Ahnapee Trail August 27, 2010

We got on the Ahnapee Trail in Algoma and rode it into Sturgeon Bay - 14 miles. It is a pretty trail that follows the Ahnapee River for a while.



Just before Sturgeon Bay the trail ran next to a pear tree - the pears were ripe so we pulled off a few for a snack - delicious!





We had lunch in town and then cycled on up to the Whitefish Dunes State Park. The new bridge in Sturgeon Bay has a biking lane on each side - nice!






We took County Rd TT out of town towards Lake Michigan. Larry spotted a huge buck there -



at the national headquarters for "Whitetails Unlimited".



When we came to the lake we took a break to enjoy the scenery. There was a strong wind blowing off the lake and it made the warmth of the sun quite enjoyable.



Then we rode about 8 miles along Glidden Rd; a rustic, curving road. It fronts the lake and the whole stretch is lined with beach houses - many quite magnificent.

We came into Whitefish Dunes State Park via Clark Lake. The word of the day was to see Cave Point since the strong winds would cause good splashing of the waves.

It was pretty neat to watch the waves pounding into the caves and splash up high on the cliffs.

Larry got out on the ledge to take some photos and he said you could feel the rocks vibrate as the waves pounded into them.

It is a beautiful area and we would like to go back and visit and take more time to look around.

We decided we didn't have enough time to swim, but went down to the beach to freshen up a little before heading back.

Lots of people were enjoying the water - it was relatively warm, but the wind cooled you off once you emerged from the lake.

Since it would be getting late by the time we got back, we returned on a different route to Sturgeon Bay - across country on Clark Lake Rd and Mathey Rd, instead of the winding lake front road.

We took a well earned ice cream break at the Sturgeon Bay Candy Shop - we biked against the wind most of the way back.

We ride the Ahnapee Trail again to get back to Algoma.

The Forestville Flowage looked so tranquil as we biked by in the early evening. It has a different type of dam or mill system than we had seen before.

The late afternoon light made for some beautiful scenery along the trail.

We saw a young deer run on the trail in front of us and two spotted fawns nestled down to rest in the ravine beside the trail. Larry rode over two snakes, believing the first was a stick and then not seeing the second small one in time to avoid it. I didn't see either of them - they are one of my least favorite critters!

The Joe-Pye Weed was so pretty and attracted many butterflies.

We made it back to Algoma in the early evening light - ready to rest. Larry washed up in the lake and Deb used the Mobil Gas Station then we had supper at the Cool Harbor Restaurant before heading home.

It was a neat outing on a beautiful day. We clocked 77 miles today.

Waupaca Triathlon

Our 2nd year to compete in the sprint event. This is such a neat experience as everyone is so friendly and encouraging.



Over 1,000 competitors this year for the 10th annual triathlon. The sprint event consists of a1/4 mile swim; 12.5 mile bike ride and 2 mile run.

We made it! In fact Larry did very well - he came in 3rd in his age group last year and did even better this year by placing second!

Now he will have to work harder to get the 1st place trophy in 2011!

August 12, 2010 - Mariner's Trail & Rawley's Point Trail

These trails connect in Two Rivers. We began the ride in Manitowoc on the Mariner's Trail that runs along the lake shore up to Two Rivers.


When we left Appleton the weather was near 90 degrees and it was extremely humid. Even the gulls decided it was better to sit than fly!


The lake breeze did make it more comfortable but it was a hazy day.

This is a particularly beautiful trail to ride as the citizens have adopted sections and planted wonderful flower beds.

Manitowoc and Two Rivers pretty much merge into each other.

Crossing the West Twin River in Two Rivers.

Two Rivers has a very large sandy beach and many people were enjoying the cool waters on this hot day. We took a quick dip and then resumed our cycling.

Not too far out of Two Rivers we began the Rawley's Point Trail which is not sealed but weaves and winds its way through 5 miles of wooded land that we think is part of the Point Beach State Park.

It is a fun ride with many ups and downs and curves. We thought we might see some wild life ... perhaps they heard us coming and scooted?

This old log cabin has been preserved.

The trail led us to the beach area at Rawley's Point. This is another expansive sandy beach.

The park has a large concession pavilion at the beach.

We took a paddle in the water but there was some algae growth so we did not feel like a dip and it was about 5:30pm so we figured we should be heading back.

We had read of Berner's Sundae store in Two Rivers - where supposedly the sundae was invented. We stopped in for an ice cream treat. The building is a former luxury hotel and is now a museum.

We toured the museum which featured different rooms with period themes for several professions.

Here is the barber shop of the day.

The dentist surgery - thank you God for advancements in dentistry!

I liked this period kitchen. We also learned that Charlton Heston's wife - Lydia Clarke Heston was a citizen of Two Rivers - her ancestor was Hezekiah Hamilton - one of the founding fathers. Evidently it was not unusual to see Charlton around town when Lydia would visit.

Caught a nice sunset as we were driving back just before Reedsville.

Bike Across Wisconsin - July 30, 31 and August 1, 2010

We thought it would be an accomplishment to ride our bicycles across Wisconsin some time in the future - when we looked at our calendars we decided it should be sooner rather than later if we wanted to do it this summer. So, Larry planned the trip in about 3 or 4 days.

Day 1 Sheboygan to Markesan - 82.7 miles

We tried to pack as little as possible, but brought too many snacks and too much extra water as we could replenish at many of the towns we went through.

We left from Deland Park at about 8am and followed the city bike route to connect to the Old Plank Road Trail. This trail runs for about 17 miles to Greenbush.

Not long after we got on the trail there was a "Trail Closed" sign and we thought we would have to take a detour already. We decided to disobey the sign and ride around the blockade - thank goodness we did as they had resealed a good section and it was perfect for us to ride on.
The trail runs beside to HWY 23. Next to the trail there were many sections of beautiful wildflowers.

At that trail end we had a snack break. Larry found his own personal trash can!

Then we took county roads that Larry had plotted out. Some beautiful scenery and flower gardens on these quiet country roads. We saw 4 fighter jets in formation probably flying into Oshkosh for the EAA.

Deb climbed part of one hill because her chain came off. Got into Fond du Lac and had lunch at Oscar's. Left town via Military Avenue over Hwy 41 that leads into Hwy 151, which was a busy road. It was good to turn off onto side roads.

Arrived in Brandon around 3:45pm and took a gas station break and picked up some Gatorade. I phoned Sue to let her know we were in her neighborhood. She said it was raining in Green Lake.

As we headed on to Markesan we did get some rain sprinkles. Sue called back to say she and Wax would meet us at the motel and take us out to supper - how nice!

It rained harder for the last 3 or 4 miles to Markesan, so we wore our hi-vis jackets - it is amazing what a difference that bright yellow makes!

We arrived in Markesan at the Lake House Hotel, to finish cycling for the day at 5:30pm a total of 82.7 miles for the day.

It continued to rain for about 5 hours. Sue and Wax met us and took us out for a fish supper at Vandy's Lakeside Pub just out of Markesan. It was great to have their company and enjoy the good food!

Day 2 Markesan to Elroy - 82.8 miles

Earlier start today, just before 7am and it was pretty misty out so we wore our hi-vis jackets until it cleared.

The farmland vistas were draped in mist - the birds were singing and it was a peaceful beginning to the day. We were so glad it was not raining.

This is what the sun looked like just before it began burning of the mist.

We have noticed elderberry trees bearing fruit as we have ridden trails recently, but these were the ripest we had seen yet - but not quite ripe enough.

Not far this side of Packwaukee we rode by the Bison Ridge Ranch. Some of the bison were tagged such that they appeared to be wearing earrings.

We arrived in Packwaukee at 9:55am and ate breakfast at the "Chew & Chat" diner and got to chat with some locals. People were interested in where we were from and where we were headed and most were very friendly and wished us safe travel.

After a while it became necessary to ride Hwy 82 for about 7 miles.

Here we approach the intersection of Hwy 82 and Hwy 13. The next major landmark is crossing the Wisconsin River. We reached that point at 1:35pm.



Then back on county roads to head into Mauston.

We think this may be part of the Lemonweir River near where it enters the Wisconsin River.

We crossed I94 just before entering Mauston right around 3pm. Took an ice cream break at the gas station and then headed on towards Elroy, our destination for today.

Saw this round barn on County Road G - the country side is so peaceful and scenic in this area.

About 4 miles out of Elroy there was a monster of a hill near Overgaard Road. I was about spent so told Larry I don't think I will be able to ride to the top and he said, "I am not going to let this hill beat me!"

I made it part way up and walked my bike - that was no mean feat in the heat and with the bags on the bike. There was a curve in the hill so where you thought it crested, it didn't - there was more to go. I saw Larry just pedalling near the top when I rounded the curve (that is me pushing my bike down on the curve that was only part way up the hill).

Gentleman that he is, he parked his bike at the top and came back to push my bike while I walked to the top.
We took a good rest up there and then prepared for the long descent. See how the road drops steeply in the foreground of this photo and then notice the curve near the center ... I swear we didn't pedal until we got around that curve!

Larry got up to 38 mph going down and I began cautiously but then let loose and got up to 36 mph! That was exhilarating! We coasted down for a long way.

Checked in at the Valley Inn Hotel at 5pm after riding 82.8 miles today. Supper at the Valley Inn restaurant and then hit the sack - I think there was still day light outside.

Day 3 Elroy to La Crosse - 64.4 miles

The morning was thick with fog when we arose. We had a granola bar, packed up and headed out at 6:45am.

Today is all trail riding. We picked up the Elroy Sparta Trail in Elroy.

Not many people on the trail. The foggy vistas were quite beautiful.

The sun burned off the fog and showed other beauty on the trail.

We were early enough to catch the chiming of cow bells as the cows strolled out from their morning milking.

We didn't notice this view on our last ride down the trail.

We came out of the third tunnel, the last one going west at 10:07am. More people are on the trail now and we met a couple of groups of cyclists here.

We took off to finish the last 10 miles of this section, which is mostly downhill.

Rode over I90 and got to Sparta at 11:05am ready to have breakfast after riding 36 miles. We ate at Darlene's Diner - I guess you could say Larry got the happy meal.

At 12:03pm we got back on the trail, this time the La Crosse River Trail to complete the last major portion of our trip.

Spied a bald eagle along the trail and a pond full of Canada geese.

At the junction of the Three Rivers Trail into La Crosse city we filled up those water bottles one last time then headed off for the last 5 miles into town.
On the way over the viaduct Deb heard a pop and learned she had broken a spoke. No puncture this time, so she was able to ride at a moderate speed the rest of the distance.

We reached Riverside Park in LaCrosse, on the banks of the Black River, at 3:16pm after travelling 64.4 miles today.

..... SUCCESS! ............SUCCESS!.........SUCCESS!......

Went to Pearl's Ice Cream Shop, on Pearl Street to have a delicious ice cream to celebrate.

Then we biked on to the Affordable Inn on Monitor Street - tonight's accomodation and where we had left our car.

Loaded the bikes into the car and grabbed our suits and drove over to Pettibone Park to go swimming.
It was sunny and 87 degrees so it felt very refreshing. After cleaning up at the hotel we went downtown to Bodega's Bar for a couple of beers and then supper at the Hackbarth Restaurant above the People's Coop Store for supper. A very good meal.

Driving back early Monday morning we saw a rainbow near West Salem.

We accomplished our goal of cycling across Wisconsin - a total of 229.9 miles. Data from Deb's cycle computer - Total cycle time for the trip - 24.55 hours; average speed 12.0 mph