Mile after mile of North Dakota farm country was quite a change for five bicyclists from Arizona.
"Beautiful country, people are friendly, a little slice of Americana," Terry Cox said.
"It was green," added Daniel Farbo. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, we don't have this humidity."
Terry and Cody Cox, Tyler Livingston, Farbo and his father, Dennis, joined 70 other riders in the five-day, 299-mile trek by the Red River International Bike Tour, which ended Friday in Sherlock Park in East Grand Forks.
Dennis has been switching summers from Arizona to Bismarck the last five years and has ridden in the 400-plus-mile CANDISC -- Cycling Around North Dakota in Sakakawea Country -- which tours northwestern North Dakota over seven days in late July.
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"He wanted less miles," Daniel kidded.
"Five days is ideal," said Dennis, who was keeping track of time, though the RRIBT isn't a race. "Two hours, 57 minutes this morning from Hatton. Not bad. We figured it'd be four and a half if we had the wind we had the first two days."
The wind also caught the attention of Bob Dumke, who lives near Milwaukee, Wis.
"Flat, green, straight roads, lots of wind, 20 miles an hour at least and always in your face, but it's a pretty ride," Dumke said. "It's just a form of resistance training."
Dumke and other riders expressed their appreciation for the hospitality shown to them by people along the route, especially motorists.
"Some of the most courteous drivers I've ever met," Dumke said. "Almost every one slowed down and went over into that left lane, and they all waved at you."
Dumke said Friday morning's storm, which roused most of the riders at about 2:30 a.m., was one of the roughest he'd ever been through.
"My tent held up; I'll wring it out when I get home," Dumke said.
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Mike Kellogg, RRIBT coordinator, said a two-hour rainstorm awakened everyone Tuesday in Mayville.
"It's an early-rising bunch and some were up at 4 a.m. The thunder and lightning woke everybody up at 5 a.m. They got their tents and gear stored inside the Mayville School and nobody got wet," Kellogg said.
"It was a challenge for a first-timer," said Bruce Wold, Bemidji. "I liked it. I encourage riders to come out to Bemidji. We have some beautiful trails, too."
Daniel Farbo and Livingston said they'll remember the trip for what they found to be a food staple at just about every stop.
"Scotcheroos," Farbo said. "We figured that's the North Dakota State Dessert."
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
