Day 13 - Rural North Dakota

We followed the Missouri River valley out of Bismarck with the bluffs guarding the river as it winds southeast towards South Dakota.  The route then turns straight east across rural, rural North Dakota.  We only passed near 3 towns (average population 250 each). 
We are staying at the Honey Hub in the metropolis of Gackle tonight.  Jason Miller has converted the basement of a family home into a bikers respite (named the Honey Hub) - a place cross country bikers can stay for the night; to shower, relax, use wifi - without camping.  Kathryn & I appreciate that we were able to contact Jason (through Adventure Cycling) and be able to relax for the night.  Thoughts for the day:

1. Was fun to picture Lewis & Clark & their crew moving up the Missouri river into this Dakota country exploring & interacting with the Mandan Indians.
2. I wonder how much value rumble strips add to roadway safety - they must be helpful for drivers, but are sure a pain for bikers.
3. There is a marked difference between people who have good ideas, and those that actually act & implement them. Jason, an avid cyclist & triathlete, had a dream to open a bike shop or help cyclists in some way.  As he noticed bikers coming through Gackle (after Adventure Cycling changed the route in 2012), he took action to open up his basement & turn it into the Honey Hub.  The world needs more people like Jason & his wife Ginny.

"Honey Hub"

Gackle, ND