The final day of the NoDak adventure (finally?) explored the beauty of Medora, North Dakota, on bike, reflecting on the unique experience of cycling the Northern Tier Route. Beautiful views of TR NP, offbeat historical tidbits and some reflections and "what ifs" that prevented me from getting there earlier… all part of the adventure!

 

 

Housekeeping 

We’re shifting the schedule around a bit here as we close out the year… we’re going to delay the final best of for 2024 so we can go straight through to finish the NoDak Adventure with no interruptions. But also…

Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

 

Highlights:

• Cycling the Northern Tier Route:

• A ride along the official Northern Tier Route through Medora, including scenic stops by the Little Missouri River and the Medora campground.

• Observations on the route’s history and recent adjustments due to safety concerns in northern North Dakota.

• Historical Nuggets: The tale of William Riley Luffy and a historic gunfight near the Little Missouri River.

• Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Reflections on bison herds, prairie dog cities, and the stark beauty of the Badlands.

• Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

• Exploring the charming Wild West vibes of Medora and its support for cyclists.

• Insights on Theodore Roosevelt’s complex legacy and the transformative power of the landscapes that inspired him.

• Personal Reflections:

• The joys and challenges of biking in cold weather.

• Thoughts on the unique beauty of oft-overlooked places like North Dakota.

 

Takeaways:

• Cycling Lessons: Even short rides can offer profound connections to the landscapes and communities you explore.

• Travel Wisdom: Embrace the unexpected, whether it’s historical surprises or the realization that your bike can take you farther than you think.

• Gratitude for Adventure: Recognizing the privilege of discovering new places and bringing listeners along for the journey.

 

Resources:

• Plan your Northern Tier adventure with the Adventure Cycling Association.

• Discover Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park on the official websites and NPS site.

 

Statistics

Miles biked 5

Cyclist encounters 1

Cowboy themed museums and shops in Medora 5

Flats 0