Fellow riders; Report on vintage ride from St. Paul to Pine City. Got ready with minumum tools and pumped up the air on the Lambert hot rod. Left about 10 AM from St. Paul. Thinking there would be some breakdowns was happy there was none. Getting to Hugo for the beginning of the trail was a bit of a challenge but the next 22 miles were nice. Some of the pace was brisk and some was smelling the flowers. Breaking off the trail on to famous highway 61 and the last 25 miles was good too. Some of the cracks were a bit much for skinny high pressure tires. There was a brisk tailwind all the way and and long periods of coasting were welcome. Found a new way to relieve foot pain while riding. It took a good 50 miles to finally settle down and really take in the ride thought about the guys son who is riding across the country and how nice it would be to really relax and not worry about where and when you would be getting somewhere. Taking in the nice country here at a much slower pace then riding by in an automobile was good. You see so much more. Having a tailwind, not buying gas, and not paying insurance for my ride I felt so much like I was cheating life. It felt so good and free. It was hot needed a little more sunscreen but after the 70 miles and a short rest and a dip in the lake things were much better. Was happy the wife gave me and the bike a lift home in the mini van. Can't wait for the tourers to get done and the 100 mile ride. Free ride home from that too.
Mike Larsen
St. Paul, MN
USA