We made it

to Minnesota, but that's not the main point. We have raised $100,000 in pledges and contributions! One of the America by Bicycle riders had read Kidder's book and immediately offered to contribute $1,000 when she heard that we were within $1,000 of our goal. We had marching bands and fireworks to celebrate. Okay, we actually didn't do anything to celebrate, but I was very grateful. As I am to all of you who have been incredibly generous. Riding through hot eastern South Dakota, it was really nice to know that the ride is worthwhile even if it is not always fun. Thanks!

Today, by the way, was fun. It is cool and we had a strong tailwind. I was interviewed by a reporter in Lucerne, South Dakota, and told her about our fundraiser. As soon as we got to the Minnesota border, the roads got better and the farms got prettier. (My perspective might be biased by the fact that I spent five years in MN during grad school and have happy memories of bike rides in the Minnesota countryside.) With the tailwinds, we were flying. It was fun. Even a twelve-mile detour, which was mostly in annoying cross-winds, could not ruin the day.

Cheers,

Len