The 10,000 Adventures of Minnesota Dan
Biking through Amish Country in Southern Minnesota
by
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Dan and his pal, Jay, reviewed a map of southern Minnesota bicycle trails. They were making plans for an adventurous bike trip along the Root River Trail. They would ride from Lanesboro to Houston, Minnesota. It was one of the most picturesque biking trails in the state. They were getting excited about this really big Adventure. They had several brochures on the table and they could see the trail passed through beautiful rolling hills and Amish farm country. There seemed to be so many fantastic things to see and explore. The date for the trip was set and a list of all the supplies needed for the five-day trip was prepared. The details were numerous and the list kept getting longer and longer. Finally, the day of the trip arrived. Dan’s dad helped load the equipment and supplies into the family van.
He attached the bikes securely to a rack on the van. They were all set to go. It was early September and the leaves were in shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple, so the ride would be spectacular. Dan and Jay waved good-bye to Dan’s dad, and the journey on the paved trail began. The ride was smooth and there were many other bikers starting out as well. Many of the bikers were wearing colorful riding outfits. Even their helmets were glitzy and it all felt like a big parade was in progress. They rode along for several hours, enjoying the cool fresh air and colorful scenery. The morning sun finally produced warm noonday temperatures.
With so many miles behind them, Dan and Jay took a break for lunch. The sandwiches they had packed earlier tasted especially delicious. And, of course, they had some M&M’s to munch on as well. Cruising along the pathway the rest of the afternoon, they were able to see a number of Amish folk riding in their black, boxy, horse-drawn buggies. They were riding on the road that ran parallel to the bicycle trail. The Amish families waved and smiled at Dan and Jay.At a small rest area, several Amish families were selling refreshments and homemade cookies. Dan suggested that it would be a great time to stop for a drink. Dan bought several glasses of freshly squeezed lemonade. During their restful break, the boys had time to visit with some of the other bikers and several of the Amish families. It was great fun.
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About the Book
Join a true Minnesota kid who loves adventure and the outdoor life. The 10,000 Adventures of Minnesota Dan series of books take youngsters on extraordinary journeys. In this book third book in the series, Biking through Amish Country in Southern Minnesota, the story unfolds as Dan, biking with his pal Jay, have an encounter with a black bear, which suddenly appears on their bike path. One bike crashes in a ditch to avoid the bear and the front wheel is severely twisted. The boy, thrown over the handlebars, but unhurt, begins to mull-over how the wheel can be repaired. Will an Amish farmer come to the rescue? Will the journey end then and there or will they be able to continue?
Check out the other adventure books in the series, which entail Dan’s canoe ride with his golden retriever: a storm-filled sailing experience with his dad; and, his cross- country skiing adventure in mystical St. Yon’s Valley on the campus of Saint Mary’s University in Winona. We hope you will enjoy The 10,000 Adventures of Minnesota Dan.
About the Author
Born in New York City, H. R. Maly’s career spans over forty years as a teacher, university administrator, and consultant. Currently he is the chairman of Maly Executive Search, a firm specializing in executive level searches and placements for non-profit institutions in both the higher education and healthcare industries. He is a former professional athlete having played with both the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins organizations. He served on the board of the North Florida Susan G. Komen Affiliate, and is now an active member of the Ponte Vedra Beach, FL YMCA board of directors. Hank and his wife, Dr. Maggie Cabral-Maly, live in Florida and have five grown children and six grandchildren.