Day 28: Monday, 06/04/18, Clearwater to Baxter, Minnesota

Map of today's ride:



Distance of Today's Ride: 86.2 miles

Trip Total Distance: 1894.5 miles

Elevation Gain:  1490 feet

Riding Time: 6:05 hrs:mins

Today's ride was significantly different than the partial clouds and high head winds of yesterday. The day started cool, in the high 50's, but ended in the high 80's. However, more importantly, the NW wind we bicycled into today was perhaps only a fourth as strong as yesterday! It was another nice day to be on a bicycle!

This is the Beaver Island Trail that follows the route of an inactive railway that was originally part of a charter railroad of the Minneapolis and Northwestern Railway Company.  Built in 1882, the railroad line connected Minneapolis with the town of Clearwater, south of St Cloud.  Today, the Beaver Island Trails, is open in two disconnected segments.  We rode on the larger segment following the Mississippi River for a little more than 5 miles from near the St Cloud University campus.

The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, also known as the Brooks Center, is a 5,159 seat hockey arena in St Cloud, MN.  It is home to the St Cloud State University Huskies men's and women's ice hockey teams, and the Saint John's University Johnnies ice hockey team.  In April 2013, the arena was renamed in honor of former St Cloud State, University of Minnesota and US Olympic coach Herb Brooks.

This is Charles Lindberg's boyhood home outside of Little Falls, MN.  He spent his boyhood on the Mississippi River enjoying his summers in a house built by his father on the west bank of the river south of town. The Charles Lindberg House and Museum explores the legacy of the first solo aviator to make a nonstop flight across the Atlantic from New York to Paris.

Another view of the Mississippi River north of Clearwater, Minnesota.

This seated Paul Bunyan is an 11 1/2 foot tall statue, outside the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center (prior to entering Brainerd).  He was made in 2006 by a Minnesota artist.  There are at least 13 places in MN where you will find a Paul Bunyan statue.  He is a longstanding symbol of strength and vitality.  Paul Bunyan and his trusty sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, are said to be responsible for Minnesota's 10,000 lakes, the Great Lakes, the Grand Canyon and other natural wonders.

We have two of the best SAG stop support staff on the final run to the Mississippi headwaters!  Today, they surprised us with Casey's pizza in addition to other treats. Thanks Cheryl/Mom and Lance!!!