Sunday, 7-22 Day 28

Start: New Ulm, MN
End: Owatonna, MN
Scheduled Miles: 72.7
Actual Miles: 72.7

Slept on the floor last night as my back was starting to spasm. A delayed reaction to crashing. I get all my gear down to the truck one piece at a time and am walking slightly hunched over.

Dan joins Mike and I, for the start of the ride. Mike's wife was in New Ulm for the weekend and it was great to meet her. Today she is stalking us and taking photos as we roll. By mile 15 my back is really hurting and I'm not sure if I'm going to make the days mileage. Then I get an idea and stop at a Walmart we're passing by. I buy a weight lifting belt. I put it on as soon as I get outside, it is instant relief! It really helps to support my lower back. Now I can ride. Not as well, but I'm riding. The terrain is pretty flat and dare I say boring, but that is good considering my condition. Mike and Dan move on and I fight the headwinds on my own at my own pace. When we pull into the Owatonna Fair grounds, Vern's family is there to greet us with lots of homemade pies. I had a slice of wildberry pie that was just heavenly. We camp inside the beer barn, and not wanting to sleep on concrete I find an elevated ticket booth with a plywood floor. This is my room for the night!

It's $10 night so a bunch of us go out for Mexican, and a Margarita helps relax my back. Then its lights out.