Day 35 Hutchinson to Northfield

 Since they were calling for storms in Northfield between 12-1:00 we headed out as soon as our luggage was on the truck. So, a 6:00 am start without breakfast. Terri and I teamed up with Kim and Scotty for the ride and we are sure glad we did as they were on a mission and set a blazing pace!  Our first stop was 30 miles in at Emma’s bakery. Lunch was at 48 miles which we hit around 9:30.  We kept checking the weather reports and the forecast was now saying 100% by noon. It was going to be close.  After our lunch stop we had 40 miles to go. We were just ahead of the storm and could watch it as it got closer. We almost made it!  Kim was setting record speeds at the end with our average being in excess of 21 miles during the last 10 miles. With about 5 miles to go heavens gates opened and the rain came pouring down. It was raining so hard we couldn’t see the green arrows to our hotel stop for the night and missed our turn. When we finally reached the hotel after I got a flat with .3 mile to go and we were drenched!  We left big puddles all over the reception area!   

We all felt very accomplished for a heads down day of riding with unfavorable winds, very high humidity and surviving the storm!  We ordered pizza delivery and later in the day we had blue skies again to enjoy the afternoon festivities in Northfield: fire engines and helicopters in the park. 

But the biggest news came at 6:30 p.m.  We have a new grand baby!!  Louisa Mae Reed 7# 9oz and 22 inches long!  Kara is definitely going to have to teach her to play volleyball!  My heart is filled with so much joy!!

The storm!  Picture captured by another rider Jon




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