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 |
We have a new favorite sign "Truck on a cheese wedge"
Obviously it mean road goes steeply down hill, trucks use caution.
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Favorite sign = downhill ahead |
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.
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Lynne and Sam Entering Wisconsin |
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
Welcome to WI-
ReplyDeleteAnother state done-great job Sam! How nice that Betsy and Ginger came to see you. I am sure it will be nice to see Mary.
Much love,
Joan
Hi Sam, welcome to Wisconsin, we look forward to seeing you on Sunday, Ride Safely!
ReplyDeleteLots of love
Nancy
The visit to Sam in Lacrosse was amazing for me. We watched the group assemble for their 4:30 p.m. 'Rap' -- what seemed to be their daily update, wrap-up, and prep meeting for the next day. What was amazing? I expected to see exhausted people dragging in to the meeting. They all seemed cheerful, energetic, chatting and focused. They are almost 2/3 of the way through this marathon -- I would think that if there is going to be a low point for anyone, this would be it, but I saw signs that people felt stronger than ever, having grown and adapted rather than wearing out. Sam and the 'Turtles' are an inspiring group. I left them happy and hopeful about life. Rock on! Ginger
ReplyDeleteYou make us appreciate Wisconsin Sam! A good weekend coming up~ Carol D.
ReplyDeleteHi Sam! Mary just shared your blog link and your map! What a great trip. Dave, Nate and I are going to be in New York visiting family. That would be Latham, NY! We are scheduled to miss you by one stinkin' day! We are taking Nate on a college visit Friday morning in PA and arriving in NY on Saturday. I am so bummed we'll miss you. So close. All the best to you and your fellow riders! Karen B.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Sam, even if it's only for a few days!
ReplyDeleteI'm always glad to read your commments about staying safe & being thoughtful about every aspect of the ride. Glad to have you safely back in WI! Love, mjkb
ReplyDeleteHi Sam. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. Jan and I driving together. That is so sad about the rider from London. To go so far and then have an accident that forces you to withdraw must be a horrible feeling. I can't believe that you are 2/3 of the way done. What an amazing feat!! Take care and ride safe. -Jeryl
ReplyDeleteYou made it to WI! Bet it feels great! I'm so glad that you and Mary will be together this weekend. Wish we were there too, I'd like to see some green. It's been over a hundred for awhile here inTexhoma so it's pretty burnt and brown. So sorry for your British companion. At least he made it to the prettiest part of the country...8) Stay safe and have a wonderful visit with family. How sweet of them all to come and see you. U r so loved! Love Gary and Crystal and L3
ReplyDeleteOk, I hope u know that i meant we would like to b there to of course see u MORE than we want to see green scenery...8)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the Midwest, Sam. Mary Pat and I have taken some short rides like an hour or so and can only imagine biking all day in terms of the physical and mental committment. Upward and onward! As the navy Seals traing instructors apparently say -"the only easy day was yesterday (and yesterday was hell!)". Hope to see you soon.
ReplyDeleteBob and Mary Pat
Sam, it was great to see you yesterday (Friday) and see you in action on the road! You are looking absolutely great. It is inspiring to think about what you have done, and what you continue to do each day. We were also very impressed with your friends and co-riders, everyone was really friendly and upbeat, even after all the days in the saddle. We wish you and all of them the very best for the rest of the trip. Stay safe and have fun! Jerry & Jeanette
ReplyDeleteHope the ferry red across Lke Michgn was a good break and we hoe you are seeing some good Cheney in Michgn nd eastward
ReplyDeleteBob and Mary Pat