Day 20, Beaver Creek to Bismarck, General Sibley Park

Wednesday June 17, 2020, 50 miles (80 km) - Total so far: 1,135 miles (1,827 km)

I'm sitting here with the fluff from cottonwood trees drifting around me. No winds, except for a breeze. Temps low 80s. Everything feels good, normal--except this is like a rare day for me.

I loved the campground last night. First I was fed the brat plate by Donna at her trailer, then Pat and his extended family fed me an all-you-can eat beer batter fried fish dinner. They kept talking about how many calories I must burn. I tried to tell them about the extra Covid weight.

I always turn in early, since I'm up early. I really do like lighting out at dawn. Anyway, last night an electrical storm blew in. I think it passed in 3 stages. The first had big wind. I thought it might flatten my tent, but the poles held. I'd seam sealed the tent, but wasn't sure how well it shed water. I didn't get wet. Lastly, the thunder and lightning scared me. One hit fairly close and I felt the ground shake. I prayed.

At 4:30 I was out of the tent, packing. That's when I discovered my sunglasses were missing. They could be in the rangers car, office, or Donnas trailer. I left with a sinking feeling.

The ride was ups and downs. Wind was not vicious, but also not helping. And, without my odometer, I was never sure about progress. I have a sort of ACA map, so about 10 miles out rang Larson's bike shop. They were busy, but would fit me in. I made it there exactly at 12 noon.

I was a little traumatized. He said not only the chain but rear cassette was shot. I also had new front brake pads put on. With labor it was around $90. I couldn't help think of the money, but it was necessary for safety sake. Anyway, the shop owner me great directions for getting out of town. And to a DQ while eating lunch I signed into my bank account.

I started with a little over a stimulus check amount, but my balance was still way above that. It's like I haven't spent anything. I refreshed thinking it was a mistake. But, no. What a relief. Also the bike guy gave me a pair of glasses left sitting around the shop. I have to get used to them. Also, last night Pat packed me fish to go. So tonight fish, and my leftover DQ.as it was too much.

Bike is ready to go. Odometer is back. I'm here and have met a Chippewa Sioux woman living out of her car with cancer who is a Christian. She asked me if I wanted to go to the casino, but I'm fine.