383: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2

Starting from Fargo and driving clear across North Dakota, I had little to prepare me for what awaited on the western edge of the state. But would I see the bison that I low key really wanted to see, and would some discovered damage on the Brompton scuttle the bikey part of this bike adjacent 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!

NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2

Driving North Dakota Adventures

- Reflections on the landscape: vastness, agriculture, and wildlife sightings along the drive

- Observations on North Dakota’s scenic beauty, especially during fall

- Jamestown Buffalo Museum mention and the fascination with the changing golden hues of the farmlands

Arrival in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

- Excitement for the park’s wilderness, iconic buffalo herd, and camping at Cottonwood Campground

- Insight into campground conditions: first-come, first-served, no water or services, and gear preparations

- Planning for a night in the chilly North Dakota weather

Camping and Wildlife Encounters

- Capturing buffalo sightings, exploring the park, and photographing the scenic Badlands

- Cycling experiences within the campground and nearby closed loops, including brief cycling issues

- Observations on the local flora, geology, and prairie dog sightings

Unexpected Gear Lessons and Camping Essentials

- Discussing travel gear logistics: food, fuel, and camping supplies for a no-service campground

- Bike challenges: saddle issues and minor damages to bike parts during transport

- Lessons learned for future trips, particularly with bike handling and protection

Biking and Buffalo Close Encounters

- Memorable encounters with buffalo while biking, and the unique thrill of seeing them up close

- Reflection on safety tips and maintaining distance with wildlife while biking

- Experience of witnessing prairie dogs and other local fauna in their natural habitat

Wrapping up the Day and Reflections

- Preparing for a chilly night with layered gear and warming up with hot food and drinks

- Reflections on the uniqueness of North Dakota’s landscapes and the satisfaction of fully exploring the area

- Plans for a cold morning bike ride, additional wildlife sightings, and beginning the drive back to Fargo

Statisitics

Miles driven 333

Bison sightings 1 herd, 1 lone, um, wolf

Bashed Brompton rack tires 1

Impending temperature drop - 34 degrees F, 19 degrees C

Lighters forgotten, and subsequently purchased 1

Flats 0