Wednesday started off with challenges. Just as an unexpected thunderstorm was rolling in, my left shifter needed critical battery replacement. As I reached down to get tools/battery in my bike bag, the zipper was stuck, like “ain’t no way I’m opening this” stuck. This needed a pro and the earliest any shop opened was 9am. It occurred to me, this is a good omen. Had the battery died 50 miles west of Bismarck in the middle of desert the buzzards would be circling. There was also no riding in the pending storm so how does one re-group. Coffee Break! That’s the name of the coffeehouse I took cover. The owner and two other patrons were sitting very quietly in this tiny corner shop. It was like the famous painting Nighthawks by artist Edward Hopper where four people are late night in a small town diner. The pop culture version is Boulevard of Broken Dreams with Elvis, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. The skies in Bismarck went dark as the painting and the four of us all suddenly engaged in fellowship. The owner Sia, described himself as Persian and emigrated here over 30 years ago, loves Bismarck and is an avid cyclist too. A young woman named Chien from NYC is car-camping across the US on identical routes and brought her dog “Trixie” into the shop to shelter her from thunder. To sooth Trixie, Sia gave her a cup of whip cream aka a “Puppacchino”. Chien needed a break from the difficult business side of fashion and is on a year-long, soul-search. The other woman Sharon is a local CNA enjoying her morning ritual before doing literally God’s work: taking care of the elderly and memory care residents. I related to her that CRI has partnered with Waveny Care Network to train CNAs, a critical need in CT and another innovative program in the area of workforce development. Sharon gave a beautiful testimony on why she loves her vocation, but it was clear Sharon is just an angel. Storm subsided, bike shop opened and the morning events were all just a blessing…with more ahead.
I was told days earlier by a fellow cyclist that a Benedictine monastery on my route hosted cyclists. I filled out an online form with details around my trip/purpose and Brother Odo immediately confirmed. I arrived at The Assumption Abbey in time to join the monks for supper. The church, abbey and grounds sit on a bluff overlooking the vast prairie. The pics in my Strava don’t do it justice. I respectfully did not take photos of the monks and lived in the moment. Brother Odo was my host and shepherded me to dinner where I devoured incredible food (who knew monks like jello but it is the Midwest!). I met several brothers, including the head Abbot named Valerian, who all have resided at The Abbey for over 60 years! Before departing Thursday morning, I went to the stunning back overlook to “inhale” the sunrise. I was greeted by the youngest of the monks who joined me to do the same. He presence and energy really stood out at the large dinner table and he had been listening intently on my trip details. I had not met him, so I introduced myself. His name…Brother Christopher…same as my big bro. After the shock wore off, I cried (balled actually) with joy as I rode off from Richardton. He’s always with me.
