Finally reached our half-way point on our bicycle trip. We're feeling pretty good....well, maybe a little butt soreness, but still good. Arrived in Richland Center yesterday afternoon, after a hard long day of elevation climbs. On the first day we took off and headed down the Red Cedar trail and look who we bumped into.....Gentleman John! I randomly met John like 3 or 4 years along the trail. To my surprise, John had been reading our blog and recognized me by the pictures I post. I think we bump into John at least once during summer. Thanks
Gentleman John.....it was great seeing you on our first day.
Our first day was easy riding into Durand. We found our campsite and then headed over to the tail end of the Bluegrass festival in the local park. It was early to bed night, and I mean like 8:45 pm!
As always on these bike trips, we get up early, pack our belongings and head out on the roads by 7 or 8 am. We changed the route a little this time and headed towards Pepin. This was our first 300 ft elevation climb towards the Mississippi River. Bike man and I were actually relieved to see a cloudy and cool day. At one point before you decent into the village of Pepin, you can get a glimpse at the mighty Mississippi from above. It's absolutely beautiful.
Our first mile into Pepin and we rode by the local fresh fish factory. The guys had just received a boat-load of rough fish....carp, suckers and other bottom feeders. I'm guessing these fish will all be smoked and sold locally.
We found our spot to sit and enjoy lunch down by the river. A typical lunch for us on a bike trip is tuna and crackers. The tuna lunch kits work really well since they come with the mayo, relish and crackers. Otherwise we also just buy the tuna packets and eat with a box of crackers. Very simple and doesn't way your system down with too much fat or sugar. From Pepin we cycled south along the Mississippi River to Alma.
After a night at the local camping spot right outside of Alma, we headed on our way down the river. I turned around and took this picture of Alma with it's beautiful bluffs and old historic homes. There's just something about river towns I love.
Awwwh, sunshine for our second day of riding. The sun makes the river just shine. We love the Mississippi River.
Our third night we opted (that's mostly me!) to stay overnight in Trempealeau at the Little Bluff Inn. I guess I was worried about the forecasted strong storms. Luckily that night we were just grazed with one storm. At least it gave me the chance to get some laundry washed and enjoy a real meal at the historic Trempealeau Hotel. The walnut burgers are great. I was also impressed to be served some fresh corn on the cob, with a side of chunky mashed potatoes and a fresh vegetable salad. The extra rest that night felt good too.
We weren't the only cyclists! A whole group of riders touring also stopped right after we finished our meal.
On the fourth day we headed south on the Great River trail to La Crosse, and then southeast on the La Crosse River trail to the Sparta Elroy trail. If you want to experience a unique trail, I highly recommend the Sparta Elroy trail which takes you through 3 historic (1800's) railroad tunnels. Expect a slow gradual elevation climb up to each tunnel. The longest tunnel is just shy of 1 mile, and ironically the wettest of all the tunnels. Seriously, you need to put your rain jacket on because of the natural springs that flow through this tunnel. Of course, you'll need your headlamp or flashlight. We ended the fourth day ride after tunnel number 2 at Wilton. We found a great campground within this village of only 500 residents. Early to bed @ 9:15 pm.
On to our fifth day of one more tunnel and then switch to the Old 400 trail (only 4 miles) then another 4.5 miles on the Hillsboro trail, to the village of Hillsboro and then south to Richland Center on Highway 80. There is one big monster hill outside of Hillsboro, which Bike man and I tackled....it's a high-five kind of hill when you reach the top without stopping. I love my granny gears!!!
So, here we are at my parents house in RC enjoying a 2-day rest. Time to dry out the tent and wash our cycling gear. 215 total miles one-way self-contained. Our return home looks like good weather ahead. I must say, a good nights sleep in a real bed felt pretty damn good.
