In 2005, Donn Olson, a farmer near Dalbo, Minnesota, encountered a couple of traveling cyclists who were dealing with a nasty batch of construction in front of his house. The three got to talking and before long, Donn found himself inviting them in for refreshments and a place to sleep for the night. The two young men introduced Donn to Adventure Cycling and suggested that he offer himself as "cyclists' only lodging" option on the Northern Tier Bicycle Route map. He did, and since then has hosted a number of cyclists on their Northern Tier journey, 25 last year alone.
Over the last two years Donn and his wife, Sherry, have been converting their old barn into an "Bicycle Bunkhouse" including an outhouse and solar shower. The bunkhouse has three separate bunk rooms to accommodate more than one party at a time and is decorated with farm antiques. Donn describes the building as rough but acknowledges that "the best part is that the bicyclist can get out of the 'elements' even if it is only 'dew'." This protection extends to a space for stashing bicycles inside, too. This service is provided free of cost and is available even when Donn is away.
I love Donn's response when asked why he does this for cyclists, "My answer is that when we visit with our guests, we can live our 'dreams' through them and besides it makes us feel good to help others." Thank you Donn and Sherry for extending yourselves in this way! It makes me feel good to know about your generosity.
in this photo: Donn Olson holds the sign that greets cyclists on the highway near his house looking for his cyclists' only lodging.
photo provided by Donn and Sherry Olson
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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the online Map Correction Form.
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