Pepin Wisconsin to LaCrosse Wisconsin. 75 miles. 2297 miles from the Pacific. I packed up Camp Happy just as the sun was rising over the Mississippi bluffs. I had a quick camp breakfast of peanut butter and honey on flat bread and a fresh peach that I purchased at a roadside stand yesterday. It was so juicy I had to lean over when I ate. I rode down to the lakeside to watch sailboats bobbing in the morning mist on Lake Pepin. Pepin happens to be the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a famous author of childrens books – Little house on the Praire. A story of her life is on the historical marker in town. Willie and I never pass up these markers. The road is smooth and had a nice shoulder for bikes, the wind was in my face, but not much of a factor. By 10:30AM my stomach was telling me it wwas time for some food. I stopped in Fountain City for a burger, fries, and lots of water and ice. By noon I had crossed the beautiful Chippewa River (photo). Purple and yellow wild flowers made it seem like I was riding in a greenhouse that lasted for miles. I stopped at a bike shop for a new speedometer/odometer. I told Mark, the bike shop owner about my good fortune of not having a flat tire in over 2000 miles. About 5 miles down the road from the bike shop my rear tire went flat. make note to self not to brag about my tires. I put in a new tube and was soon back on the road. by midafternoon the heat and humidity had taken its toll on my energy and spirit. I pulled into the little town of Trempleau and got on the Great River bike trail. (photo). And just to my left was the public swimming pool (photo). I paid my $3 and jumped in. ahhhh, what a relief. After a refreshing swim I peddled the last 15 miles toward Lacrosse. That’s where I met Jesse (see post from him) laying on the ground all twisted up with his bicycle with skin missing on an elbow and knee. Not the best way to meet someone, but I guess it was meant to be. Turns out he was not any worse for the wear. He brushed himself off and we chatted until he got his bearings. He helped me find my way into LaCrosse via the bike trail. I was grateful that showed me the way into town since the maps were confusing and missing from the trail side. I rode to Liz’s house (a friend of my daughters and my host for tonight – see photo). I took a shower and then we went out for Mexican food at Manny’s. another great day to be on the bike.
take care, freebird.
