Day 42 Brantford Ontario to Niagara Falls, NY

Great day to ride!! sunshine, low humidity, scenic...  The whole day was fun, from the smooth roads in the morning to colored lights and fireworks over Niagara Falls at night.  First time all trip we stayed up after dark!!

Start of the day in rural Canada


Who knew Miles Goodwin's fame had spread to rural Canada?

The group enjoyed meeting Miles on his Harley in Wi Dells, we didn't know he is such a celebrity.

Small town local color:

Oldest Sugar Maple in Canada, Donated by the Comfort Family

The farm where the tree is located has been owned by the same family since 1816

We stopped at the town store and they had a hard time understanding why someone would ride across America (so do we) The Comfort tree, is the biggest local attraction.

 Lift bridge on the Welland Canal

 Diane and Crist at Niagara Falls 

 Highlights of the day were Niagara Falls and arriving back in the US at NY.  Diane and Crist at Niagara Falls

Sam and Janel entering the US at NY

View from the bridge

Crossing back into the US on the Rainbow Bridge.  Customs went very fast.  They let 4 riders go through at a time.  Check passports, a few questions and we were done.
Monday, last rest day,  will be a quiet day.  Rest and eat.  Go to the park on Goat Island, just above the falls.  Read and eat some more then sleep.  Nice and quiet.  No casinos or boat ride. 
Enjoy the day
Sam

Day 41 London to Brantford, Ontario

Today started out slow, with headwinds and rainy, finished with sunshine.  We had overcast skies and drizzle as we loaded luggage onto the truck and left the hotel.  It never rained, just high humidity and damp to make things uncomfortable.  5 mi into the ride we shed our raincoats and just road.  Very generic farm country along the route.  We could have been nearly anywhere except for the Canadian flags.  Flat country and lots of corn.  We saw a few tobacco fields and several ginseng fields.  Not much else.  Yes, it is getting very old looking at green crops. 
We had a guest rider, her name is Louise.  She was riding from London to Cambridge, about 85 miles.  Louise and her husband drove from Cambridge to London and he was going to a radio controlled boat meet and she was riding her bike back home.  We rode together nearly all day. 

Diane and Louise

Today was pretty much just grind it out and get done.  Tomorrow Sunday, we cross back into the US at Niagara Falls.  The crossing is at the end of the day so it will be individual riders checking in at US customs and immigration.
Monday is a rest day,  Finally.  Tues starts the home stretch of 7 days 546 miles.
I am ready for a rest day
Sam

Day 40 Port Huron, MI to London Ontario

Today started EARLY.  We were up at 4:30, breakfast at 5:15, load luggage at 5:50 then line up and start riding by 6:30.  All to meet our time slot for crossing the Blue Water bridge into Canada.  the bridge is normally 3 lanes of traffic.  They closed 2 lanes for us and the third was closed for repairs.  A big concern was the road surface.  Some were expecting the bridge to be see through metal grate.  Fortunately it was a regular black surface.  Panoramic views from the top of the bridge were spectacular.  In our America by Bike Jerseys, even "London Dave" wore his jersey, it was a unique experience riding as a group.  Canadian Immigration/ Customs went very smoothly.  A month ago the list of all riders was sent into Canadian authorities so all we had to do was show our passport and they matched names on their preapproved list.  No photo stops were allowed while we were on the bridge.

Lining up to start the ride to the bridge into Canada

Entering Ontario Canada

The rest of the day's ride went pretty well we had an early start and the rain held off.  Jeff Lazer, one of the ABB staff recommended the Country Market for lunch.  Fresh kaiser rolls, wide selection of meats and cheese for sandwiches, plus ice cream for desert.  Had to pass on the ice cream.  Still 25 mi to go and didn't want too full a stomach. 

Scenery today was just like Michigan, corn fields, windmills, peas and more corn fields.  The condition of the fields varies quite a bit.  Some have obviously been hit by the drought and others are quite green and healthy looking.
We get to sleep late Sat.  All the way until 6:45.  Sat is a short day of 66 miles and not a lot of climbing. 
Back in the US on Sun
Sam

Day 39 Birch Run to Port Huron, MI

Our day almost ended before it began.  We awoke to thunder and lightning.  We can ride in rain, but, not lightning.  It was just like at the airport, ride is delayed 1 hr.  Ride will be delayed an additional half hour.  You can load luggage on the truck but not leave.  We finally left at 9:15, 2:15 late.  We were safe and dry with a GREAT Tailwind.  86 mi in under 6 hrs total time including sag and rest stops.  Made up for the delay.

Rolling fast, approx 20 mph



Max and Laurel passed and were passed

Our average for the day was 16.5mph.   Max and Laurel kept pace with us and were passed and passed us in turn depending on who stopped for water or food.  Great rest stop at a small park with an artesian well.  great tasting cold water.
We rode into Port Huron along the lake and saw some really nice large homes.  Similar to the homes along Milwaukee's lake shore.
Wake up is at 4:40 AM.  We get an early start so we can ride across the bridge to Canada in the morning.  There is no sidewalk and bicycles are not normally permitted on the bridge.  We have special permission to ride with an escort as they hold traffic.  Complicating things even more than normal is one lane is down for maintenance.  It will be VERY interesting if the bridge deck is a metal grid and you can see through it.  Some of the riders are afraid of heights.  Saw the bridge tonight and it is over a mile long and WAY above the water.  Stay tuned for more details from the bridge, customs and immigration Friday.  Yes, I have my passport and all should go smoothly.
Drive carefully
Sam

Mount Pleasant to Birch Run MI, July 25, Wed

We got to sleep late (sort of) 6:00 AM!  Today was suppose to be a recovery day, but, the wind didn't cooperate.  The wind whipped across the wide open farm fields of lower Michigan.  Really it wasn't to bad, the temperature was nice, the sun shined, and it was REALLY flat.  625 ft of climbing in 74 miles.  Literally the flattest day of the ride.
The town of Alma is quite picturesque.  Wide green lawns and a clean small town downtown.  Alma is home to Alma College.  A well respected small liberal arts school.

Jeff, Janel, Joel, Crist in downtown Alma

The Across America North Ride has been going on for over ten years and each year the riders had stopped to visit Sandra Reeves and her husband.  Sandra's husband has passed away, but, she keeps up the tradition of welcoming riders into her yard and home.  The picture below is of riders with one of the many tractors the Reeves family has collected over the years.  The tractor originally had steel wheels.

Rich, Sam, Janel, Diane, Lynne, Joel, Crist and Randy in front of one of the Reeves' tractors

Most of the tractors John Deere, Allis Chalmers etc are in the barns behind the trees.  More than 50 tractors in the collection.

Most of the day was riding in a pace line through the MI farmland.

Crist leading Janel, Lynne and Diane into the wind across MI farmland

We cross into Canada early Friday Morning for a short trip across southern Ontario.  London and Brantford Ontario then Niagara Falls. 
See you soon
Sam

Monday July 23 "rest day" Manitowoc to Ludington

and Tues July 24, Ludington to Mount Pleasant 113 mi

Monday July 23 was supposed to be a rest day, short ride to the SS Badger car ferry, leisurely ride across Lake Michigan quick dinner and early to bed.  We left the hotel at 10:00 AM and arrived at the hotel at 9:00 PM. 

Manitowoc Crane Co.

Arrival in MI.  Note the long shadows as sun sets

Happy Endings Ice Cream

 

The ride to the car ferry dock started very nice.  Warm sunny day, rode past Manitowoc Crane, downtown Manitowoc and all was good.  Loading onto the carferry is when it went down hill.  They loaded 2 flatbed trucks with the columns for a windmill base onto the ferry.  Delayed the start of the trip 1 hr.  Unloading delayed everyone another half hour.  We lost an hour to time zone change.  So instead of getting to the hotel at 7:30 with bed by 9:00 we got to the hotel at 9:00 with bed at 10:30. 
Up at 5:00 for a 113 mi ride.  lots of groaning as alarms went off.  2 miles into the ride all was forgotten as we rode down some really nice rural Midwestern roads.  Green pine trees, well kept farms, plenty of sunshine and rolling hills all brought smiles.

It was a very uneventful day = GREAT.  We rode past small lakes just like in northern Wisconsin.  Lunch was at Subway in the town of Big Rapids MI.  Last stop during the ride was at "Happy Endings Ice Cream"  They opened up 45 minutes early just for us.  1 scoop Mint chip and 1 scoop Cherry Chocolate.
Downtown Mount Pleasant really is a pleasant place to visit, not at the end of 113 mi., but, another time.  NO MORE days over 100 miles.  Longest day left is 94 mi and it is the only remaining day over 90 miles.

I now have tan lines in a whole list of places I never did before, Ankle tan lines from socks, thigh tan lines from shorts, wrist tan lines from gloves, tan line from watch, tan lines on my thumbs and index fingers, tan lines on my neck and forehead.  FORTUNATELY no red sunburn thanks to Evonne Winston's and  Mary's constant preaching for a month before I left.  At least 3 layers of sunscreen every day and sleeves have worked very good.
Tomorrow, Wed is a short day only 74 miles

Drive safe and watch for riders on the road.
Sam

Sunday July 22
Short day "only" 58 miles Fond du lac to Manitowoc
Started out on the shores of Lake Winnebago and then rolled through Wisconsin country side.

Lake Winnebago light house

Today was hot and sunny.  Rolling hills were fun to ride and lots of green growing plants.
I really appreciate all the support everyone has given me.  Couldn't do this trip without it.  Unfortunately the trip does take a huge physical toll each day.  I I really looked forward to seeing people in Manitowoc, but, there just isn't enough time and energy.  I am sure you understand and I look forward to seeing everyone after the trip
Thanks for your support
Sam

July 20 Friday Lacrosse to WI Dells

July 21 Day 34 ,of 50 WI dells to Fonddu Lac

it is great to be riding in WIsconsin, where we have real trees and greenery.  The other riders on the trip have been skeptical that Wisconsin would be as nice as advertised.  They are now converts to Wisconsin riding.  Custard has also gained a bunch of new followers.  Culvers custard in particular.  Remember we are on a 4,000 - 5,000 calorie a day diet and you can only eat so much fruit and healthy stuff.

One of the highlights of Friday was the Sparta Elroy trail and it's tunnels.  few people had ridden it before so it was quite novel. 


This is the doors at the end of tunnel 3.  We rode through the tunnels in reverse order 3, 2, 1

The tunnels have a new floor in some areas wnere the tracks were removed.  Walls are the original "cave" walls as were dug by hand in 1870s  Tunnel 3 is the longest of the 3.  none of the tunnels should be ridden.  They all have water leaking from the roof and sides from springs in the hills.  Both sides of the path through the tunnel have ditches to channel the water.

Riders with lights coming through the tunnel

Basic Tunnel info from 1873

Evening in Wisconsin Dells was family Mary and Louie, my sisters Ginger and Peggy with their husbands Glen and Mark.  Friends Miles, Jeanette and Jerry Jessup, Curt and Chris Hancock were all their for dinner.  Jerry and Jeanette surprised me along the road.  Didn't know they were coming and they found the group I was riding with.  Great surprise!!!

July 21 Day WI dells to Fond du Lac

Curt Hancock joined the ride for a day as a warm up for his bike trip to Jackson WY next week.

One of the highlights of the day was stopping for brats.  Most of the riders had never had a brat and really liked them.  Ollie, from Germany liked the brat, didn't like the sauerkraut.  I liked the brats, but, the buns were plain old hot dog buns.  Should have been rolls.

Mascoutin trail.  Runs along the highway into Fond du lac.  Really nice to get off the highway for a while

Alive and well on my bike in Wisconsin Dells

see you later
sam

Thursday July 19 Rochester MN to Lacrosse, WI

Today was a scenic and eventful day.  We started out in nice cool fog.  Even running into construction on the route was taken in stride.  We walked / road for about a half mile.  One guy who hates riding on sand and gravel turned around and rode back to the detour then rode the whole detour rather than walk a little

Getting around road construction equipment

Fog was the scenery this morning, nice cool fog, lasted until about 10:00. 
We have a new favorite sign "Truck on a cheese wedge"
Obviously it mean road goes steeply down hill, trucks use caution.

Favorite sign = downhill ahead

Where except Minnesota would you find a park named Bucksnort?  Very nice park on a trout stream.  Yes, we saw the trout.
The Root River Recreation Trail is a 40+ miles bike path through Southeast MN.  Great riding along the river.  Very scenic and GREEN.  We still can't get enough of greenery after all the time in Wyoming and South Dakota.

Lynne and Sam Entering Wisconsin

Highlights of today included the "Welcome to Wisconsin sign and then crossing the Mississippi River. 
Low lights of the day included an unfortunate accident.  Ray Black from London England was taking photos while riding and crashed his bike.  Broke bones in his upper arm near the shoulder.  He is taking a plane to Boston and then London in the morning.
Best highlight of the day was a surprise visit from my sisters Betsy and Ginger.  We had a nice visit over dinner before they headed back to Janesville WI.  Thanks for coming to see me.  Especially since they drove all the way and we only had a few hours.
It's great to be back in WI even if only for a few days.
Sam

Tuesday July 17 Worthington MN to Mankato MN

and Wed July 18  Mankato to Rochester MN

Tuesday Worthington to Mankato

Tuesday was a fun ride.  We rode to ride.  108 miles.  15.3 mph.  Total elapsed time 7.5 hrs.   This is a great time for our group.  Compared to riding Oregon it is fantastic.  We have all improved in speed and stamina. The temperature was down a little, humidity was down and the TREES provided shade on the road.  Not a lot of shade, but, way more than the last 2 weeks.  We only stopped 4 times.  3 regular sag stops and 1 water stop.  Lunch was at yet another Subway shop.  Great system they have going.  I don't know how many Subways we have eaten in (way too many) but they are quick, clean, tasty and nutritious.  There wasn't much to take pictures of.  You've all seen corn fields.  Most of them in MN seem to be doing pretty good despite the drought.  Only saw 1 field in serious trouble from lack of rain.  Janel is our "farm girl" in the group.  Her family has a farm in Ohio and they have raised turkeys and various crops.

Wed July 18, Mankato to Rochester MN

Ever jump out of bed and feel like running up a really big hill just because it's there?  I didn't think so, I haven't either.  Unfortunately our route went up a very steep hill 2 blocks from the start.  The picture shows just the beginning of the hill.

Bigger than it looks

Nearly everyone made it up the hill, even the guys riding recumbent bikes.  The hill is actually a bit over 250 ft or the height of a 25 story bldg.  and a whole lot steeper than the picture looks.  My heart rate at the top of the hill was as high as when we climbed the Teton Mntns.  and only 15 min after we all ate big breakfasts.  On the way out of town we rode/walked  through a road construction site.  If nearly everyone gets off and walks you know it can't be good to ride.  Much of the construction was plain old mud.  How it got wet and muddy I have no idea.  Then it was more corn fields.  There were trees to shade the road now and then and we all appreciated them.
One of my personal goals was back to back days of riding +100 miles.  Haven't done this in 40 years.  basically since college.  We were all a little tired today and the humidity was rotten, we rode anyway.  Speed was a little slower than yesterday.  A few people "sagged" (rode the SAG vehicle) in to the hotel.  Nobody in the group I usually ride with.  We have ridden 2,300 miles through all kinds of weather, why would we change now?

Progress map updated each night

We have a map posted on the notice board each day that shows how far we've come and where we are going.  The line that shows how far we've come finally covers a good distance.  2,300 miles or almost 2/3 of the total.
The route for tomorrow is expected to be fun and scenic.  Jim, the mechanic says it is his favorite day.  That means hills.  Jim thinks riding flat land is boring.  We go through Lanesboro MN and part of the Root River recreation trail in MN.  The day ends with a steep descent into Lacrosse WI.
Ride safe
Sam

July 16, Sioux Falls to Worthington MN

Today started off nice.  We had +8 miles on the local bike path to get us out of town.  Then the sidewall of my front tire blew, nice round hole.  Couldn't see the problem until the new tube was in and started to inflate it.  The support rider and the support van were both there before I even had the tire off the rim.  I have now replaced both tires and 4 tubes.  About time for this nonsense to end.  This is more flats than I get in a year of riding.  May have something to do with putting on as many miles as in a year and many of them on highway shoulders.  Day got better from there.
We crossed into Minnesota!!!

Minnesota, note TREES in the picture

 One more state done and we are back in the land of trees.  Desert, wheat fields, scrub brush and vast open scenery of nothing have gotten old.  Someone once wrote "I shall never see anything as lovely as a tree"  They got it right.  Green, growing and waving in the breeze. 
Jeff, one of the tour people got a "care" pkg today.  It was full of hats and headwear.

Hats from past riders

Cathy, Barb, Jeff

There was everything from headbands to dreadlocks in the box.  The box is from a group of past riders who send regularly send fun pkgs. to Jeff.  Jeff is a good guy to ride with, knowledgeable, patient and Strong rider.  He leads the New Orleans to Minneapolis ride.  More of a vacation ride than the challenge of cross country.

All of you who wanted a you tube video here you are:  "Teton Pass Summit Descent into Jackson"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0cjZhEZ--M
This is a video Randy Milar shot with a helmet cam.  Long long descent
Bicycle Speed starts at about 35 and ends at just over 40mph.  When the picture dips it is because Randy looked down at his speedometer and heart rate monitor.  The conversation at the beginning is about a rider who was on the tour with us and crashed at the end of this descent.  At the time of the video we knew no details of the crash.  The rider who crashed is ok.  Low blood oxygen level from the altitude was a factor in the crash.  Below 90 is considered hazardous, his was at 83. 
Scenery is gorgeous.  It was NOT thrilling or gorgeous enough to ride back up the mountain and ride  it again. 
My left pinkie finger and ring finger are still weak  from Ulnar nerve compression.  (too much or too long having pressure on the base of your hand on the pinkie finger side)  Ulnar nerve runs through the elbow to the spinal cord.  It is not a problem I have had before.  I am Following recommended exercises and icing on my elbow. Added padding to handlebars and got new gloves with different padding.  Also called my dr. in Milwaukee to see what recommendations he has, he is very active in skiing and riding.
Enjoy the day
Sam

Saturday July 14, Mitchell to Sioux Falls, SD

See the bump in the road, it is considered a hill

The weather today was hot, just like most of the country.  Ride was very flat.  Too flat, no good down hills.  For miles the highest point was a freeway overpass.

The day before a rest day is "Jersey day"  we all wear America By Bike jerseys.  Looks very professional I guess.  Amazing they are all still clean and neat. 


Start of Jersey day

Everyone except one British guy wore their ABB jersey.  He got too much teasing over the fourth of July.  Had to show his independence.

Cheerful people are VERY VERY important on a trip like this.  We are fortunate to have several.  One of them is Rosie.  Always smiling, always cheerful. 


Cheerful Rosie waiting her turn to load luggage

Cantistota Festival

Today's only sag stop was in the town of Cantistota.  Nice place, very friendly.  Today was their town festival.  Morning events are for the kids. 

Girls tractor pull

Determination!!

We were at the last SAG stop of the day and the support van ran out of ice.  Not a good idea when the temp is 95 and there are 10 thirsty riders around.  I couldn't imagine no ice or cold water so just went into the store and bought a 5 lb bag of ice.  Dropped it on the cement a few times to loosen the cubes and suddenly  I was surrounded by 8 new best friends.  I never saw a group go through a bag of ice so quick and there were smiles all around.
The other big use of ice these days is icing knees.  It is becoming more and more common as a preventative measure as well as to relive soreness.
My current ache is two fingers on my left hand.  Hoping today's day off the bike helps with the numbness.
Tomorrow Sunday is a rest day.  SLEEP LATE  (7:00) Laundry etc.
See you down the road
Sam

July 13 Chamberlain to Mitchell SD

Today was hot, dry and hotter.  Sunscreen was everywhere.  Not much to see except corn fields.  Most important topic of conversation was Soft serve vs. ice cream vs. custard.  Of course custard is best.  Yesterday we were so desperate for malts or cones we went to McDonald's.  There was not even a Dairy Queen in town.  I don't know what McDonald's serves, but, it sure isn't quality ice cream.  Several people, besides me, loudly voiced our preference for frozen custard and promised great quality and flavors once we get to WI.
The rest of the food in Chamberlain was VERY good.  Margie, owner of the Anchor Inn where we ate dinner and breakfast made great food for both the dinner and breakfast buffets.  Dinner featured fresh pie.  breakfast was so good I even ate the oatmeal.

Great food if you are ever in Chamberlain SD

Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD

The major tourist trap on today's ride was the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD.  You may like it.  so here are some pictures.

The murals on the walls of the building are made of corn cobs, husks and kernels

I am sure the concept was great in the late 1800s when this started. 
For an alternate view of the ride, here is a link to Randy Mellin's blog.  We regularly ride together.  Randy wears a helmet cam that he can record video or still pictures.  Some of his video is on you tube.  I will get the link when I can.  His first video was "Teton Pass Descent".  Going bike roughly 50 mph on a bike down from the summit.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=10776&v=Dx

Tomorrow, Fri., is 74 miles and then a rest day in Sioux Falls.  Lynne wants to ride 15 mi. each way so she can visit Iowa.  She's never been there.  I am having a hard time getting enthused about a 30 mi. bike ride on a REST day.
Looking forward to some great scenery in MN and WI.  In MN we go through Lanesboro on the Root River Trail.  It is a trail converted from an old rail road bed.  Similar to the Sparta Elroy trail in WI which we will also ride.
Enjoy the day
Sam

July 10, 11, 12  Rapid City to Wall to Pierre to Chamberlain SD July 12, Half way

Computer and network are working well time to get caught up.
SD is big and wide open.  The beauty is in the openness and majesty.  Not the scenery.

Morning of July 10 Leaving Rapid city for Wall SD.

Note the street name

July 11,  117 miles of SD fields and sunshine.  Rode very well.  Done in just over 9 hrs.  We didn't stop or tarry at any of the sag stops.  it was all business.  Ride the miles and get done.  We crossed the Missouri river and entered the central time zone, GREAT, lost an hour, not great.

Last ones to leave 5:40 AM July 11

Diane, Crist Lynne, Rich (by the wall) and I were the last ones to leave in the morning.  People were edgy and very irritable about the days ride.  We started just after sunrise.  Come on we've done longer days.  No reason to be wound so tight. 

Today's "Artistic" photo

On the way out of town from Wall.  Big green Sinclair dinosaur.  3 miles out we ran into a crew that was sweeping up 7 miles of loose gravel.  The day before they tarred the whole surface of the road and put down new gravel.  Actually went a lot better than expected.  We road in the areas packed down by cars that went before us.  took our time and stayed calm.  A " No Hurry, No Worry" approach.  Attitude worked good for 117 mi.

Full Service airport

Full service airport, get your crops sprayed and meet world dignitaries in the same place.  One of the sag stops was in the park across the street from the airport.  we didn't see any dignitaries, actually we didn't see anyone or any planes at all.
Nice ride all day, good athletic performance.

 

July 12, day 25, Half way

looking a little (or a lot) worse for the wear

We've made it half way.  It is now easier to keep going than turn back.  ABB stands for "America By Bicycle"  tour organizer.  There is NO significance to this location other than mileage.  It is the edge of a corn field in the middle of nowhere.

Group is still smiling

Lynne, Crist, Diane, Janel, Sam
We are all still smiling and talking to each other.  Manners have long since broken down.  Humor repairs a lot of feelings.  Diane has teased "after 75 miles I get a little mean"  She has a great demeanor and usually great spirits.

One of the Heroes of the ride

Melanie at halfway

Melanie is one of the heroes of the ride.  She is 73 and has only one eye.  Melanie rides her own pace and keeps going up and down the hills.  She is very determined and a great inspiration.
The glass is more than half full
Sam