Luxury Stop with Ron and Joyce (August 20, 2012)

We went from Napoleon to Bismarck, ND where we had set up a Warm Showers stop with Ron and Joyce.  On the way we meet another cyclist, Bill on the road.  

Traveling light. Heading East.Bill is running a Rolhoff rear hub and belt drive (no chain!). That rear hub alone costs $1300 bucks! Also note disc brakes.

Sunflower fields everywhere now. Just beautiful.

Typical view in North Dakota on mostly empty roads.

We also saw more fields of sunflowers which always make me happy. 

Ron had given me easier directions to their house on the Northeast side of the city which saved us a number of miles.  We got there in the early afternoon and Joyce greeted us warmly. The first thing I saw in their garage was a sign about grand-parenting and I asked Joyce how many grandchildren they had.  She said five (later Ron said five and a third, so their expecting a sixth).  (It made me think of the wonderful and close  relationship my step-mother has with my daughter.)

Joyce, the Grand Lady of Hospitality!

Signs in Ron & Joyce's garage.

No, not the Sheraton, but our room for the night in our host's beautiful new home.

Their home was lovely and they had just moved in less than a year ago.  When David saw the guest bedroom he said, “Pata, you didn’t tell me we were staying at the Sheraton.” 

Everything about the stay was wonderful.  The shower was hot; the washing machine was terrific; the bed was supremely comfortable; the food was local and yummy; and the best of all was the company of Joyce and Ron.

After a wonderful dinner of North Dakota beef, potatoes, carrots, and local melon, Ron took us out to show us the route we were going to take in the morning to get out of town.  We also made a stop for second dessert of ice cream.  Ron also generously took me to the grocery store to pick up a few things.

They shared their experience with the Lewis and Clark route which we are about to join.  Ron gave us a number of pointers which we will mind as we go along.  It also turns out that Ron is a big Boston fan – it is one of his favorite places.  It was fun to share Boston bits with him.

Right at home in the well appointed kitchen.

On the morning of our departure Ron got up to make us a delicious breakfast and Joyce drove to town for coffee.
Simply wonderful & gracious people who exemplify mid-western hospitality!

In the morning, Joyce went and got me a cappuccino and Ron made us a terrific breakfast.  It was hard to leave.  David asked if they were adopting!  After some pictures and good-byes we got back on the road, following the directions that Ron showed us the night before.  We got out of the city without a hitch for a change.