105th Roadside News: Day 6 - Bismarck, ND to Fargo, ND - August 24, 2008
Maverick and Radio - Aug 24, 2008

Things are beginning to ramp up and excitement building as we travel closer and closer to Milwaukee. No, motorcycling doesn’t get better. Motorcyclists will tell you that every day on a motorcycle is an emotional high…some days more high and some days less high, but always high. 

 

What is different is the number of participants we meet at stops along the way or that actually join the Seattle route along with anticipation of more to join us in the coming days. All are headed for a Milwaukee arrival on August 27^th. 

 

Today’s leg from Bismarck to Fargo was remarkably flat. It was a bright sunny day! The air was fresh as we began at 10 a.m. due to the shorter distance – 189 miles. Granted it was Sunday morning, but we rode for miles on I-90 without seeing any other vehicles on the highway. Cagers don’t expect anyone either. I say that because as we were passing an automobile, the operator decided to take over our lane. Whoops!!

 

 

With all due respect to those who love North Dakota, other than farming and ranching there really isn’t much going on in rural North Dakota. You can see for miles and in every direction you see wheat fields. A North Dakota motorcyclist – a pharmacist – proudly informed me that North Dakota is the world’s largest producer of Durum wheat, used in the creation authentic Italian pasta.  

 

Highlights of the day were decidedly stops at Stutsman Harley-Davidson/Buell and Fargo Harley-Davidson. 

 

 

Brad and Jodi, owners of Stutsman H-D/Buell, purchased the store three years ago and are growing by leaps and bounds. They will do well because all customers are actively appreciated. Their vision is to provide the best service while building sustaining customer relationships. Motorcyclists traveling near Jamestown, North Dakota will want to stop at Stutsman Harley-Davidson/Buell.

 

 

Fargo Harley-Davidson has thrived under the ownership of Del and Renee who have been selling motorcycles for nearly 60 years. The history contained in their collection of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles is reason enough to visit their store in Fargo.

 

In summary: a good ride, good people, and a new appreciation of North Dakota’s contribution to the culinary arts. 

 

Today was another great day to ride; lots of sun, new friends to ride with, and cool weather. Notice a theme here? Everyday is a great day to ride!   The sunflowers were out this morning, their little faces toward the sun; fields and fields of them. Like the sunflowers, we soaked up the sun as we rode along.

 

Our core group split into two groups today. One group left Bismarck for Fargo via Grand Fork. The other group left Bismarck, made a stop in Jamestown, and then rode on to Fargo. Both routes included dealer stops with food and celebration. I swear I’m going home twenty pounds heavier. Shoot, I might be lucky if that is all I gain!

 

Texas often brags about having the biggest of many things, but Texas has nothing over North Dakota. According to billboards along the road, North Dakota has bragging rights to the world’s largest metal sculpture, the world’s largest Holstein, the world’s largest buffalo, and the world’s largest sand crane. Cycle Matters was fortunate to get a photo of the buffalo. Be sure to check it out.

 

Outside of the above mentioned items, there isn’t much in North Dakota except wheat fields and hay fields. The roads are long, straight, and the area flat. The best thing about North Dakota seems to be their Harley-Davidson dealers. We received outstanding receptions at our stops at Stutsman Harley-Davidson and Fargo Harley-Davidson. The dealers are warm, friendly, and make you feel welcome in their stores. 

 

Rider excitement is building as we get closer to Milwaukee. For me, there is sadness as well. I’m not ready for it to be over. Tonight I have clean hair and my hair is no longer flat to my head the shape of a helmet. Tomorrow I will wear clean jeans as we have washed clothes tonight. Life is still good. Tomorrow we will ride. There’s nothing like the open road.

 

Click here to view the ride to Fargo photos. 

 

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