on the days' ride we discovered for the first time on this trip we had all been chased by dogs, though not the same dogs. I had one bark and chase me, Pam had three.

Craig and Wendy Molstad have generously donated 2 nights lodging at their "Battle Lake Motel" so we have a day off. Craig is the executive director of the regional office of Habitat for Humanity in this area. He has spearheaded the building of one Habitat house each year for the nine years he has been in this position. Wendy runs the motel as well as being a busy mom of Gunnar and Georgia.

Pam and Wendy Molstad at the Battle Lake Motel

Craig Molstad is proud of the work he's done for Habitat

Craig has taken the time to give us a tour of Glendalough State Park and the Battle Lake Community. In the park we spotted Loons, Red Ring Pheasant, huge Mayflies, even wild rice growing in the lake. Craig interviewed us for an article for the local paper AND he is sacrificing by getting up at "0 dark thirty" to get a picture of us ready to ride.

Loon at Glendalough State Park

Wild rice is native to Minnesota