Day 27: Brookings, SD to Lamberton, MN

Good News! We got Marc's wheel replaced this morning and we were back on the road by 12:30. Thanks due to the guys at Sioux River Bicycles in Brookings. Marc had to endure a bit of harassment first for pulling a Bob trailer with his expensive Bianchi Racing Bike. (Racing bikes, like his, are really not meant for bike touring.)

All I can say about today is that its really tough leaving mid-day for a 90 mile ride. I just couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that we had so miles to cover in such short time period. Marc was confident that we'd make it to Springfield but I wanted a more attainable goal. We tried our best, but only made it 79 miles today. We decided to stop in the small town of Lamberton, MN around 6:30.

The ride today was fairly uneventful. It was a beautiful sunny day with temps in the mid- 70's. The biggest challenge was the 20 mph cross winds. The winds were tolerable but when semi-trucks passed it was brutal - like someone slapping you in the face (hard). Our helmets would have been ripped from our heads had they not been strapped down. Every time I saw a semi-truck coming I had to brace myself, shut my eyes and hold on to my handlebars for dear life. The wind gusts would knock you off the bike if you weren't prepared!

Tonight we are staying at a quaint little motel in the small town of Lamberton. I'm surprised this small town even has a motel. However, it is just down the road from Walnut Grove ( another town from Little House on the Prairie) so they do rely on traffic from the Laura Ingalls Wilder fans.

When I inquired at the front desk about a local restaurant, I discovered that the only eating establishment in town was the American Legion Hall. When I told Marc that we'd be eating at the Legion, he said "Great! Cheap Beer!"

The Legion was hopping! There were about 28 seniors playing Pinochle and several other guys hanging out at the bar. I can definitely tell that we are now in Minnesota. The accents are different and there are lots of people of Norwegian and Danish heritage.

One glance at the Legion's menu would give anyone a a heart problem. Everything on the menu came from the fryer - well everything but the cheese bacon burgers. There was fried fish, chicken, shrimp, potatoes, cheese, Reuben balls, mushrooms, cauliflower, etc. Our meals were delicious but very filling. I had an order of the broccoli cheddar balls and they were excellent - like Broccoli Cheddar Soup deep fried. No pie though! I'll have to skip the pie tonight as there are no other options in town.

Tomorrow we have a 70 mile ride to Mankato to stay with my friend Jess' parents. I just text'd Jess and told her that I'm going to mess up her old room and poke fun at all her baby photos. (Hee Hee, Jess! ) Seriously, I am looking forward to seeing her parents and the homestead where Jess grew up. I was also advised that I need to look for barn kitties. Aww!