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.