Rolled out of Minot, North Dakota on US-Highway 2 heading east this Labor Day 2009 Monday morning hoping for cooler weather than yesterday's 600 mile blast from my campsite along Montana's Beartooth Highway which was mostly in very unseasonably mid-90 temps.  Managing heat drains me mentally and physically more so than any other weather condition.    Thankfully, I got a great night's rest and woke up eager to get back on the road.  About 60 miles east of Minot (pronounced “My-not”) is Rugby, ND, a place with a particular claim to fame:   So, I guess I can say I really was at the center of it all today, huh? The temperature never exceeded mid-70s during today's ride, which was most welcomed.  There was another issue however that made for an altogether different challenging day in terms of weather: wind!Oh my goodness, the crosswind was RELENTLESS for over 200 miles as I made my way across US-2.  I came uncomfortably close to running out of gas not because of fuel mismanagement, but because the wind reeked havoc on my motorcycle's gas mileage!  My poor bike (Yamaha FJR1300) got 29 friggin' miles per gallon during one stretch of the battle with the wind!  The topography was such that North Dakota's wide open farmland was occasionally interspersed with stands of trees which would block the wind momentarily as I'd pass by.  So, I'd get a very brief break only to be followed by a blast.  I wasn't having trouble controlling the bike, but my neck got very tired from having the weight of my helmet being thrown around like a pinball.  Because it was a direct crosswind it made no difference what position I placed my windshield.  Heck, it didn't even matter that I had a windshield!    Stopped here for a brief respite... this is what a non-interstate Rest Area looks like in North Dakota in case you wondered: Heck yeah it was blowing!: My plan today was to stay on US-2 just beyond the Minnesota state line and then take a scenic byway that continued east.  As I approached the state line I decided no matter what I was going to head north just so I could turn the unforgiving south to north crosswind into a tailwind.  After 200 miles I seriously needed a reprieve.  So, when I approached I-94 I headed north! Since I've ridden in the area before I knew it wouldn't take me long to get into Minnesota's tall trees (which would block the wind).  I indeed found peace and quiet on MN highway-11, which also happened to be a a dedicated “Scenic Byway”: I can't say that the route was especially scenic.  In fact, I'm really not sure why Hwy 11 is designated as a scenic byway since it's basically a bunch of trees, fields, and a shot of the Rainy River every now and again.  This would be representative of the road (note the early change in leaves!!): I know a five year old who is going to scream “There's Mo the Moose!!” when they see this, which was on a town's water tower: When I said I was going north, you probably didn't think I meant THIS far north, huh?  Actually, I didn't cross into Canada, but ever since my fandango unplanned border crossing in Blaine, WA during my USA Four Corner ride (report: HERE), I get a bit nervous whenever I'm on a road that is right on the border, fearing I might again “accidentally” cross again!  The presence of these don't help any anxiety: No errant border crossings today thankfully.  I am, however, sleeping tonight a few miles from the US/Canadian border here in International Falls, MN.  I decided to hold up here for the night so tomorrow morning I can bag another US National Park Passport Stamp: This particular park has 3 different Visitor Centers that each have their own stamp.  I have 2 out of the 3 and will get the missing one tomorrow.  (Stamp-itis is an affliction I **would** wish upon anyone... the relentless desire to go to the most scenic places all over the country so you can acquire a round blot of ink.) I've spent most my time camping over the past month I've been on the road.  When I have opted for a hotel, I've tried to keep a “GO LOCAL” approach.  (In these neck of the woods that's not a difficult thing to accomplish).  I mean, c'mon, when have you ever seen a Holiday Inn Express with a check-in area that has this: ...and an owner who can personally tell you about every catch?: ...or that offers “how about a female motorcyclist special”... which turned out to be a room with 3 beds for $25: Seriously, 3 beds in one room.  Apparently they cater to groups of fishing/hunting/outdoor enthusiasts who come to the area.  Not exactly sure what the “special” is about, as I didn't press for a full explanation but perhaps the female owner is partial to female solo traveling motorcyclist?  Anywho, Mo is excited he has his own bed tonight. Today's final GPS:   For those not familiar with the North Dakota and Minnesota backroads mentioned above, here are maps of today's route: I'll be spending the next few days CouchSurfing in the Duluth area, then I'll make my way into Canada and around Lake Superior... hopefully in cool temps and calm winds! AGirl   If you wish to receive a direct email whenever a new Journey Report has been posted simply click: This Link Copyright © 2006-2012, All Rights Reserved.