LaCrosse to Elroy Wisconsin. 64 miles. 2360 miles from the Pacific. When I left the Liz bike hostel at 6:30AM it was already 80°F. I can’t wait until August when it warms up. I rode the Lacrosse River Trail to Sparta and then jumped on the Sparta Elroy Trail. On the way to Sparta I stopped by West Salem to talk to my old friends (Eric and Joe) at the tool and die shop. I worked with them for many years while I was at Cummins. There shop is right on the trail and they have airconditioning and treats in the office, all good reason to take a break from the heat. They were surprised to see me and we chatted awhile about life. They pointed me in the right direction for a good breakfast. I left the shop thinking that “work” was a life time ago. I ride past a large fracking sand operation (photo) and remember all the oil wells in North Dakota. The highlight of my day was going through the tunnels that are naturally air conditioned (photo). In the afternoon I stopped in the town of Wilton and jumped in the city pool for an hour. Then back on the bike. It felt like the hottest day of the trip, and I went through gallons and gallons of water and ice to keep the motor cool and hydrated. When I got to Elroy at 6PM the pool was just closing, and I think to myself about jumping the fence later in the evening. After I set up Camp Happy and get some food, I am cooled by the refreshing water of the pool 🙂 It was a great day to be on the bike. Pictures of Liz and I, and some shots from the Sparta Elroy trail. I’m getting so close to home I can feel it like a magnet.
take care, Freebird
