Day 26

Today we rode from Tyler to New Ulm, Minnesota.  The entire trip is through soybean and corn fields.  These crops, especially the corn, seem to generate their own humidity.  Riding through corn on both sides of the road sometimes feels like you need to cut your way through the moist air.

Some of the crops are labeled identify the special variety. Many are genetically-engineered for insect and herbicide resistance.  I think most of the corn goes to feed and ethanol production.

Evonne's parents met us in New Ulm with fresh watermelon, musk melon and sweet corn.  It was a great treat, since most of the food that we've eaten comes from a cafeteria or a bar and grill.  Her parents drove 5 hours from Iowa with the goodies.  Watermelon is always a treat on a hot day, but the fresh corn was a big hit, too

New Ulm is famous for it's German and Austrian heritage. The Big Ride always comes to town during the Bavarian Blast, a big ol' polka fest.  We have a rest day here after 6 straight days of riding.

Allen, the ride mechanic, and I were the only ones who went down to the party on the night we arrived.  My theory is that it was best to enjoy the Blast on the night before the rest day rather than after.  One of the riders has been entered in the sauerkraut eating contest tomorrow.  We'll see how he fares.  I know that I'm not riding behind him for a few days.

Allen and I stayed at the  Bavarian Blast until midnight enjoying the product of a local brewery, Schell.  A great old couple gave us a ride home.  He was 77 and she was born in Berlin in 1939.  She still remembers the war and following occupation.