This was another very long day, very hot with winds from the north. Riding in the prairies is a task to get used to. The roads are totally flat and straight with occasional little bends. Villages with a few hundred people are spread along the route and along the train track on the other side. The grain elevators of the villages and towns are usually the first signs appearing out of the haze and the mirages over the roads and fields. Karlstad was an interesting place. It is a mostly Scandinavian town and area with a very nice restaurant where I had Pannkakor, pancakes with berries.
The ride through the prairies, going north was very monotonous. I changed gears just to “Change the Cycle ” every once and a while, without changing speed. At the border to Canada I jumped the cue of about 10 cars and the only Canadian customs officer gave me a lecture. My point was I don’t have air conditioning and it was about 35c. The first noticeable change coming into Canada (on Canada Day) was the lack of any firm shoulder and drivers being less friendly with cyclists. I have been so impressed with US roads and drivers that actually cheer cyclists on. Maybe it’s Lance Armstrong’s legacy beyond his fall that people embrace cycling more.
The ride into Winnipeg was the typical city highway mess but eventually I crossed the Red River and found Laurie who guided me on his recumbent bike to his and Bea’s place. I am very lucky that Laura Robinson arranged this stay with her cousin at very short notice. This was a day with few conversation besides for food and lots of water.