Thief River Falls

Day: 43
Destination: International Falls, then Thief River Falls, MN
Route: Highway 11 to the International border; then Highway 11 to Route 71 south; then Highway 1
Miles Ridden: 406     Total Miles: 9,875

Points of Interest:

• Highway 11 in Canada
• Red Lake Indian Reservation

It's amazing the difference one day can make. Yesterday was very cold. This morning was very nice. Warm, clear, blue skies, almost not a hint of clouds. We loaded up and headed for the Canadian border at International Falls. It was about a five hour ride, with very little available gas on the way. A two lane road which meandered through the low mountains, and virtually no traffic at all. We saw a deer on the shoulder, and another black bear, this time a full grown bear observed a couple hundred yards from the roadway, and we saw some of the most beautiful wild flowers imaginable.

When we arrived at International Falls, we decided to continue on to either Red Lake or Thief River Falls, MN. We have been invited to a Fourth of July BBQ in Montana, and had to make up a half day. When we got to Red Lake, however, we learned it was a large lake on an Indian reservation. A fair number of people, but more trashed homes and trailers and abandoned cars on blocks than people. We decided against Red Lake, and moved on to Thief River Falls. The last 60 miles was on a two lane road without traffic. We experienced very heavy wind, with cross winds pushing 50 mph (enough to move our bikes). Thief River Falls turned out to be a nice little town, with very nice people who received us well.

7 Weeks and Counting

Hard to believe that 7 weeks from now our great adventure will begin.  The bikes will be serviced, waxed, and the tires properly inflated to save the world's oil supply.  Everything will be packed and strapped, and the bikes will be warmed up and gassed up.  After a loving kiss and the traditional "be careful" from our wives, we will begin our 12,000 mile trip by riding south along the glorious Pacific coastline.  You may not own a motorcycle, but that doesn't mean you can't ride with us.   By reading our blog, you just may feel that same sense of freedom and liberty that we feel with the wind in our faces, and the smell of the Pacific blowing across Highway 1.  Stop by and visit.  We'll be looking for you!