After all the hype for Minnesota’s scenery, we had to be reminded that like many, many other places it is also flat and agricultural. Unless you were entertaining yourself or being entertained by a teammate, the monotony of farmland can really drag out the miles. 78 miles under the sun with moderate weather (thank goodness it wasn’t above 80) and some headwinds make for a tired team. Not much to do, not much to see, not much to say as a whole!

Oh, but the joys of ice cream shops! Farms are not the only constant— we can nearly always rely on an ice cream shop for a post-ride or post-dinner treat. There’s nothing like accidentally ordering a medium when you wanted a small!

Despite the fatigue, we still love to do what we do. Today’s ride was dedicated to a family member of yesterday’s hosts, and we all wore matching bracelets to keep them in our minds and hearts. I can talk all about the fun stuff and the boring stuff of the ride, but when it comes down to it, riding with nothing but your own thoughts can be very grounding. It’s important to remember that we are all the way out here to make cancer suck less, in any way we can. Simple as that. In fundraising, in portraits, and even just thinking about those who are living with cancer or who have before. Sometimes the empty space around us makes room for more important things.

— Marielle