New Adventures

Sorry for missing a post yesterday. Wasn't able to get connected in La Crosse last night.

Yesterday and today were great cycling days. We entered Wisconsin yesterday and are in Wisconsin Dells tonight. This is a huge Midwest tourist area, but is my first visit.

Yesterday's mileage was 89 miles. Temperatures were moderate, although hit 90 as we pulled into La Crosse. We had LOTS of rolling hills yesterday but with favorable conditions it was enjoyable.

There was a bike path option for the Root River trail at mile 51.4 that many riders took. This took us to Houston (Minnesota) on a paved trail where the last SAG stop was located. This left 25 miles of rural riding for the day.

Prior to getting on the trail, a group of us stopped at a creamery in Rushford for ice cream. Nothing like a dish at 10:30 in the morning. Creamery staff and other customers were very curious about what we were doing.

We also passed through Chester yesterday, which many softball friends would know. The route also took us through Chatfield and La Crescent.

Yesterday's first SAG stop was at Bucksnort Park at the bottom of a screaming descent. Several riders passed by and then returned, having missed the cue on the cue sheet and probably going too fast to see the markings on the pavement. It led to some near misses as people turned around.

This park was right along a river and was very picturesque. Brenda provided special treats again for the stop. All riders REALLY enjoyed the peanut butter cookies!

Prior to the descent, we ran through a short stretch of one lane road construction. The flagger at the other end of the construction was very encouraging. He yelled, "They're only 45 seconds ahead. I think you can catch them!" as we rolled by.

The route also included a one mile climb at mile 71. There were reports from various riders that the grade was somewhere between 10 and 16 percent! It was tough! Somehow some riders seem to have conveniently missed the cue for that turn and found a way around that climb!!

We had several dog chases yesterday. I experienced two groups. Fortunately, no incidents or accidents to report.

The most excitement of the day, for me, was at convenience store at La Crescent, eight miles from the end. I was wearing a UNI cycling jersey yesterday. Some guy there had no qualms about giving me flack about it. Saying something to the effect that there are better jerseys after you cross the bridge (into Wisconsin). Ahhhh, the ole' good natured Minnesota vs. Iowa vs. Wisconsin war of words.

I also had a discussion with a group of kids on BMX bikes while I was standing outside the store. They were wondering what we were up to and asking all of the normal questions. They seemed pretty intrigued by it all.

Then when I left the store, I found I had no gears. I went to shift but had no ratchet, so I was stuck in the high side on all three rings. This only presented a problem on the two bridges that were between me and the motel. Each had a pedestrian walkway, so I managed to pedal my way across.

There was a bike shop on the route in La Crosse, so I stopped and the mechanic looked at it. The shifter is broken. He didn't have parts, "Most people here are cruisers" (recreational riders) was his explanation. He tried the other shop in town, who is a Trek dealer. They didn't have a shifter either. I took it to the ride mechanics last night. They weren't able to fix it and didn't have parts; so we put a friction shifter on (old style lever shifter) to get through the last three days, and it works! I really have to concentrate on what I'm doing because the shift is on the lever, but the chain ring shift is still on the left regular shifter.

Today's route was 93 miles. 30 miles were on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. An excellent crushed rock bike path that includes three railroad tunnels. This is a Rails to Trails path. Cyclists must walk through the tunnels as there is no lighting. We used flashlights to navigate our way through. The first tunnel was approximately 2/3 of a mile long. When you enter the other end is not visible. It could really be quite disorienting.

The locals have told some of the group that the tunnels are known to contain bats and rattlesnakes. Glad to find that out after the fact.

The remainder of the day was primarily country roads, until getting closer to the Dells. This is really a beautiful area. Different than what I expected. I anticipated much more commercial development. The direction we approached from included evergreen/pine forests with many camping areas.

Today's route took us through Bangor, Rockland, Sparta and Elroy.

I rode with a different group to the first tunnel today, and managed to be an early arrival at the motel. The staff is getting a kick out of the Wolfpack trying to chase me down all afternoon. It's only because they stopped for lunch and I chose peanut butter at the last SAG. (It's all about strategy (smile)!)

It was overcast most of the day, so was a little cool. I put arm warmers on after the second SAG, but it didn't take many rolling hills before those came off.

Tomorrow we go to Fond Du Lac, 83 miles. Two riding days left.

Also a note for friends and colleagues headed out tomorrow to the start of RAGBRAI. Will be thinking of everyone next week during your travels. Hope you have tailwinds and good weather the whole way!
~Lisa