We had some decent scenery as we left Pierre (left photo) and as we approached Chamberlain (right photo); both provided by the Missouri River. And there was a little – very little – variety as we saw more farming, including corn. But mostly it is an empty land. This is a sparsely settled country. --- As the miles rolled on, again a single road most of the day, with little to catch your attention, your eyes focus on the road ahead of you. I’m pretty sure I was close to being hypnotized. I can even imaging falling asleep at the wheel. --- But what kept you awake, and in misery most of the day, was the rough road surface. Not a continuous high frequency roughness like Texas’ 
chip seal roads, but breaks in the pavement, frost heaves I assume, that shake your bike and rattle your bones continuously. They’re one to three bike lengths apart; some minor but many the size of your arm and they will jolt you unmercifully. I began to worry about my wheels. How can they stand up to this continuous pounding? At one point near the end of the ride, on a steep descent, the jolting was so bad it scared me. I started jumping the bike over the bumps, but this can’t be good for the wheels, so I applied the brakes and wasted the down-hill momentum.
Dinner conversation: A week or so ago, in Wyoming, everyone was talking about looking forward to South Dakota. After a few days in South Dakota, everyone is looking forward to Minnesota. Last night someone said: “We’ll see things there – like trees and houses and churches.”
Today marked the half-way point of the ride. We “celebrated” it at the first rest stop (which was probably 15 miles shy of the actual mid-point). Thoughts on the first half:
- I can’t believe it’s half over. ‘Seems like it started just yesterday.
- It’s been much easier than I imagined. Basically no aches, no pain (except for saddle sores); I recover quickly each evening.
- And, the second half should be easier, weather permitting. (NO RAIN SO FAR!) See table below.
| 1st Half | 2nd Half | |
| Miles / day | 80 | 79 |
| Feet climbed / day | 3,157 | 2,213 |
| Centuries | 5 | 2 |
| Rest days | 2 | 3 |
| Day | Miles today | Feet climbed | Hrs in saddle | Miles so far | Miles to go | Days to go |
| 25 | 84 | 1,802 | 6.5 | 1,907 | 1,782 | 25 |
9 comments:
I'd watch for what you wish for. I went to Wisconsin once - saw nothing but cows and more cows. All dairy cows thats why so much cheese comes from there. It was mid winter I was in car with windows rolled up and it still stunk. Like Austin said about one of the countries he passed through on his way overseas - this place smells like a$$. No offense to the cheeseheads out there.
Before Wisconsin you have to do Minnesota. I found Minn. to be very flat.
No offense taken David, but if all you saw in Wisconsin were the cows, your perspective was too narrow.
John, Wisconsin isn't flat, but after the west, the hills shouldn't be too much of a challenge. But the hill first thing in the morning out of Fond du Lac should warm the legs. The shoulders on many of Wisconsin's roads are gravel and that can be disconcerting if the traffic is heavy. When you get to Manitowoc you'll be 30 miles from my home town of Sheboygan where the best hamburgers in the world are served at Schulz's Lunch. Ride the extra 60 miles, or rent a car or paddle a canoe down Lake Michigan. No matter how you get there, you'll love those hamburgers. And if you're not full after two or three, have a bratwurst too.
Jake is right (for once). Minnesota is next.
Ok I saw more than cows. I saw hay, barns, silohs and milk trucks.
I've ridden across Wisconsin and mostly agree with David. Our group developed something of an obsession with eating at Culvers.
Amazing that all these dogs and cats (Fraser and Jake, respectively) have time for this blogging. Shouldn't they busy guarding the house?
Congratulations on reaching the halfway mark. No need to hurry home, too hot. Let's meet in Colorado!!!
Hey, the print on that sign your holding is too small to read.
We did ride across southern WI back in '01... nice rolling hills and farm land. Every Friday night is a fish fry.
Here's a cool URL I think you'll like:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/07/14/tour.france.chalkbot/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
guarding cats don't guard we look for bugs
Post a Comment