Life On A B-I7

Route

• Saint Cloud to Plymouth

Metrics

• Miles: 63 + 8 NIM
• Average Speed: 10.1 mph
• Ride Time: 5 hours 6 minutes

Notes

• An Air Quality Alert is in effect. The smoke from fires in Northeast Minnesota is as bad as anything I’ve ever seen. I may have to call for a ride into Minneapolis.
• Q. What is the coldest city in the country.
• A. International Falls, Minnesota. On average they have 109 days a year where the temperature is below 32°. I’m south of there…

Thought #10

• Spend time each day to think of things higher than yourself.
• A person that can’t do that is no leader.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) today is 317. That’s not good. I decided to ride today anyway because the AQI in the EconoLodge where I stayed last night wasn’t a whole lot better. The carpet was moldy. I’m not sure which is worse, mold or smoke, it’s probably a toss-up. You get what you pay for.

I have arrived in Minneapolis! Roughly speaking, this is the halfway point of the tour. Tomorrow I’ll provide a better estimate of the midpoint, plus some details about where I’m heading next.

The oldest person to ride coast-to-coast on a bicycle is Bob Sanders. He completed the trip at 85 years (and 49 days) old. He achieved this remarkable feat on May 11, 2025. He cycled from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida.

I did that route in 2019. If I do it again in 13 years, I could be the new record holder!

My first glimpse of the Mississippi River, 30 miles West of Minneapolis. I’m told this is about as far Northwest on the Mississippi river as you can navigate.

Itinerary / Maps