Day 25: Enderlin to Fargo, N.D.

Early this afternoon, we departed the remote, rural cornfields of central North Dakota and entered the metropolis of Fargo-Moorhead. Today is our last day in North Dakota, and we have definitely run the gamut of scenery and sights in this state: from the badlands and the painted canyons, through the state capital, across many cornfields in the agricultural center, and now to the border on the Red River; it was a much shorter crossing than our 12 days across Montana.

Riding today continued the trajectory of yesterday, with long stretches along straight, flat roads through cornfields. We continued our first 30 miles through rural farming communities, before we began to turn into Fargo. The next 30 miles took us along bike paths, quiet suburban roads, and right into the center of Fargo. There appear to be two main railroad tracks that run right through the downtown area here, and we experienced the slowdown crossing both of them.

We arrived early into Fargo and spent the afternoon and evening exploring the city. It appears to be a city experiencing definite growth, with several startups right downtown, and lots of young people and the businesses they attract. We were eager to find some different fare for lunch and dinner, and got a chance to check out a few different breweries across town.

Minnesota is within sight, and tomorrow we will ride right across the bridge and begin our southeast trek toward Minneapolis and eventually to connect with the Mississippi River into Iowa, where we’ll head east through Indiana and Ohio.

By the numbers:
Miles traveled: 58
Average pace: 13.8 mph
Total climbed: 289 ft.
Average temperature: 76F
Elevation: 975 ft.
Norwegian-themed business: 3
Tacos consumed: 4
Cups of infused water at the hotel: 5

 Our technical editor (Ed) wanted to note the three different types of shoulders that we experienced today riding along CR 46. This was the worst: a small shoulder with a rumble strip right down the middle.

 There was a business here in Fargo that was full of full-size animal statues.

 Here is another type of shoulder: one of the best, wide should with no intruding rumble strip.

 Ed outside of one of the breweries here in town. This one occupied a previously burnt-out railway building.

 Our “lunch” stop in Kidred, N.D.

 Gaming at Fargo’s arcade-brewery.

 The less-optimal shoulder: narrow but rumble strips to the left.

View of downtown Fargo.