Today we rode 49 miles from Big Fork to Big Falls. It was one of the hottest days that we've ridden in (about 85 degrees) in the afternoon, but we enjoyed the scenery and wilderness along the way. We met a bear hunter who told us not to go too deep into the woods because after half a mile, you could meet up with bears!

We would like to thank the city of Big Falls for providing our delicious supper in the community center gym. Afterwards, we performed our best show yet for them, full of additional acts and entertainment. We camped at the Big Falls City Park and enjoyed a swim in the Big Fork River. The mosquitoes are getting worse and worse as we go north! We made a bonfire and gorged ourselves on German chocolate all night.

The goal is in sight: we can't quit now. Most of the riders felt that today was an easier ride than yesterday, and today very few people took rides in the RV. Tomorrow we just have a 38 mile day to International Falls! We will be arriving at 1 p.m.

NOTES ON BREAKS

Everyone's style of riding differs: some people take breaks every mile or so, some every three to five, and some every 10 to 15 miles! Here are our types of breaks:

Walking breaks: you dismount your uni and keep walking for several feet just to stretch, then remount without ever stopping moving.

Sit-down breaks: more leisurely breaks with a little more time to stretch and relax

RV breaks: (ReVitalizing breaks) every 10 to 15 miles, the group reunites at the RV stops so everyone can catch up and start off together again. During these breaks, we refill our CamelBaks, snack on food items, put on sunscreen and butter and bug lotion, and rest. "Connie's Pharmacy" is now open, featuring a supply of lotions, butter, and pain killers!

And of course you can't forget the cornfield/bush breaks!

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"I don't think your hair is as bad as mine, but it's pretty good!" - Roger to Tanya this morning

"I have never seen so many bad hair days in a row before!" - Nancy Cline, UMT (Unicycle Medical Technician, support staff)

MOMENTS TO REMEMBER:

~ mosquito bites and poison ivy

~ a bee stinging Dan's nose (on the inside!)

~ jumping off bridges for a swim in the river

~ serious CamelBak tans on all the guys!

~ reading jokes printed off the Internet for entertainment while riding

FUNNY STORY FOR THE DAY:

After arriving at the camp ground, Andy wanted the keys to the RV, and Sven tossed them over. Then Andy changed his mind, and threw them back to Sven in a high arch. The keys landed in a tree, 30 feet above ground, and did not come down! First we tried to throw a club into the tree to knock the keys out, but it was difficult as we could not see where the keys were. And then the club got stuck in the tree as well! Sven had to back up the RV (with the spare keys) under the tree and stand on top of it to reach the keys, using the Divines tent pole. Catastrophe averted!

Tomorrow we finish the ride across Minnesota! We have reached our $30,000 fundraising goal fo r MS! A big round of applause for everyone who supported us.