While I packed up my camp, my new friend Brook gave me some home-made jam to take with me, very kind. About a mile later, I was on the Lake Wobegone Trail. About 15 years ago, I ran dozens of miles on that trail while training for marathons, so I felt excited about cycling on it.

Soon after I turned onto the Lake Wobegone Trail, a few runners ran toward me. They were wearing numbers, so I knew they had to be in an organized race. I loved the idea of being back on my favorite marathon-training trail with runners on an actual race. I figured they were running a 5 or 10k. But then, I saw the back of a sign that seemed like a mile-marker, for the runners. I glanced back at it, and the sign said “Mile 25.” They were marathoners!

I cheered them on while I cycled toward them. I ran 3 marathons, so I know what mile 25 feels like. It’s drudgery. You don’t ran fast. You don’t even think fast, or at all. Cheers can really help, so I was happy to cheer them on, while riding my loaded bike.

When I approached Albany, two cyclists coming toward me waved. They were my niece Darcy and my nephew Scott, coming to meet me on the trail. I had a great time in Albany catching up with them and other family.

Covered Bridge by Holdingford, my hometown.

That night, I stayed with a high-school friend in a wonderful cycling-art café he built. It’s called Art in Motion, with the nickname Boho. It’s next to the Lake Wobegone Trail, which is a great trail. If you ever cycle on it, I highly recommend Art in Motion. The art, food, service, and overall vibe of the place is more than just fun. It’s special, as their website shows.

I’m in Brainerd as I write this. My blog posts might be delayed for a few days since I’ll be in more remote areas, might be hard to find wifi.

Here are pictures from my trip through Lake Wobegone.

Route for May 8

Lake Wobegone Trail

Lake Wobegone Marathon

Covered Bridge by Holdingford, my hometown.

Marathon runners on the Lake Wobegone Trail.