Cycling across the U.S.A

Day 27, July 17
Tyler, MN, to New Ulm, MN
90 miles
Cumulative: 1836 miles

Today, in response to a request from Norm Kocol to move the ride off busy U.S. Highway 14, Adventure Cycling sent us slightly north along wonderful county roads with almost no traffic, past perfectly manicured farms growing corn and soybeans, in lovely weather. The temperature high was 84 degrees, absolutely normal for this time of year. Tonight, we could even see cool 50s, a relief after burning South Dakota.

The roads in much of the Midwest run along the borders of sections, mile-square blocks of land containing 640 acres. This meant that when we were going east, we were heading exactly 090 degrees on my GPS unit. When we turned north, for example, we were going exactly north, 360 degrees. From the air, you can see the sections distinctly, marked by the roads that separate them.

We're staying for a layover day in New Ulm, a city of 13,500 with a strong German heritage. It's named after Ulm, the principal city of the Province of Wittemberg, Germany. We're on the campus of Martin Luther College, a school with 800 students formed in 1995 by combining two older colleges. Its mission is to prepare prospective Lutheran pastors for advanced seminary training.

Tomorrow, we plan to make up for Tyler by visiting the historic Schell's Brewery. George Head has organized a special tour and tasting, and it appears that nearly everyone is planning to attend.

Comments

I think the heat you have been through must have been from the Fires of Hell!
Now you have made it through that, so, you go to church and then commune with beer?!! Sounds German to me! I think you should all be truly cleansed souls after this adventure!
Enjoy your ride! - Martha Berndt

Posted by: Martha Berndt | July 18, 2006 at 12:37 PM