Day 9 - August 14 Mid-West riding at it's best

We rolled out of Grand Forks, ND at our usual 8am start time.  Morning ride temp was slightly less than it's been at 55 degrees and as result we were all in jackets and a layer or two. It was just a few miles to cross into Minnesota and our first pic stop of the day.  We set a goal to reach Bemidji for our first fuel stop and brief break. Alan mentioned that Highway 2 has spoiled us by providing very little traffic for us to have to navigate around. Surely a luxury that will end as we get further east.

 

The 10,000 lakes that Minnesota boasts of were a prominent feature of riding today.  As was another tell-tale sign that we were in the midwest, raised water towers. Every little town has one.  Torrey also noted that we seemed to be in Pickers' Heaven as there were plenty of antique shops, old signs and classic cars along the roadsides.

 

 

We made it to Duluth, MN for lunch.  It was here that we began riding on the Superior Lake Circle Tour (still Hwy 2). Temps remained in the mid-70's most of the day.  We all peeled off one layer, but were still most comfortable riding in sleeves. 

From there, we crossed over into northern Wisconsin at Superior.  We then rode to Hurley where we turned off of our beloved Hwy 2 and onto 51 South.  The lakes in this area were plentiful and pretty.  Many great lake front properties.  When we reached Minocqua it was 47 South that took us into Rhinelander, the home of the Hodag. More on that later.

 

Total miles today: 466;
Time to travel that distance: 9.5 hours
Cumulative miles: 3819
Tomorrow: Day of rest (and repair), much needed I'll add.
Random Thoughts:  I vowed a long time ago to never travel to WI in August because of the humidity.  I was pleasantly surprised to find it was noticeably less humid in northern WI than my memory recalls.