Awoke at 0900 to the sound of an air raid siren, didn’t think much of it (as I didn’t know what it was) so rolled over and went back to sleep. The Front Desk called 5 minutes later and suggested I move to their basement store room as there was tornado activity detected within 20 miles. Looked out the window to see a thunderstorm of Biblical proportions underway. Checked the weather radar for the USA and found that of 2 major weather systems active on ...

Yesterday in my communiqué I mentioned that the guy who helped me out when I ran out of gas had a son “in Afghanistan shooting diaper heads”. Looking back on my posts I see I omitted the all important note that ‘these are his words, not mine’. Please accept my apologies for including these statements without the accompanying qualifier. I felt the inclusion help in painting the story but I am sorry if offended any of my audience’...

Minot, ND to Willmar, MN (750km). Departed at 1100, no dental pain today for a change! Skyped the Lovely Lady Eryn prior to departure for a little pick me up. Gawd I love that woman!! That Skype thing is gonna catch on. Good riding until I hit the Interstate, I-95 eastbound. The speed limit is 75 MPH (God Bless America!) but there was no one doing less than 90! I like 130 km/h, or about 80 MPH as the Rocket3 has a sweet spot there at about 3200 RPM plus the wind ...

North Battleford, SK to Minot, ND (850 km). Woke up at 0800 and started packing to leave forthwith. Midway through packing, and that only takes about 15 minutes, my mouth started pounding. It has become a tradition for me to have dental surgery just before I leave on a bike trip and this year was no different. So I took some Advil and went back to bed. Departing around 1100 a little bummed out at the loss of quality riding time, but my spirits were buoyed by the ...

First day. Edmonton to North Battleford (400 km). Left around 1600 from the office after a large storm passed through that included hail and heavy rain. Caught up to the storm system in Vegreville, stopped for tea as it was cold and windy. Stayed for an hour, then caught the weather system again in Lloydminster. Stopped for 30 mins, then rode to North Battleford where I stopped for the evening at 2100. Hope to have a high mileage day on Saturday.