Day 33: A Day of Tunnels and Bike Paths

La Crosse, WI to Wisconsin Dells, WI

98 miles with 1,200' of climbing

After a delay of a half-hour due to thunderstorms, we said our good-byes to Frank and CJ and shoved off near 8:00. This was a late start for our group, and it plays a significant role in the long, long day that awaited us.

Almost immediately, we were directed to our first bike path to avoid road construction. It lasted for about 10 miles and had a relatively good riding surface. Finding the macadam road surface again, we rode to our first SAG in Sparta, known as the Bicycling Capital of America.

At this point, we picked up our second bike path, which lasted for 34 miles! The path known as the Elroy-Sparta Trail is the first rails to trails in the country. Of special mention are the 3 tunnels that were built in 1873. The first tunnel was the longest at a distance of 3,810 feet. The tunnels are pitch black in that you cannot see your hand in front of you. We had been forewarned to carry flashlights and shoes for walking. Cycling through the tunnel is forbidden. While it was a fun experience, one tunnel would have been plenty for me as it meant taking off and putting back on your cycling shoes.  Here is a photo of what the entrance looks like...

At SAG #2, we were informed of a detour to our route, which would add another 6 miles. Gail an I grabbed a quick bite and were off again. We still had close to 40 miles to ride and the time was 1:30. Oh by the way, the temperature was approaching 100 degrees for the fourth consecutive day. Eventually, we reached our hotel or what should have been our hotel. Apparently, the former Days Inn was purchased by Econolodge and they lost our reservation. We were filthy, tired, dehydrated, and we yearned for air-conditioning and a shower. Instead, we spent the next couple of hours waiting to find where we would go. Gail and I finally got our room and luggage around 6:30. Talk about a long day! 

We have now completed 4 centuries in the past 4 days. Our bodies are telling us that they need an easy day very soon!

Day 32: Wisconsin - Another New State

Rochester, MN to La Crosse WI

88 miles with 2,850' of climbing

Some of you might wonder how we ride when the temperature nears and exceeds 100 degrees. Gail and I have learned not to question the conditions, the distance, or the terrain. We just do it! (I know it sounds like the Nike ad.) 

Today was a hot day with lots of climbs. Suffering from the after-effects of heat exhaustion, Frank knew better than to tackle the entire ride. He chose to keep his body cool while assisting with the SAG stops. Once Gail, CJ, and I left him, we were hit with some significant climbs. A welcome relief came when we ventured onto a shaded bike path that ran from mile 50 - 62. I later found out that the path extends over 100 miles! Can you imagine if we had one in Delaware? It would run the length of the state!

Crossing into Wisconsin was a highlight as it's our 6th state. Immediately afterwards, we saw the Mississippi River, one of the widest rivers that I have seen. Note the houseboats along the shore. What does the scene remind you of? (Portland, OR)

Tomorrow, Frank and CJ fly home. They will be missed!. :-(

Day 31: Heat Index - 110 Degrees

Mankato, MN to Rochester, MN

99 miles with 2,400' of climbing

The big news today was the heat. GPS systems were uniformly reading 104 degrees. With the humidity, we were told that the heat index would be 110. Obviously, there were heat advisories to limit outdoor activities and to drink plenty of fluids. What a day to ride a century!

We left our center city hotel, turned right and were hit with a 12% grade climb almost immediately. I love the triple crank and gear ratio on my bike, which allow me to make these steep climbs pretty easily when I'm in my smallest gear. Fortunately, it was a short hill, and Frank, Gail, CJ and I cruised out of Mankato by 7:30. There was more climbing today than the previous two days, but the wind continued to come from the west, which was ideal for us. This picture was taken early in our ride by one of our Portland, OR friends....

After our second SAG stop at mile 67, Frank became really hot. The soles of his feet, in particular, felt like they were on fire. Despite his attempts at hydration, he couldn't cool down. We had hoped to stop for lunch somewhere, but there was no civilization until our destination - Rochester. At mile 85, Frank made the wise decision to ride in the SAG van for the last 14 miles. Meanwhile, Gail, CJ and I endured the remaining miles to Rochester, passing both the famous Mayo Clinic and Soldier Field.

Frank wasn't himself for the rest of the day. He remained nauseous and tired. In fact, he was asleep by 7:30. Tomorrow is supposed to be his final day of riding with us before returning to DE on Friday. Unfortunately, the forecast of heat and humidity remains through the weekend. I'll be sure to watch him closely tomorrow!

Day 30: Heating Things Up!

Worthington, MN to Mankato, MN

111 miles with over 1,000' of climbing

There were two factors that kept today's ride from being thoroughly enjoyable: the distance and the heat. The ride started with a 5-mile detour, which placed the total mileage at 111. Frank has never ridden more than a century, so he was entering new territory. The good news was that the winds were with us! We kept a brisk pace, ranging from 17 - 22 mph for the first 100 miles. It was after lunch that we really began to feel the heat. According to Gail's GPS, the temperature was 100 degrees, and we began to receive, "You're crazy" comments from perfect strangers. Fortunately, the last 10 miles of the trip were on a beautifully constructed, shaded bike path that brought us directly to our hotel. Here is the Blue Earth River. We crossed this on the bike path...

This bridge was part of the Red Jacket Bike Path. Note how well constructed it is.... 

Dinner was served at "Old Country Buffet" - another new restaurant experience for us. We all ate way too much food. Tonight, Frank was honored to receive a certificate for his longest distance ride. He plans to frame it! Let's just hope that there are no additional detours tomorrow as the scheduled distance is 99 miles.

Day 29: Welcome to Minnesota!

Sioux Falls, SD to Worthington, MN

73 miles with 2,300' of climbing

Frank experienced the group's enthusiasm during our push-off this morning. Literally, within minutes, the parking lot was empty, and the Type-A cyclists were off! We left Sioux Falls on one of the most beautiful bike paths that I have ever been on. It lasted for ten miles and ended at these gorgeous falls, hence the origin of the town's name....

Gail, CJ, Frank, and I rode as a foursome. I must admit that Gail and I had to dish out some ride discipline, reminding the husbands to stay in line, watch their pace, and where to stand at traffic lights. Riding with the "newbies" made me realize how much that I had learned about riding in pace lines and my riding form. Before long, we were riding as a cohesive unit. At mile 24, we crossed the state line by entering Minnesota - our fifth state across the country. We've also ridden a total of 2,100 miles as of today. The sign says, Welcome to Minnesota...

The landscape is now fertile fields of corn and soybeans. We passed several grain elevators and wind turbines. Everyone on this tour seemed happy to leave South Dakota (and the punishing winds) behind. Minnesota was originally claimed by the Spanish government and the the French. Napoleon sold France's territory to the US in 1803. Much of our bike ride is in this area, commonly known as the Louisiana Purchase. We arrived by 12:30 and the routine began: lunch, clean bikes, shower, RAP, dinner, bed. As I write this entry, Frank is sound asleep by 9:00. He seems to have adjusted to our crazy schedule just fine!

Day 28: Rest Day with Frank

Sioux Falls, SD

Well, the long anticipated rest day has come and gone, and it was just what the doctor ordered. Besides sleeping and eating more today than I have during the past 3 days combined, I was able to shop for basic needs, catch up on laundry, etc. This afternoon, Frank and CJ attended their hour-long orientation from ABB (America by Bicycle). The organization is very well run with specific guidelines for keeping everyone safe. If asked, I would highly recommend this company to anyone who is contemplating a cross-country ride.

Besides Frank and CJ, there will be one additional cyclist who will be joining us through Niagara Falls. He is British but resides in Spain. I am always intrigued by these international participants. Why are they choosing certain portions of the country to see? Have they cycled extensively in their own country? I look forward to getting to know him better.

Here is a picture of Gail, CJ, Frank, and me before heading to Chili's and our last chance to eat dinner where we want....

Tomorrow, we ride with the husbands...just like home!

Day 27: Nirvana!

Mitchell, SD to Sioux Falls, SD

73 miles with over 1,000' of climbing 

It takes some trying times to really appreciate the good days. This thought ran through my head all day as I felt strong for the first time in several days. Perhaps, I was just excited to reach Sioux Falls where I would see Frank for the first time in one month!

Once again, Gail, Gary, Terry, and I formed a team and took one-mile pulls. The miles ticked off quickly and before long, we reached our first SAG at mile 41. It was a fun stop as directly across the street, the town of Canistota was holding a tractor pull contest for children. Obviously, I would not see one of these events at home....

Having picked up Jane and Katie in our line, we arrived in Sioux Falls by 12:30 and went straight to a pub for lunch. Terry was in rare form after his "two for one" Fat Tires beer. We were all in a celebratory mood as we had just completed the third and most challenging segment of our journey.

Needless to say, it was wonderful to see Frank again. We spent about an hour sharing stories and catching up. Then, it was time to assemble his bike. He and CJ had decided to treat us to a first-rate dinner in the city. It was strange to ride in a taxi - my first car ride in several weeks. On the way, we were blocked by a motorcycle parade that seemed to go on forever. Once again, I thought of the cultural differences compared to the East.

Our dinner was one of the best meals that I have ever had! Attempting to regain some of my weight loss, I had a three-course feast at Parker's Bistro. If you ever visit Sioux Falls, this restaurant is a must.

Rest day is tomorrow - do you hear my sigh of relief?