Complete

Rode final 13.4 miles (plus) of pledged amount today, a summery Sept. 28 without wind and under sunny, bugless skies north of Hackensack on the Paul Bunyan. That's a rap for 2024!

Thank you God.

24 Miler

Rode Nisswa-Wise Road and back, 24 miles today under perfect conditions. I now have pedaled 186.6 of my 200-mile goal for September 2024.

Thank you to all for your support and let's send good kharma to those who are working to Kick Kids Cancer AND that includes the children!

Saturday Ride Nisswa-PL & Back

Nancy, Jeff and Steve rode roundtrip Nisswa-Pequot Lakes, 13 miles. Chili Cookoff Day in Nisswa, where the streets and parking lots were filled with families and their pets. We met fellow e-bikers from the Cities for an exchange of contact info and photo shoots.

Up to 162.6 miles for the month. Just 37.4 more to hit my goal.

27-Miler

Midway through the Challenge Month we e-biked from Pequot Lakes to Merrifield and back for a 27-mile Sunday Saunter. Once again we enjoyed the sunshine and friendly warmth of fellow bikers, including Brad and Ruth Kuhlman from the Lake Hubert area on their Aventons. Our good fortune to share details of respective discoveries aboard our shared brand. Just one of the benefits of cycling. They received a flyer about GCC and sounded quite enthusiastic about the cause. See you both again on the Paul Bunyan?! I now have ridden 139.6 miles this month toward my goal of 200.

112.6 miles

As of Sept. 13.

13 miles on the 13th

We rode the Cuyuna Rec Area trail this morning, Friday the 13th, discovering the extension of hard-surfaced path up Miner's Mountain. The scenic overlook is outstanding. It's a one-lane drivable path for the adventurous, and for cyclists it is a challenge for low gears going up and brakes going down. But it is just FUN for e-bikers. The panorama offers water towers in Ironton and Crosby, mounds across miles of trees and lakes. From 200 feet above the mine pit lakes, one can be awed for hours to view the distant vista.

Itasca 17 miles

Rode the park this morning under fog and dampness with hints of tree color change and forecast of forest fire smoke from the West. Avoided frantic squirrels dashing across the trail and managed to dodge acorns and pine cones as well. Nothing to hinder our commitment to the cause: Fight kids' cancer.

Met some more nice folks, especially retired couples like us who know how important it is to contribute.

99.6 miles ridden this month.

Pine River ride 20 miles

We scooted up to Pine River and enjoyed a break at the dam, watching heron, geese, ducks and flowing water over the step rocks. Comfortable weather. Just wish we didn't have kids cancer in the world. Keep riding, praying, seeking solutions for the tragic biological monster that is killing our children.

Sweet Sunday: 9.3 miles local

Just scooted through the neighborhood for a 9.3 mile wake-up ride. Traffic thinning at Breezy Point Resort, our godfather of summer tourism.

53.3 miles so far

This GCC app/page doesn't provide accurate totals, so here is my 2024 ride total at this point on Sept. 7, 2024: 53.3.

Sunshine Saturday: 13.3

Pequot Lakes-Nisswa easy with smiling families and other retirees coming and going around bustling tourist village Nisswa. Lunch of shrimp fried rice and Axetoberfest 10 ounce and great service from friendly staff. People out and about walking their dogs, chaperoning their young riders, sometimes just sauntering or sitting on trailside benches. A relaxed atmosphere as most of the summertime visitors have receded from this pleasant and quiet peaceful place. 13.3 miles roundtrip. Good enough for today as we ride and pray for the kids who have cancer. Some day we'll be out of work, hopefully.

Shingobee Twp-Chippewa Natl Forest: 22 miles

The best trail in America? On a bright early autumn (Sept. 6) morning among pine and late blooming flora the quiet e bikes hummed. We treasure these cathedral rides cloaked in fragrance and ambiance that refreshes our souls in a skeptical world. Always aware that we ride for those who deserve better. The children suffering from cancer's scourge and those who are working through science and faith in pursuit of remedies. Peace to them, and eventually praise to the creator. The ride was memorable for its solitude and simple peace. Thanks Power that Be.

First: 18 miles today

The team convened this morning in Merrifield ahead of the Labor Day crowd. Our annual first ride of the month on behalf of everyone battling the war against kids cancer. Cool sunshine and enough northerly breeze to remind us of the season. We rode to Baxter for the turnaround, posing for the bridge pic above the commemorative Terry McGaughey tribute plaque. Each of us expressed personal rationale for our Great Cycle Challenge commitment. No tears (outside) but a strong vibe of kinship and kindness. Hope it helps conquer the menace that is cancer.

Ride On - August

Good weather most of the month, so taking the time to gear up and get into shape for September. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and support, whether spiritual or financial. The donations go entirely to Great Cycle Challenge. The spiritual support goes to Azaelea and thousands of children like her. Brother Jack in Montana is among the most loyal and generous benefactors I have!

E-Biking

Having invested in a Soltera e-bike last May, I am training for September with regional outings to familiarize myself with the controls and intricacies associated with this vehicle. I must recharge the lithium battery after each ride, no matter how much power is consumed. And I avoid wet rides due to lack of fenders. Just recently rode in the light rain at Itasca State Park with now problems other than discomfort of droplets stinging the face and some mild apparel glitches (soaked). But the bike handled all ups and downs and curvatures just fine, up to 20-plus mph. A lot easier than the previous years of pedaling under my own power ONLY. I am 75, so it makes sense to have an optional power source. It ensures my ability to tackle the 20-30 milers no matter the conditions. Trail options expand, so I am able to ride the Munger (Carlton-Duluth), Paul Bunyan(s), Heartland(s) with their vairous spurs and offered challenges. Brainerd, Baxter, Merrifield, Nisswa, Pine River, Backus, Hackensack, Walker, Chippewa National Forest, GitcheGami (Lake Superiot/Gooseberry-East Bay), all getting their own look at me and my Yellow Soltera. Love it.