MRT, Here We Come! 🚴‍♀️

Holly Margl
Monthly Recap

Personal Reflection 📝

June is over, so planning, preparation, and training for our 500-mile ride are ending, and the launch date is fast approaching. Neither Jeanne nor I realized how much planning would go into this adventure. Yet, we're both getting accustomed to marathon phone calls and near-daily packages arriving as we decide where to stay and which bags will carry our supplies.

We differ slightly in our gear bag approach, with me carrying the bulk in panniers on a rear rack and Jeanne using a seat pack, fork packs, and a handlebar bag. We'll both have some version of a frame, top tube, and feed bag. Photos of all next month! For those who know me, you won't have any trouble knowing which bike is mine. 🤣

Our ride will span nine days, barring weather, with one rest day in the middle. Lodging availability determined our stopping points, with the fewest choices in the first 250 miles. We'll stay at five hotels, two bikepacking host homes, and my house along the way.

 

Circa ‘69 🩷
Holly + Jan (Holly’s mom) + Jeanne

 

We almost came up short on miles because we relied on the accuracy of the MRT map. However, after routing to Red Wing, our original final destination, we found ourselves about 40 miles shy of 500. So, we're staying a night in Red Wing and riding one more short day to Wabasha.

So, our route is:

  1. Lake George/Itasca State Park to Cass Lake (~68 miles)

  2. Cass Lake to Grand Rapids (~70 miles)

  3. Grand Rapids to Aitkin (~75 miles)

  4. Aitkin to Belle Prairie (~55 miles)

  5. Rest day in Belle Prairie

  6. Belle Prairie to Clearwater (~65 miles)

  7. Clearwater to Saint Paul (~65 miles)

  8. Saint Paul to Red Wing (~63 miles)

  9. Red Wing to Wabasha (~40 miles)

 
 

I've had a huge learning curve with the technology, supplies, and know-how needed to complete and share this escapade. And until we're through, I know nothing for sure. Nonetheless, three companies in particular have been invaluable in sharing their expertise and time: RideWithGPS, Cedaero, and Now Bikes. Many thanks for their patience and support. 🙏🏾

Below, you’ll find our Instagram page should you want to follow our antics. Once we get underway, I’ll post a live link on Instagram for whoever wants to track our riding progress via RideWithGPS.

Lastly, we have a mascot joining us on our ride. I found Ichigo at REI while shopping for supplies. I'm still determining where his seat will be, but unless there's rain, he'll see the sights along with us. 🩵 This little guy is for Nicholas, who is always with me.

 

Ichigo atop the myriad of gathered supplies.

 

Those who want to follow me, Jeanne, and Ichigo can find us on Instagram @MWCyclingCousins. ✌🏾

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The epic MRT bike tour! 🚴‍♀️

Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.
Your support and trust mean the world.

 
 

Holly Margl is the award-winning author of Witnessing Grief: Inviting Trauma and Loss to Our Coaching Conversations, An Enneagram Perspective. Holly is an ICF Master Certified Coach, an IEA Accredited Professional and an Advanced Certified Mentor Coach specializing in grief, loss, and the Enneagram.

Witnessing Grief: Inviting Trauma and Loss to Our Coaching Conversations,
An Enneagram Perspective
Holly Margl, MCC, IEA Accredited Professional
Published August 30, 2022: The Compassionate Mind Collaborative
ISBN: 978-1737200673; $19.99

 
 

1946 St. Clair Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105 USA

MRT 🚴‍♀️ We Did It!

Welcome, June 😎