Had
a great ride today! Started out in La Crescent, climbed out of the valley
into the bluffs above (killer climb) and had a beautiful panoramic view of the Mississippi Valley. Good winds from the south,
good roads, and beautiful scenery made for a wonderful trip. After traveling
about 10 miles, the route took me back down into the valley. Now that was a fun
ride as I reached speeds of 38 mph... Could've gone faster but I
thought if I were to hit a bump my panniers would fly in all directions! I felt
like Mario Andretti on a bicycle! From there it was on to Nodine, Pickwick,
Homer, and then Winona. From this point on the skies opened up... You really couldn't call
it rain...it was more like standing
under a waterfall. My rain gear held up marvelously and knowing that I would
float as opposed to melt, I just kept trucking on. The rain and I traveled on to Minneiska,
Weaver, Kellogg, and ultimately arrived at Wabasha. My Warm Showers host, Terry Stroot, noted that
he had a tepee that he would allow people to use. The joke was on me as you can
see from the picture below. I can tell already
I'm going to like Terry. He left his whole house unlocked for me but keeps his
bicycle locked up and owns more kayaks than I do. This is a man after my own heart! This was
really a fun day.
 |
| Climbing killer hills again |
On the bluffs overlooking La Crescent, MN, and I found the land rich with apple orchards.
Looking down on the Mississippi River
Really cool peak outside the window of the restaurant in Winona. I wonder how many people climb to the top of that.
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ReplyDeleteSpeaking of panoramic view, you may want to try the panorama feature on your camera if you have it. (It still may not do justice to the scenery.) Ride on!!
ReplyDeleteThe section of northern, ia and the viws of the river are a treat. The Wisconsin side has it's own nuances as well along with the Galena territories in Northern, Il. And if you were riding back this way I'd highly recommend it. We try to keep it all a secret! Anyway glad to see you are doing well and thanks for the pictures and updates. Won't be long and things will flatten out again.
ReplyDeleteI was watching your progress on the SPOT and knowing that the SSE winds were howling you would have a good day. The weather radar looked to me that you'd hole up in Winona, at least any normal thinking biker, but glad to see you didn't mind the water and made a great day out of it. One day riding with you last week only makes me all the more envious of your adventure. Will be watching you. Tom
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting reading up on the details on your bike ride. You mentioned going through Winona, Minnesota which I believe is where they manufacture the Wenonah canoes. I have the 16’ Rouge white water model. Good luck with this adventure.
Joe
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ReplyDeleteFrom Patti Faris Delaney:
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Steve! Your travels are fun to read, keep trecking along. You are a real inspiration
Wow! Now those are some fancy digs! I'll bet you got a great shower in his house! Glad you're having fun!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Em