We left La Crosse at about 7:00 AM. This means that we ate breakfast at 6:00 AM and loaded the truck at 6:30 AM. Each morning we top off our tires to be sure they are still inflated with the proper pressure. This makes a big difference when you ride. A soft tire requires much more effort than one that is at maximum pressure.

This morning it is already warm. Mary and I put our wind breakers in the white van even before we left the motel. We had to follow our directions very carefully. To give you an idea, we had 31 directions to follow prior to the first SAG at mile 30. This is very different from Wyoming, where we might have three directions all day. (Take a right on hwy X and go for 90 miles. Turn left into the motel on your right.) The morning is always my favorite time to ride, and this morning was no different. The Stop A Lots rode for a long time this morning with very little conversation. This is not like us at all. Today is a particularly meaningful day for Mary. Her father passed away one year ago today and Mary’s mother joins our merry band this afternoon. She has driven out from Pennsylvania to accompany Mary for the remainder of the trip. Today, in honor of Mary’s father, she is riding in a yellow jersey with her father’s picture on the back.

The morning was uneventful, just a wonderful ride and great company. After the first SAG at mile 32 we got on a bike path for the next 30 miles. This path used to be an old railroad track. We had three tunnels to go through and one of them was almost a mile long. We brought flashlights with us to use in the tunnel. Believe me, you needed them. How do you turn three adults into children? Have them walk their bikes through a pitch black train tunnel. We sang and made animal noises and every other kind of sound you can imagine. It was so much fun.

We picked up a pretty strong head wind later in the morning which made the riding even more challenging. The trail riding surface is packed gravel and dirt. It wasn’t too bad to ride on but we definitely had to work harder at it. By the time we finished our thirty miles on it, we were ready to get off. The second and last SAG stop was right where we exited from the trail. We signed in and were off to Subway for lunch.

The wind grew even stronger after lunch. Steve developed cramps so we had to stop for a while. We parked our bikes and laid down in someone’s front yard for about 20 minutes. When we resumed riding, we rode at a slower pace until Steve felt better. During this time we were passed by some riders that have rarely ever passed us before. I don’t know whether it was this or the fact that Steve was feeling better or both, but Steve and the Stop A Lots kicked it into gear and repassed the earlier pace line. Steve led the group all the way to our motel at very good clip.

It was fun arriving at the motel today. Mary’s mother, Jeanne, was there. As you can imagine, the Stop A Lots had a lot to tell her about Mary. Steve’s wife came in from Madison, Wisconsin for a visit and we had just as much to tell her. Other riders had family members visiting as well. The Dells is a big tourist place. Mike Munk even had his parents here for a visit all the way from Florida.

Well, another great day for riding and celebrating great relationships. Thanks for joining me today. Tomorrow we are off to Fond du Lac, almost 85 miles. We have really piled up the mileage this week. See you on the road.