45 miles. It’s more like 60 from Craig and Steve’s house but since this part of our journey is the 180 mile detour to Spring Green and Taliesin and not on our cross country route, we “allowed” Steve to drive us through the Twin Cities (simply called “The Cities” around these parts) and rush hour traffic to the town of Prescot, WI, where we began pedaling. Please don’t think we are cheating, these are extra miles and in a different category! But we did appreciate the ride.
On the way we were alerted by a passing motorist that one of our bikes was perilously close to falling off of Steve’s bike rack and, after stopping, we found that my bike was being dragged on its rear tire! A careful inspection in Prescot showed only a scuffed tire so disaster was avoided.
The forecast for today had been for very strong winds in our faces and sunshine but the day, thankfully, started very overcast and almost windless. So away we went. I think we have determined that two days’ rest is too much for our legs and our motivation because today was hard. There were lots of ups and downs but the old energy levels just weren’t there. Going forward we may limit our rest days to a mere one.
For the most part the ride went smoothly – nice shoulder, not too much traffic, glimpses of the river. We reached Lake Pepin. The lake is more like a bulge in the Mississippi formed by the confluence of that river and the Cherokee eons ago.
Lake Pepin
We had a nice break for lunch at a park on a bluff above the lake where we saw a pair of bald eagles on the river below.
Lunch break high above Lake Pepin
We then pedaled the rest of the way into the town of Pepin and the Pepin Hotel. It was hot for the last part of our ride so we walked to the public beach (they also have a nice sheltered marina for sailboats) and dunked ourselves.
A refreshing dip in the Mississip.
On the way to the beach we spotted a nice looking restaurant for dinner and we just ate there, by unanimous acclaim the best meal we’ve had on our trip so far! We heartily recommend the Harbor View Café.
Tomorrow we’re off to La Crosse, WI, and had planned on taking a scenic bike path that runs through state parks and bird sanctuaries but a little research revealed that the trail is suffering greatly from lack of maintenance due to state budget cuts and is unrideable with our bikes. There is a fee for using the trail so one has to wonder where that money is going.
Antique shops on the route and you can tell folks around here take their fishing seriously!
I think I could catch up with Maja on this thing!
Cast your vote for the most ridiculous tan lines. Vote early and vote often.
bikewright 2.0 