5/28 Day 8 - La Crescent to Marquette, IA

Greetings,
Our final day!  We all met in the hotel breakfast room and enjoyed our last meal together as a group.  Discussion about the trip, great route, great time, great company - LOUSY weather.  Everyone got ready to head down the route!

First - you pack the car . . .

Then you take the bike apart . . .








And you put it in the car!

YEP!  You guessed it.  The weather was a repeat - cold, foggy and pouring rain.  Everyone decided that putting on "scuba" like gear, getting on a bike and riding in rain, again, did not sound like fun.  Everyone packed cars and went toward their final destination.

We decided to drive the final day route - so, off we went, leaving La Crosse, Wisconsin (a stop for Starbucks) crossing the bridge back into Minnesota, to the route start.

This is where Tom ended Day 7

Where the route for Day 8 would have started.

West on 16 - toward Marquette, Iowa






The final day route was one of the best for scenery and views of the Great River, running high and out of its banks.

The final day route was 65 miles, ending in Marquette, Iowa - a wonderful quaint town.

We arrived in sunny, dry, warm North Platte, Nebraska, about 7:30 pm.

Tom and I enjoyed the week, a great week spent with good friends, .  Despite the less than desirable weather,  the scenery along the route was great, the roads were pretty good overall, and I think everyone had a good time!

Signing off,
Patty on the road ready to be home :) 

NOTES FROM TOM:  I hated to miss the ride on the last day--felt like something was left undone--but the thought of riding in the rain for another 4-5 hours, and then having to put all of my wet clothes and my cold body into the car, just didn't seem worth it.

Tomorrow we're going to sleep in, and then head 50 miles up the road to Ogallala, to see my aunt, uncle, and some cousins.  When I was a kid I spent a lot of time in Ogallala where all of my mom's relatives lived.  It will be good to see some family, and then about 5 hours to Silverthorne and home.

I'll take a week or so break from riding, and then start training for a 3 mountain pass, 128 mile, one-day ride called the Triple Bypass which is on July 13th.

Hope everyone enjoyed the blog.  Thanks for following us down the Great River.

Tom.

5/27 Day 7 - Wabasha to LaCrescent

Greetings again,
Wet - cold - same story, different day.  Can't believe we have been on the road for 7 days and have only had a day and a half of nice weather.  Our route took us along Route 61 south from Wabasha, the rain started within about 45 miles.  We added a little excitement to the route today . . .



We had several opportunities to discover
a new route!

The dreaded:
    Road Closed Ahead - Detour







We followed Route 61 South through Kellogg, Weaver, Minneiska and Winona - where we found a great coffee house - had an expresso and were off.

A great view of one of the many locks along the Mississippi

Crossing some bluffs into La Crescent - Tom, the last rider to persevere - rode through rain, wind and a little added bonus - fog!   Up and over we went -



Nice

   Weather







Our overnight is in La Crosse, Wisconsin - a hop, skip and jump across the Great River.

Soggy Patty on the Road - looking forward to heading home soon.


NOTES FROM TOM:  Yesterday I wished for a dry day today.  Well, that didn't happen.  The day started out dry--cool and cloudy,  but dry.  For the first 40 or so miles, it was dry, but with a steady headwind of 15 mph or so, but the road was mostly flat.  Then things went downhill (figuratively, not literally) fast.  In fact, at about mile 45, I came to a legitimate 11-12% hill, for a little more than a mile.  OK, not impossible, but when I got to the top, up on one of the many bluffs that are on both sides of the river, the rain came.  Then more wind, then fog and visibility of less than a 1/10th of a mile.  This was easily the most difficult day of the trip--64 miles should not be that tough.

Before the skies opened up on me, I saw a really interesting billboard.  Remembering that I'm in southeastern Minnesota, I wasn't expecting to see a sign advertising golf in Alabama.  I saw one yesterday as well, but was surprised to see another today.

Tomorrow is the last day of this ride.  After dinner tonight, as we drove back to the hotel, it was raining--again or still--I'm not sure.  I'm usually a little sad to see a ride end, but the weather has been tough and I'm ready for this one to be over.  We're scheduled to ride 63 miles again tomorrow, so I'm hoping for a dry day.

Tom.

5/26 Day 6 - Red Wing to Wabasha

Greetings all,
Well, as I sit here at 4:30pm, the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds.  Too bad it didn't see fit to peek a little earlier in the day - another cloudy, cool (55 degrees) day - oh, and wind too!

The route today took us south from Red Wing through farms and valleys.  A turn north toward the historic town of Frontenac, along Pepin Lake and the Mississippi River.  Scenery & history everywhere.

The view as you come down into the
river valley at Wabasha.

Just another cottage - this one is now a conference and retreat center












   Such a rich
     history







And a little added extra for our literary history buffs

We arrived in in Wabasha - true home of the "Grumpy Old Men" and historically, the first white settlement west of the Mississippi.   Wabasha is also home of the National Eagle Center and exhibit hall.

Yes, she is real - and quite content to have her
photo taken.

The great American symbol.






Signing off -
Patty on the road of history

NOTES FROM TOM:  Yesterday I hoped for a dry day, and got my wish for the first 35-40 miles of the 50 we rode today.  Then a shower came in.  I suited up in my rain coat and rain pants, but it never rained much more.  Unfortunately I did not put on my neoprene booties, so the water on the road from and earlier shower pretty much soaked my feet.  With only 10 miles to go, it was bearable.

On the wildlife scene  today I saw Rocky Raccoon, several turkeys, a deer, and one large bird that I believe was some sort of a buzzard.  Luckily I was going down hill and fast enough that the buzzard didn't mistake me for road kill--if I'd have been going up one of the steep hills today, he might have pounced on me.  There were three climbs today--hills, not mountains, so they are not too bad.

The river is starting to be very impressive.  After the ride Patty and had lunch at a joint down by the river, and it's moving pretty fast and high.

Hoping for a dry day tomorrow--same old wish. I know that someday it will come true--I just hope it's before the ride ends Tuesday around noon.

Tom.

5/25 Day 5 - Stillwater to Redwing via Wisconsin

Greetings all,
Another multi state day :)  Riders left Stillwater - with the route somewhat in question.   Tom was packing up and missed the photo!  Left to right -> Chuck, Jerry, Roy & Craig.  You can tell by the dress, another cloudy & somewhat cool day.

Anticipated road work/closures ahead meant a deviation in the prescribed route.  A little tricky, but everyone made it to breakfast - everyone, that is, except ME!  Guess who got lost.  Actually, not lost, just mis-placed.  I finally met up with the group in Afton - not too  much worse for the wear!  The route continued along Stagecoach Trail/Hwy 21 to Port Douglas where the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers meet.  We crossed the St. Croix river into Prescott, Wisconsin.

                 State number two

Following Route 35 South along the Mississippi 

We had some good views of the river along Route 35 -

Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin overlook:








A stop at a winery along the way, a few extra bottles to pack for the trip home :)






We continued the route, toward our next river crossing -  at Redwing, Minnesota - arriving in our third state for the day.  Well, okay, we really were only in two states today - but back and forth!

















Did you know Redwing is a great place to shop?  No, not shoes, pottery!  Yes, there were purchases made, who could pass up such great pottery.

Another good day for driving and cycling.

As a follow up to our dinner with my long time friends, Charlie and Pat, I don't think any of us have changed at all!   We had a great visit catching up on the last 27 years, promising not to let another 27 years pass before another visit.

Patty no longer lost on the road.



NOTES FROM TOM:  Most notably, a dry day.  Showers were forecast, but never materialized.  Not a lot of sun, and some headwinds,  but nothing serious. The hills we anticipated were oversold--they weren't long.  There were a couple of steep places--10 to 12%, but short.  Total distance was 48 miles, so not a long day.

Lots of blooming lilacs which smelled wonderful.  One near dog attack.  This guy headed for me from in front of me, but missed and went behind me.  By the time he got turned around and headed my way, I was pedaling my buns off and his owner was screaming at him.  A close call,  but no damage.

Crossing drawbridges can be spooky, depending on the road surface on the section that raises.  We crossed one today which was a metal grating, and those can be treacherous when wet.  Today it was dry, and there was a solid surface about 18" wide on the outside, so we were able to ride on it.

Once today I was on a road with about 4" of pavement to the right of the white line.  I see a sign that says "Shoulder Narrows" and I thought 'really, how much narrower can it get?'  Although the roads were skinny and fairly bumpy in places, there was almost no traffic, so all in all it was a good ride.

Looking forward to another dry day tomorrow.

Tom.

5/24 Day 4 - North Branch to Stillwater

Greetings all,
Well - we can say it was a "multi" state day today.   We started in North  Branch, Minnesota along I-35, traveled through, up and down, along back country roads through the small town of Shafer.  More twisty, curvey roads past pasture and field.  At Osceola, we crossed the Saint Croix River into Wisconsin.

We are now in state number two for the day  The route 'roughly' followed the St. Croix on the Wisconsin side and seemed to have more twists and turns than a cork screw.  The route dropped down on Avenue E to river level where we once again crossed over the Saint Croix River.


Sign at the top of the hill leading down
into the river valley and bridge back
into Minnesota.

Guess there is a message here!








Crossed the bridge and back into Minnesota.  I am sure we can count that as three states for the day!  Ha

Looking forward to a visit this afternoon with a very long time friend of mine from my days of living in Minneapolis.  Charlotte and I both worked at Prudential in 1969-70 and were room-mates for much of a year.  Charlotte and her husband, Pat, still live in the Minneapolis area and are meeting us for dinner in Stillwater.  Will be very fun to see both Charlie and Pat after so many years.

Signing off,
Patty on the curvey road

NOTES FROM TOM:  A fairly enjoyable and interesting ride today.  As Patty said, 57 miles of twisty turney country roads  -  some 2700 feet of climbing on today's route.  Some surfaces were pretty rough, some were great and smooth.  Some downhill sections at 40 mph, and some 11% uphills that brought us nearly to a standstill.  It was not warm, but it was sunny, so we've lowered our expectations of what a good day is.

Rode by a "Maple syrup for sale sign" and called back to have Patty stop and stock up, but when she got there there was nobody home except for an overweight, very friendly black lab that tried to lick her to death -- a loss for us and them.  We'll have to keep looking for some place to stock up on the real syrup.

On the wildlife front, today I saw my first turtle.  Other sightings have included deer, fox, turkeys (not us), and a beautiful red bird (not a cardinal) that we don't know the name of.  Of course we see ducks and geese all the time.  After the dog incident the other day, I'm a little gun shy, so when I hear a dog bark, I pedal first and look second.  Lots of barkers today but no chasers.

Hoping the rain doesn't come back tomorrow as forecast.

Tom.

5/23 Day 3 - Isle to North Branch

Wow - so that's what the sun looks like.  Blue sky and not a cloud anywhere to be seen.  Chilly though, 40 degrees as the riders took their seats and headed out.    We left Isle traveling along Hwy 47 stopping for breakfast in Ogilvie.  A cafe, built in 1908, currently owned and operated by Shirley.  Onward to Dalbo with a left turn onto Hwy 6 - or at least I turned on Hwy 6 - Tom blew past the turn and a route change was underway.  The rest of the crew continued on the appointed route.



Jerry Divine - Trucking Trip Leader

Craig Robillard - relaxing in his recumbent

Our two lady cyclists also rode today

Linda Goodwin - getting ready to ride

Jane Olsen - heading down the highway









After a re-route, I was able to catch up to Tom on Hwy 95, headed to North Branch.

Tom - riding the alternate route - on the home stretch









Everyone really enjoyed the sunny day.  Looking forward to another one tomorrow - headed to Stillwater.

Sunny Patty on the Road

NOTES FROM TOM:  Today we got our just reward for riding in the rain for two days, and not only was it sunny and dry, but the route was slightly down hill, and with a tailwind a good part of the way.  As Patty said, it was a little chilly, but nobody complained about that.  Thanks to the good riding conditions, we got to North Branch in time to enjoy a sit-down lunch and didn't have to ride afterwards.

Tomorrow we cross into Wisconsin for about half of the ride, before crossing back into Minnesota at Stillwater.  Hoping for more good riding conditions--we'll see if the weather man is in our corner.

5/22 Day 2 - Aitkin to Isle

Greetings from Isle, Minnesota
Another soggy day and just to add insult to injury - it was windy.  A short day for all - 37 miles.  We are hugging the shore of Mille Lac lake - a lake so big, I can't see the other side.  It was hard to see much this morning - the view was spectacular once the sun came out this evening.

This mornings rainy view
from the Vista View




                                                                                       

Then the sun came out.  Picture taken from the same Vista View point










NOTES FROM TOM:  OK, sooo, I complained about yesterday, but I should have saved my whining for today.  Although this was a short day, it was very unpleasant.  We still had the steady rain, but it was accompanied a bumpy road and a persistent headwind most of the way..

I also had a canine incident.  Riding along in the rain and wind, I heard barking to my left, and looked in time to see a medium sized black dog with me in his sights.  I must have been going about 17-18 mph when I saw the critter and sped up to 20-21, expecting to see the dog dropping back.  Wrong!!  I tried to go faster, and got up to about 23 mph before the little bugger gave up.  I found a safe place, caught my breath, and sent a text to the riders behind me--telling them to put their bikes on the cars and drive past the dog zone.  Everybody else passed safely.

While we were all at dinner, we saw this crazy bright light outside--we were stunned--it was the SUN.  Tomorrow is promised to be the first dry day of this whole trip, and even though it's going to be 38 degrees in the morning, we're all excited to see the sun and not have to wear all of our water proof gear.  Hooray.

Final notes for today.
We found a great steak house for dinner in the next town and enjoyed the company of all. Our spirits sure picked up when we saw the sun shining in the window.

Looking forward to sunny and dry in the days to come.

Patty with sunglasses ready

5/21 Day 1 - Grand Rapids to Aitkin

No surprise - it rained AGAIN!  For those who had rain gear, it was the day to wear it.  If not, purchases were made along the way :)  Cyclists were off about 8:30 - ready and able, willing another question.

           Tom suited up and ready

The group on their way









The route began in Grand Rapids - through town - crossing over the Mississippi, turning left and following the river (mostly)

Welcome to the Mississippi

The river along this route flowed slow and smooth, a lazy river indeed.








TOM'S NOTES:  Not a day for the faint of heart.  Heavy rain at the beginning--it just wanted to let us know that we are NOT in control.  Rain continued for the first 30-35 miles.  At one point I was riding along and got the feeling that something was different somehow--then I realized the rain had quit--the road was still wet so I was still getting a drenching from the spray off my tires.  At about 40 miles the road was mostly dry and I enjoyed that for about 15 miles.  When Patty and I stopped for a sandwich and some soup, it was cloudy but dry.  Bad timing--I should have kept riding, because after eating the rain came back for all but the last 10 miles of the 77 we rode today.

We're reportedly following the Mississippi River, and I've seen a few signs to confirm that, but there is so much water around--rivers, lakes, swamps, and just plain mud puddles--that you kind of lose the impact of following the "great river."  Tomorrow's forecast is for morning rain, then some clearing.  I really hope the forecast is right.  More to come.

Signing off:
We are dry, warm and settled in our motel in Aitkin.  So far, so good.

See you tomorrow,
Patty along the River

In Grand Rapids, MN

Another day of rain.  The drive from Clark, SD to Grand Rapids took us through farm land, pasture land, prairie and the evergreens of the north woods.  We had rain and fog most of the 400 miles.  All members of the bicycle group have arrived at our first nights motel - not exactly the Ritz :)

After enjoying a great dinner of ribs and walleye, we are all bustling in our rooms getting ready for tomorrow.    The cyclists are getting out any and all rain gear and neoprene they own, the drivers are re-arranging bags and baggage.

Tomorrows ride takes us south from Grand Rapids, following the upper Mississippi through the thriving metropolises of Jacobson (pop. 110), Palisade (pop. 163), and Hassman (pop. not posted!) arriving in the big city of Aitkin (pop. 2,168) - a 76 mile ride. Not sure the shopping opportunities will be plentiful.

Hoping the rain subsides and our photo ops improve!

More tomorrow from Aitkin
Soggy Patty

Rapid City to Clark, a Sunday Drive

We started in RAIN!  Not just a drizzle, a real down pour.  Enjoyed a great breakfast with our B&B hosts, then sloshed along I-90, headed to Bad Lands National Park.  The geology is amazing, the colors vibrant and the wild life abundant.  The rain doesn't help with showing the true colors!

The prairie grasslands at this time of year are beautiful. We arrived at the Oak Tree Farm in Clark this afternoon, enjoyed dinner with Bill and James Makens, along with Craig & Betty Robillard - who will be along on the bike trip.

More tomorrow,
Patty on the Prairie

Here we go! Summit to Grand Rapids, South Dakota

Well, we are off.
     

Our journey took us through north eastern Colorado into Nebraska.  A detour through the Sand Hills and north to South Dakota.  We spent the afternoon visiting Mount Rushmore.

Off to Clark, South Dakota - Badlands here we come

Patty in the car
See you in Clark