I don't know how we can be so lucky, but the weather continues to be fantastic. I've only gotten soaked twice, and only for a few miles each time. Now the weather is sunny, warm, and dry. And we've been experiencing tailwinds! This day was tailwinds all the way, rolling hills, and just plain lovely. Also, it was our first jaunt into Minnesota, and that was kind of strange! Suddenly I'm in familiar territory, visiting places I've visited before. From here on, I will be in places I've biked before, if not on the exact roads, at least in the general area.
We started the day on the Three Rivers Trail, or the Trempeleau Trail. (I'm not sure of the name.) It is crushed, packed limestone, but it was a little soft still after the big rain two days before. Flat as a pancake and pretty as the picture you see here! That's Janet Bee and Georgia, riding up the trail.
At Trempeleau, we all headed for a recommended cafe, but found it wasn't open yet, so most of the group took off. Georgia and I decided to go back to the little coffee shop we'd spotted earlier. We dawdled there until Laurie, the sweep rider, caught up with us. Oops, last ones on the road! A few minutes later the sag driver for the day, Stephanie, stopped and gave us directions, as the cue sheet was confusing. Off we went, armed with the knowledge that we had just added ten miles or so to our day! It turned out to be pleasant miles though.
We stopped in Winona, a very cute little town, but the route in was chilling! We've crossed a lot of bridges on this trip, and in spite of my fear of heights, I haven't been bothered by any, but this was a bad one! Note the chain link railing along the pedestrian/bike path. The rail slants out, toward the water, and the trail is rounded, which gave me the feeling that if I slipped I would slide into that chain link fence, and, frankly, it didn't look all that sturdy! Georgia just got off and walked it. I wanted to, but I figured that just gave me more time to worry, so I gingerly rode across. Yikes, I don't ever want to do that again!
Ann went in to town to see the Eagle Center, but I think everyone else decided to wait until morning. Tony, Cara and the boys are coming to Stillwater tomorrow, so I'll head out early to try to get to town before they do. Mary and Annie are coming in the afternoon and staying for dinner. It will be fun to see the family!
Happy trails,
Dusty
No comments:
Post a Comment