Water Water Everywhere
We are in the second week of the trip. Overnighting in Muscatine, Iowa tonight with a day off here tomorrow. Water has been the theme for the most part for the past two weeks. If it's not raining, there's water standing in the fields. The Mississippi is well outside its banks in Muscatine with flood warnings tonight after heavy rain today. Riders were pulled from the route today when storms started at mile 25. Some were disappointed, but safety is the priority. This way all continue on to ride another day, and we have extra time to enjoy The Merrill in Muscatine.
We've traveled from Stillwater, Minnesota to Muscatine over the past 5 days. Once we were in Iowa, of course, it really felt like home. We were in Marquette on Saturday and Dyersville last night, only 25 miles from Dubuque.
There have been some very nice riding days along with some of the wet ones; but everyone saddles up in the morning to ride regardless of condition because that's how you get to the next meal 😊. The rain has created 2 instances of re-routing because of flooding, which is a bit of a challenge mid-route. Riders need to have the most current information so they don't ride off into the sunset, or flood waters, somewhere.
There's usually construction to deal with at this time of year too, which was the case riding into Red Wing, Minnesota -- major construction. They are putting in a new bridge over the Mississippi, so just a little thing that wasn't on the cue sheet 🙁🙁. But, these are the things that make the trips interesting.
The first rest day in Stillwater, Minnesota was definitely a hit with the group. Lots of things to do and see, and a very walkable downtown area where we stayed. Muscatine is going to have to work hard to match the popularity of Stillwater.
There was some navigation issues between Stillwater and Wabasha. The bike path out of Stillwater was flooded and under repair. I was SAG that day and lost 3 riders on the way out of town (grrr). They, fortunately, knew right away and found their way back to the route after a very short time. Many of the riders are using Ride with GPS, which provides a GPS version of each day's route. It is a great tool when used in conjunction with the cue sheet. It "should" be almost impossible to get lost anymore, but it still happens.
Later in the day en route to Wabasha, one of the roads was closed. I drove ahead to investigate, because there are no roads closed for bikers (at least in a biker's mind); but this was indeed the case this time as the road ahead was under water. I had a hen of time getting the SAG vehicle turned around on that flooded road!
About the same time, the ride leader was ahead and found the bridge construction into Red Wing. All of a sudden everything was in chaos, because now we also had a rider with mechanical issues AND lost (same rider)!
Not to worry, everyone re-routed. the lost was found and the mechanical issued fixed by the bicycle "wizard" in Red Wing. As usual, it all made for good dinner conversation.
We have been bouncing back and forth between Minnesota and Wisconsin. We overnighted in LaCrosse, Wisconsin Friday night after a wet ride on Friday. We picked up the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) on this day. Part of this trail is the paved shoulder of the road, but Friday included a designated paved path for part of the day into LaCrosse. It was a welcome change of pace, quiet and a great view of the Mississippi.
Saturday was a spectacular day into Marquette weather-wise. The mood of the group and pace of the ride was completely different with near perfect conditions. The route included time on the MRT and Driftless Area Scenic Byway, and took us by Effigy Mounds National Monument before ending in Marquette. The hills of SW Wisconsin and NE Iowa were in full view that day with three good climbs, which also make for good descents. One descent was a 7% grade for over a mile. It was incredibly unfortunate to be on a state highway with poor pavement, or perhaps that is by design?! Riders had to ease themselves down that hill which went right to Effigy Mounds.
Sunday's route was Marquette to Dyersville, Iowa. The tour van went out of commission so all support was the responsibility of the SAG vehicle, my responsibility for the day. The riders stepped up to the challenge and every rider finished the route.
Riders had to climb their way out of Marquette. There was a half mile, 7% climb right out of the motel, not a challenge for this group. After that they came to understand the "Driftless region" as explained by ride scientist Jody, retired from the USDA in Ames.
The first SAG was in Monona, who posts a "welcome" sign on the edge of town "We Urge You to Attend Church." We had a few locals stop by to visit while we were in the parking lot of the Freedom Bank on Main Street (obviously they weren't in church). It was the typical conversation -- where are you going, where did you start, you're doing what? I appreciate every single one.
Monona is taking on a lot of community beautification for such a small community. It was very cool.
The afternoon route, following the major climbs of the day, took riders through Colesburg, where we had more great encounters with local residents. The SAG was set up in front of Colesburg's veteran memorial park. The neighbor next door immediately came over to find out what was going on and wanted to provide a tent for the riders.
The neighbor across the street wandered over, sat with us and personally greeted all the riders as they arrived. We learned that he had been a military nurse and had written a book about his military experiences. Amazing folks we see on the road.
We got an early start this morning for a 100+ mile day to Muscatine, which unfortunately was cut short with the storms that rolled in. I was SAG today. I was detained in Farley for the Memorial Day festivities to be completed as Main Street was blocked by the color guard. Some folks think these things are too small town but I think this is what makes small towns special.
The first SAG was scheduled for Cascade at mile 25. Rain started falling as the first riders arrived with thunder and lightening starting shortly after that. Within a short time, there was heavy rain falling and more thunder and lightening. The ride leader pulled all the riders which meant backtracking the route and picking up all riders that were on the road. Two riders took shelter on the porch of an elderly woman who was very concerned and did everything but feed them a second breakfast before I arrived.
It rained off and on the rest of the day. We were in Muscatine by noon, which is completely different than what was expected. Riders were able to get a jump on chores with the short day which always includes laundry. Bikes are secured in a central location which will make bike maintenance a little challenging.
I'm off to Dubuque tomorrow to close on the condo. I'll have my laundry with me and will do my chores while there. It will be a day trip, back in Muscatine by the end of the day.
The ride continues on Wednesday, with the next stop in Kewanee, Illinois. The next rest day will be on June 3 in Logansport, Indiana. More to blog about then, hopefully things will be drying out.
We've traveled from Stillwater, Minnesota to Muscatine over the past 5 days. Once we were in Iowa, of course, it really felt like home. We were in Marquette on Saturday and Dyersville last night, only 25 miles from Dubuque.
There have been some very nice riding days along with some of the wet ones; but everyone saddles up in the morning to ride regardless of condition because that's how you get to the next meal 😊. The rain has created 2 instances of re-routing because of flooding, which is a bit of a challenge mid-route. Riders need to have the most current information so they don't ride off into the sunset, or flood waters, somewhere.
There's usually construction to deal with at this time of year too, which was the case riding into Red Wing, Minnesota -- major construction. They are putting in a new bridge over the Mississippi, so just a little thing that wasn't on the cue sheet 🙁🙁. But, these are the things that make the trips interesting.
The first rest day in Stillwater, Minnesota was definitely a hit with the group. Lots of things to do and see, and a very walkable downtown area where we stayed. Muscatine is going to have to work hard to match the popularity of Stillwater.
There was some navigation issues between Stillwater and Wabasha. The bike path out of Stillwater was flooded and under repair. I was SAG that day and lost 3 riders on the way out of town (grrr). They, fortunately, knew right away and found their way back to the route after a very short time. Many of the riders are using Ride with GPS, which provides a GPS version of each day's route. It is a great tool when used in conjunction with the cue sheet. It "should" be almost impossible to get lost anymore, but it still happens.
Later in the day en route to Wabasha, one of the roads was closed. I drove ahead to investigate, because there are no roads closed for bikers (at least in a biker's mind); but this was indeed the case this time as the road ahead was under water. I had a hen of time getting the SAG vehicle turned around on that flooded road!
About the same time, the ride leader was ahead and found the bridge construction into Red Wing. All of a sudden everything was in chaos, because now we also had a rider with mechanical issues AND lost (same rider)!
Not to worry, everyone re-routed. the lost was found and the mechanical issued fixed by the bicycle "wizard" in Red Wing. As usual, it all made for good dinner conversation.
We have been bouncing back and forth between Minnesota and Wisconsin. We overnighted in LaCrosse, Wisconsin Friday night after a wet ride on Friday. We picked up the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) on this day. Part of this trail is the paved shoulder of the road, but Friday included a designated paved path for part of the day into LaCrosse. It was a welcome change of pace, quiet and a great view of the Mississippi.
Saturday was a spectacular day into Marquette weather-wise. The mood of the group and pace of the ride was completely different with near perfect conditions. The route included time on the MRT and Driftless Area Scenic Byway, and took us by Effigy Mounds National Monument before ending in Marquette. The hills of SW Wisconsin and NE Iowa were in full view that day with three good climbs, which also make for good descents. One descent was a 7% grade for over a mile. It was incredibly unfortunate to be on a state highway with poor pavement, or perhaps that is by design?! Riders had to ease themselves down that hill which went right to Effigy Mounds.
Sunday's route was Marquette to Dyersville, Iowa. The tour van went out of commission so all support was the responsibility of the SAG vehicle, my responsibility for the day. The riders stepped up to the challenge and every rider finished the route.
Riders had to climb their way out of Marquette. There was a half mile, 7% climb right out of the motel, not a challenge for this group. After that they came to understand the "Driftless region" as explained by ride scientist Jody, retired from the USDA in Ames.
The first SAG was in Monona, who posts a "welcome" sign on the edge of town "We Urge You to Attend Church." We had a few locals stop by to visit while we were in the parking lot of the Freedom Bank on Main Street (obviously they weren't in church). It was the typical conversation -- where are you going, where did you start, you're doing what? I appreciate every single one.
Monona is taking on a lot of community beautification for such a small community. It was very cool.
 |
| All shined up, ready to be admired. |
The neighbor across the street wandered over, sat with us and personally greeted all the riders as they arrived. We learned that he had been a military nurse and had written a book about his military experiences. Amazing folks we see on the road.
We got an early start this morning for a 100+ mile day to Muscatine, which unfortunately was cut short with the storms that rolled in. I was SAG today. I was detained in Farley for the Memorial Day festivities to be completed as Main Street was blocked by the color guard. Some folks think these things are too small town but I think this is what makes small towns special.
The first SAG was scheduled for Cascade at mile 25. Rain started falling as the first riders arrived with thunder and lightening starting shortly after that. Within a short time, there was heavy rain falling and more thunder and lightening. The ride leader pulled all the riders which meant backtracking the route and picking up all riders that were on the road. Two riders took shelter on the porch of an elderly woman who was very concerned and did everything but feed them a second breakfast before I arrived.
 |
| A very "rare" Hula Hoop Tree. Only known to Iowa. |
I'm off to Dubuque tomorrow to close on the condo. I'll have my laundry with me and will do my chores while there. It will be a day trip, back in Muscatine by the end of the day.
The ride continues on Wednesday, with the next stop in Kewanee, Illinois. The next rest day will be on June 3 in Logansport, Indiana. More to blog about then, hopefully things will be drying out.
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