Recap of Day 1 - June 18th, 2007

By Mary Schieve, RRIBT participant

The first day of the first ever Red River International Bike Tour turned out to be a challenging and memorable one. More than 100 people took off from the Grand Forks Town Square and cycled some 60 miles to Turtle River Park via Thompson, Northwood, Larimore and Arvilla. The sun was shining and after weeks of too much rain, it appeared that Mother Nature was going to give us a break. From Grand Forks to Thompson, it was a pretty pleasant ride.

After a short break there, we embarked on the 25-mile trek to Northwood and that was when the trouble started. We battled strong, unrelenting headwinds all the way, with gusts up to 45 mph. A narrow shoulder and a fair amount of traffic, including some pretty big trucks, added to the adventure on that particular stretch. We found ourselves clinging to the road and our bikes when some of those big semis passed. When we finally spotted Northwood, it was a welcome site, although I have to say, those last few miles into town seemed to take forever.

After a lovely little stop and lunch at a local cafe, we were good to go again, ready to tackle the last three miles of headwinds, which if anything, seemed to have picked up even more during our break. It was also time to take out the jackets, as the temperature seemed to have dropped a bit. Then it was time to turn north on 18, and the difference was incredible. The winds were still high, and conditions such that we might have complained under normal circumstances, but it was such a relief to not have to ride straight into the wind that we felt we were on easy street. The ride to Larimore was pleasant, even though at times the sound from the wind rushing through the giant cottonwoods sounded like the roar of the ocean.

At Larimore, we turned east and pedaled past some of the day’s best scenery—the Larimore recreation area. And what’s more, with the wind now at our backs, we were able to enjoy it and practically coast. It was on this stretch that we encountered the few hills of the day, and again, the tailwinds, were welcome.

It was a day to remember. As North Dakota native, Louis L’Amour used to say, “when you’re in it, it’s trouble, but when it’s over, it’s an adventure.” This was an adventure. The headwinds were tough, but these cyclists will have some tales to tell their friends when the trip is over.

All in all, a great first day.