rugby, north dakota

Rugby, North Dakota, Home of the Geographical Center of North America

 After an early start in a light rain in Minot, we headed east on Route 2 to Rugby, North Dakota. The ride, well, it was another ho hum ride along a rather flat roadway with very narrow shoulders most of the way. We were, once again, in farmland with miles and miles of fields and large, large farm equipment. I love seeing the lots where farm equipment is sold. Everything is huge, including the prices, but farmers need big equipment to farm those big, big farms. I remember seeing a bumper sticker once that simply stated, "If you're gonna complain about farmers, don't do it with your mouth full."

We are in Rugby now. Rugby's claim to fame is that it is the Geographical Center of North America. Here's what I found out about Rugby's fame:

The Geographic Center of North America -- as important a center as you're likely to find -- lies in the town of Rugby. It's marked by a rock obelisk, about 15 feet tall, flanked by poles flying the US and Canadian flags. It is a monument easily missed, standing as it does in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant (formerly a Conoco station). That's where it was moved when North Dakota widened Highway 2. Rugby isn't too particular about where, exactly, the center lies -- as long as it's somewhere in Rugby.

Now don't get the Geographic Center of North America confused with the Geographical Center of the United States. There are two different centers. While the actual center of the nation is located on private property, the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument is located in Belle Fourche in western South Dakota. The National Geodetic Survey designated Belle Fourche as the town closest to the actual site and the monument was placed there. We did not and will not be pedaling to South Dakota on the journey so I have no photo to show that would make you think I know what I'm talking about. (Take my word for it.) OK, that's enough geography for this trip. Should we ride through any other highlights of America, they will be featured in the days ahead.

We have now pedaled 1,392.81 miles across Washington, Idaho, Montana, and half of North Dakota. We have ten more states to cover: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Then . . . I can hear the surf now . . . the Atlantic Ocean! After leaving Montana, the states seem to go by a bit quicker. Nothing for the remainder of the ride, even comes close to crossing Montana and that is encouraging. It's almost like, "If you can pedal across Montana, you can pedal across anything." So here we are in North Dakota, the Center of Geographical North American I might add, ready to take on the rest of America . . . one state at a time.

I found a number of really good travel quotes that apply to travels and journeys. Maybe they will encourage you as they do me.

"Once a year, go someplace you've never been before."  -Dalai Lama

"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams."  -Douglas Ivester

"Do not dare not to dare."  -C. S. Lewis

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."  -Oliver Wendell Holmes

"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

One of my favorite things about this ride is that I'm not busy, I'm focusing on one thing, and I've experienced what my mom called peace and quiet. I remember times when Mom would simply say, "I'm going into my room to get some peace and quiet." I don't know if she would sleep or read or just think but she would come back out refreshed and smiling. Well, that's my ride. On my bike I have peace and quiet. I can think. I can sing. I can dream. Most of the time I do concerts to myself . . . in my mind. Phil can't even hear them but I do them and they keep me moving. Also, I like to think of Bible verses I've memorized. They keep me moving as well. And I pray. Sometimes I just listen to the quiet. It's refreshing.

When you read the four Gospels, it is amazing how much Jesus tried to get away from the crowds and find quiet places for himself, and sometimes with his disciples. Mark 1:35 is one of my favorite verses about Jesus' search for peace and quiet: "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." I'm thinking . . . if Jesus got too busy and wanted peace and quiet, that's not a bad idea for me either. How 'bout you?

Beware of the burdens of a busy life. Get some peace and quiet. Thanks Mom.