Beautiful day of riding - long, but very fulfilling. Started out of Aitkin on busy highway, but found a paved trail through a state forest/park that led to a quiet road to Brainerd - home of the Northern Pacific's rail yard - several million square feet of space now available for rent! From Brainerd rode a very nice farm road most of the remaining route. We keep running into lots of paving - nothing better than a freshly paved asphalt road on a beautiful sunny day. Lunch in a farmer's front yard - highlighted by watching the perilous task of clearing a blocked top of a silo - reminded me that farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Took a 10 mile detour to visit Theilins Meat Market in Pierz Minn. the jerkey jaunt was well worth it - heard all about Andy's (fourth generation butcher in town) hunting career. exceptional home made beef, turkey and pork jerkey. we have entered farm country - huge corn and bean fields, dairy and hog farms. Definitely more prosperous as we head south.
Chillin after killer pizza at Charley's.