Thank you for your question, Beth.

Question: what do you think about when you are riding?

Arvid’s answer: In a ride like this, after a few days, my mental capacity is down to 50%. Towards the end of RAAM or my GWR ride, it can drop to 25%.

I have trained my mind to focus on only the things that are relevant to the ride;

1. Staying safe on the road, focusing on the road surface, dangers on the road, and awareness of vehicles.

2. My body’s needs; ie food, physical and emotional needs.

3. Most of the time is occupied with the efforts required to keep going.

4. In addition, I randomly pull other things in to my mind (family and grandkids) but they come and go.

5. The only reason I can get off the bike and sound reasonably coherent is because I eliminate everything else from my mind. This comes with years and years of practice.

The sun shines brightly over the Manitoba highway as Arvid prepares to pull off the #1 into the Acadia Community, and all 11 of his grandkids are along to cheer him on for the last leg.

After confirming where Arvid is on the #1, the motorcade sets out to cheer on Arvid from the roadside a few kilometers from Acadia.

The fans are ready and on the lookout.

 On to one more cheer before arriving.

Next stop – Acadia Community!

The usual suspects grab the first hello hug, but the fine folks of Acadia are right behind to greet Arvid as he arrives in their community.

 On to a day of hanging out! Stay tuned for the next post of Arvid at Acadia.

Hint: What state are we in?

After leaving Winnipeg yesterday, we have travelled on Hwy 59 for just over 600 km to Montevideo, Minnesota. A very straightforward route.

Now that all changes as we begin navigating a southeast route to the Gulf. We have 34 pages to follow in our route book, thanks to the expertise of our son Paul.

Between his route book, GPS and Google maps we should be able to find our way there.

Enjoying a picnic lunch at Holloway, MN. 213km done already!

Question: On a major ride like this, if God gave you full control over one of the following five elements, (rain, snow, hail, wind and sunshine), which one would you choose?

Arvid’s Answer: (without a moment’s hesitation) WIND.

He continued by saying, “I will take rain, snow or hail as long as I can control it coming from the back”

We are adding a new feature to the blog today. Triple A is Ask Arvid Anything. The crew will begin it today by asking him one question and we will post Arvid’s response.

If you have a question you would like to ask, you are welcome to ask it by commenting in a recent post or email loewen.arvid@gmail.com and we will attempt to have Arvid answer it.

Dear Jesus, please help Grampa not to fall. Help keep him safe so that he wouldn’t have injuries. -L

…finally revealed.

We enjoyed 5 hours of blissful sleep. Arvid began cycling at 5am and as the sun rose this song came to mind.

Whoao…living on a prayer!

Actual biking day 10. Did not bike Saturday. 358 km into a steady southeast wind the whole time. Resting in Callaway for the night.

We are having difficulty posting pictures today. They simply will not upload. Thank you for your patience.