Tuesday 7-24 Day 30

Start: Winona, MN
End: Viroqua, WI
Scheduled Miles: 69
Actual Miles: 69

Had a nice night in the dorms, breakfast in the cafeteria was good too; eggs, waffles and fruit with yogurt.

Ride out with David the elder, he is a history buff and likes to stop at all the historic signs too. We wind our way south along the might Mississippi on the west bank.

Our first stop is in Dakota, MN put on by the Meyers family. They have been doing this for years, they get pictures of all the riders off of the web, and crop them into wallet size. Then they ask you to sign them, just like soccer stars! Most riders sign their names and numbers. They put out a great spread of vegis, fruit and drinks, How wonderful for us they do this year after year.

We cross the Mississippi at La Crosse. And take photos of the biggest six pack of beer. Soon the route becomes rural, with lots of wooded hills intermixed with the farms. Dan and I stop at a creamery in Chaseburg, and he talks them into giving us a quick impromptu tour. Then we have a huge climb! The last rest stop (Kathy's)is atop an earthen dam. The scene is so pretty and the chairs so comfortable, I may not leave. A bit in the distance is a boat landing and we can see that of the riders has gone swimming, we assume sans clothing, and are glad we are far enough away not to be able to tell.

I am still needing to stretch every 12 - 15 miles or so, but even that has become routine. (Before the spill I could easily pedal 25 to 35 miles with out having to stop)

Roll into cap about 2:00 and shower and clean up. I spend a lot of time cleaning the bike. Tomorrow is Madison and I get to see my Barbara, and everyone will be checking out Martins bike.