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