Lapchik's '25 GT

[Lapchik]

I had a rare weekend afternoon without the kids, so I went for a ride. I had two routes left for the GT that were under 200 miles, and chose the north route. I routed along a curvy road to and from nowhere in particular, which usually results in a fun road. It turned out to be very sandy, ranging from hard packed and smooth up to 4" deep sifted sugar sand. I know speed is your friend in sand, but it's hard for my brain to disconnect speed from the IMPENDING DANGER warnings. I ended up about 4 miles in at a water crossing, just past a wet spot with ruts big enough to swallow full size trucks. I waded in, checking depth because I couldn't see. It wasn't moving water, but I couldn't tell what the bottom was and I was to the top of my boots. I also learned my waterproof boots are now just water resistant, and got to enjoy that wet treat for the remainder of the ride. I decided to turn around and detour rather than risk it and potentially run into another wet spot around the next corner. The decision was hastened by wolf tracks around the water, and the desire to not have to walk out from a swamped bike, hoping 14 rounds of 9mm would be enough.

I hooked back north to Leader, MN to get the Bear's Den. Another animal prevalent up here is the black bear. My boss sees them on his trail cams frequently, and filled his hunting tag for one last year. I was just far enough north to claim I was in the Northwoods, in the same way that a slam dunk can be claimed by brushing a single finger against the lowest part of the net. I rode the curvy roads along the rivers to Motley for Ten-Hi and Griffs Pizza in Motley. I can't wait for a day when the sun can muster a temperature exceeding the mid 50s. None of these places were open because it was Easter Sunday. If I go back later in the year, I will let you know how the service is.