Wisconsin: Family, Friends and Fun

6-24 – Another Century: Today we did our third 100 mile ride of the trip. That was not the plan at the start of the day, but after getting to Merrill earlier than expected we pressed on to Antigo.
Our Gratitude to Jay, Dale and Pat Peterson: Through a connection with my brother Jim we were hosted by the Peterson family of Antigo, Wisconsin. Jay taught with my brother Jim in Merrill for many years. Jim’s parents, Pat and Dale, live in Antigo and were gracious enough to put us up for the night. We had a great evening with the Peterson’s, a great Wisconsin meal complete with bratwurst along with lots of family stories and laughs. We are blessed to have been hosted by the Peterson family and want to thank them for their kindness and generosity. We hope to be able to return the favor when any of the Peterson family journey’s west.

6-25 – What a Country: We are really lucky to live in the good old US of A. As one rides through the country it is so obvious how blessed we are as a country. Here are some observations from our ride, primarily across Wisconsin’s highway 64.
Flags: I am struck by the number of American flags that are flown by the populace along our way. There is genuine pride in America and the principles on which it is built. It’s always good to see Old Glory along the way.
Farms: We are impressed with the beauty of the Wisconsin farms. Having grown up in Wisconsin this is something that I probably took for granted. As you ride through the countryside the pride of the American farmer is very apparent in the quality of the farms and the manner in which they are kept.
Freedom: The variety of religious denominations apparent in the country churches that we pass is impressive and evidence of our precious freedom of religion. We passed a couple of Amish carriages today. What a great country where people with such diverse lifestyles and beliefs can co-exist in freedom and prosperity.
Forests: The mix of hardwood and soft wood forests across Wisconsin is a pleasure to ride through.
Family: It has been great to see our family in Green Bay. We went out for a Wisconsin fish fry with JP, Gloria, Jason and Christian and a great time was had by all. We will be staying with JP and Gloria for a couple of nights prior to getting on the ferry and heading to Michigan.
6-26 – 2, 276 Miles Down, 1279 Miles to Go: Reaching Lake Michigan is a big landmark for us. There are a number of ways to measure the physical progress of the trip, mileage being the most important. The trip has gone very fast. As I think about it I realize it will be over before we know it. I don’t mind telling you that I am now having bouts of homesickness. I miss Lisa, Mary and Mackey and wish that I could spend some time each day with them. While we are thoroughly enjoying the trip there is no place like home.
JP: Big brother JP did a long stretch of the Shiocton to Manitowok segment today. We had a great time.
Three Time Zones: Three time zones down and one to go.
Lake Michigan: It was a pleasure to get to Lake Michigan today. The cool breeze felt good after a long ride. We will cross the lake in a couple of days and
Down Time: We will be taking the next two days off from riding. The respite will be good for everyone involved. We hop on the ferry at about midnight on Monday and continue to ride on Tuesday the 29th. Bon voyage.

Picture Description

1 - Katie and Gerry at the ferry terminal in Manitowok, Wisconsin. It felt good to get this far. After we get off the ferry in Ludington, Michigan we will have one time zone and about 1,300 miles to go on the trek across the country.
2 - It was great to have my big brother JP ride along with us today. This picture was taken at the start of the day's ride in Shiocton, Wisconsin. JP is a great big brother who can always be counted on for lots of laughs. We had a great ride. JP did 50 with us today.
3 - A beautiful tunnel created by the hardwood forest of central Wisconsin.
4 - Our new good friends from Antigo, Wisconsin that Peterson family. They were gracious hosts for all of us. We had a great time and hope that we can return the favor when we cross paths with the Peterson's again. Left to Right - Tom, Gerry, Pat, Dale, Jay and Katie.

Picture Description

1 - Dick and Gerry upon arrival in Cornell, Wisconsin. Riding with Dick again was a true blessing. Some things never change. Dick is still in way better shape than I am and can glide up hills that I struggle with. Dick and I used to ride together nearly every morning in Fall Creek. In the spring our rides would often start before sun up.
The moisture on my pants is sweat and not an indication of a bladder control issue.
2 - The Crew at the Niemuth's - Left to right - Claudia, Tom, Crow, Camille, Juray, Gerry, Katie and Lisa.
3 and 4 - Two pictures of the Frostop Root Beer Stand. One for each root beer consumed. If you are ever in Taylor's Falls the Frostop is a must stop, especially on a warm day.

Wisconsin: Family, Friends and Fun

Wisconsin - Family, Friends and Fun:

6-22 – The Heat is on… For most of the ride we have had very moderate temperatures, mostly in the 50’s and 60’s. While 85 degrees cannot be defined as a “scorcher” with the high humidity it felt much warmer today. Our guess is that this will become more the norm as we ride farther east and the calendar rolls around to late June and July.

Nice Shoulders: On a tip from our buddy Gary we re-routed to take state highway 95 from Princeton MN to Taylor’s Falls MN. As suggested highway 95 had a wide paved shoulder that made riding a pleasure. For anyone going through Minnesota from St. Cloud to Taylor’s Falls we highly recommend this route.

The Best Root Beer Ever: I mentioned the heat earlier. When we rolled into Taylor’s Falls we happened on to the Frostop Root Beer stand which brews its own root beer. No doubt the 40+ mile ride in the heat had an impact, but I think they make the best root beer I have ever had. It was so good I had to have two. We also had some appetizers including deep fried green beans which were a first for everyone in our crew.

The Niemuths: We were so fortunate to be put up by our good friends Crow and Claudia Niemuth in Eau Claire. As always Claudia put on the dog and no one went away hungry. Crow and Claudia are great friends and their hospitality and friendship are always a blessing for us. Crow and Claudia along with their children Maria and Camille are a wonderful family to be around as there is always lots of laughter and good cheer.

The Changing of the Guard: Lisa picked up Tom this morning at the MPLS airport. Tom will be taking us through Maine for the remainder of the trip. I took Lisa to the St. Paul train station this evening so that she could get back to Mary, Mackey and West Glacier for the remainder of the summer. It’s always hard to say good bye to your spouse. This will be the longest Lisa and I have not been together since we were married 25 years ago. We both wish that she could make the entire trip, but are grateful for the time that she was able to be with us.

6-23 – Just Like Old Times: Today the ride went from New Richmond to Cornell Wisconsin. My good friend and riding partner from our Fall Creek days, Dick Krueger, rode along. It is always good to ride with Dick as the conversation is always easy and interesting. The 80 miles went by in very short order.

The Kruegers: Thanks to the Krueger’s for putting us up and hosting a get together with a few friends. Dick and Michelle are great people and have been extraordinarily successful in the most important aspect of life, raising a wonderful family. Their children, Jamie, Callie, Shelby and Zach are all wonderful people and highly successful young adults. It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with them.

The Leader-Telegram: We want to thank the Leader Telegram (especially Sara and Andie) for the nice article that appeared in the LT informing folks in the Chippewa Valley about the Tour de Mission. The article was well done and the two pictures were great. Thank You.

FOR KIRSTEN

We love the socks !!! Mucho Appreciado !!!

Moosely (Mostly) Minnesota - Pictures

1 - The Polish Palace is located in Sobeiski, MN. The high school teams are known as the Sobieski Ski's. I'm not sure if that means downhill and cross country or just that everyone is of Polish lineage.
2 - The home of Charles Lindbergh which is part of the 100 acres the Lindbergh family donated to create a beautiful state park.
3 - The sign.
4 - Where else is a church going to advertise a Polka Service? That has got to be a rocking service. Um pa pa.

Moosely (Mostly) Minnesota - Pictures

1 - Taking care of the tan line.
2 - Mississippi crossing.
3 - Gerry and Chief Whathisname overlooking Battle Lake, MN. Battle Lake got its name from the many battles were fought between primarily the Ojibwa and Dakota tribes. The Dakota subsequently moved out on to the plains and adopting the horse/buffalo way of life. The Ojibwa generally prevailed because they obtained fire arms through trade with the French.
4 - Campsite at Sunset Lake outside Battle Lake, MN.

Moosely (Mostly) Minnesota - Pictures

1 through 3 - Egrets on Sunset Lake
4 - Blogging at Sunset Lake
5 - Who Knew? In the middle of Minnesota we came across this sign. How did they know that is where we are going? The truth as you have already guessed, there is a Maine, Minnesota.

Moosely (Mostly) Minnesota - Pictures

1 and 2 - The flags, band and patrons of the International Friendship Festival - Pelican Rapids
3 and 4 - Two views of the world's tallest pelican - Pete.
5 - Katie and Gerry warming up for Oh Canada !

Moosely (Mostly) Minnesota

6-18 – Ride like the wind: Today we awoke to a steady 30 MPH SW wind with gusts over 40 MPH. As we stair stepped south and west out of ND the ride was quite variable. Going south we tended to travel in single digits and low teens as far as MPH. When we traveled west the ride was literally a breeze going in the mid 20’s and pushing 30 MPH on occasion. As we crossed into Minnesota the feel was definitely going from the American west into the mid-west. I’m not sure where that line is officially, perhaps the Missouri River, but the topography does change in quite a hurry as one enters Minnesota.

PS: Our weather cleared up late yesterday afternoon. We were able to do an evening ride covering 35 miles. That gave us a little bit of a jump on today’s activities.

Our Good Fortune, and Others Less Fortuneate: We stayed in Cooperstown the last two evenings largely because of the inclement weather in the area. Over 30 tornados touched down all around Cooperstown playing havoc with the folks in eastern ND and northwest MN. Our hearts and prayers go to those who have been victims of the violent weather.

Buffalo River State Park: Our day ended at Buffalo River State Park just west of Hawley, Minnesota. It is a beautiful little park and we were thankful to be put into the overflow tent section. This was our first night in tents so that was a bit of a change. There is lots more work to setting up and breaking down and for the first time supper wasn’t ready right when we stopped. The crew at BRSP was very helpful. Nick and his crew brought us a picnic table on a fork lift and even transported a big jug of water to our campsite. A state park with showers was a nice touch as well.

Did you know…that if you arrive in a Minnesota state park on a bicycle they have to find a place for you to camp? We didn’t know that. Having a support vehicle caused the ranger to make a phone call regarding our status as the campground was officially full. But if you are ever in Minnesota riding a bike you always have a place to stay.

6-19 – Oh Canada: Today was a really great ride through the north woods of Minnesota. The temperatures remained cool and there was a mild northwest wind which was a blessing for most of the day. This part of Minnesota has more hills than I would have imagined. All the lakes, some rally big, and the dense foliage made for great scenery all day. Early in the ride we were blessed with the aroma of freshly cut hay. I’ve always liked that fragrance. I think because the weather has been so cool we have yet to have any problems with mosquitoes, the Minnesota state bird. Hopefully that will be the case for some time.

The International Friendship Festival…was taking place when we rolled through Pelican Rapids, MN. We were able to listen to a Blue Grass band for a while and the local community orchestra regaled the participants with national anthems form a variety of countries. Katie and I, to either the amazement or amusement of some passers by, sang the entire Canadian national anthem along with the orchestra. I think we’re ready for a Stanley Cup Finals game.

Glendalough State Park: We are staying in DSP just outside of Battle Lake, MN. Again we are in the overflow camping. Lisa does such a great job of just sticking with it until the ranger says, “we’ll, OK.” This is a very different campground. Rather than driving up to your site you have to park in a central parking lot and take all your gear to the site in what amounts to a large wheel barrel. I have never seen that before.

Sunset at Sunset: Being placed in the overflow camping has been a real blessing this evening. We are watching the sunset over Sunset Lake. There are many different birds that are doing their evening feeding. I wish I knew more about these birds, but I don’t. The most striking are the large, white Egrets that are very much like Great Blue Herons which I am more familiar with. They are so graceful in flight, a real joy/wonder to watch. Lisa is getting some pictures with our new camera. We hope to post some pictures in the next few days.

Midnight Loons: Sometime in the middle of the night the loons on Sunset Lake and an adjacent lake began calling to each other. There is probably no more quintessential sound to the Minnesota outdoors than the haunting call of the Loon.

A Divide of Sorts: At the top of a short climb was a sign indicating that everything north of this ridge drained into Hudson’s Bay and everything south into the Mississippi. I guess that is a continental divide of sorts. I thought that was interesting.

Did you know…that Pelican Falls, MN. Has the biggest pelican in the world. Pete the Pelican sits on the bank of the river overlooking the rapids. Pete was created in 1957 out of Iron and Plaster. Pete is 15 feet (I think) tall.

One regret: Today my nephew Ryan was married in Buffalo, NY. One small regret about this ride is that we were not able to be there. Ryan is a great guy and I know he understands. Three cheers for Ryan and Beth on a long and happy life together.

Closing In: Having had two delays so far on the trip we are thankfully only about 30 miles behind where we’d hoped to be tonight. I give the lion’s share of the credit to Gary, Lisa and Katie for pressing us forward.

6-20 – The Spirit of St. Louis: The plane that Charles Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris is probably what he is best known for. Charles Lindbergh was also a successful lawyer, a strong anti-war advocate and the kidnapping of his child is one of America’s unsolved mysteries. Tonight we stay the Minnesota state park that is named after him and the 100 acre park was donated by the Lindbergh family to the state. It is a beautiful location right along the Mississippi River in Little Falls, MN.

Agricultural Change: It is obvious that the focus of agriculture has changed from almost exclusively wheat in Montana and ND to much more corn and other crops here in MN.

The Cozy Cup Café: The CCC is located in Parker’s MN. We had a great lunch there. How many places can you get an all you can eat buffet for $6.95? The owner had a write in and sign a log she is keeping of all the cyclists who venture into her establishment. It was interesting to see how many folks, doing essentially the same ride we are, stopped in the CCC. It was neat to become a part of her record. (My apologies, I can’t remember her name – She was a wonderful lady). If you get a chance we strongly recommend the CCC in Parker’s Prairie, MN.

Happy Father’s Day: I awoke to cards that Mackey and nary had written for me and sent with Lisa. Reading the cards made me weep with joy. I am a very lucky man with three great kids and my wife Lisa who is the glue and the strength of us all. The day ended by when Lisa and Katie took me out for a Father’s Day dinner at the Cabin Fever Saloon and Eatery. I had just what I wanted in central MN., the biggest Walleye fish sandwich known to man. They said it was 12 ounces, I think it was bigger. For my money Walleye is easily the best eating fish anywhere. The folks at Cabin Fever know how to do it right. Happy Father’s day to everyone who has the privilege and taken the responsibility to be a father.

6-21 – In the Early Mornin’ Rain…: This opening line from a Gordon Lightfoot song describes how our day started. Because of the rain we got a bit of a late start but still made 80 miles to Princeton, MN.

Constant Companions: Our constant companions on the trip have been the birds that have shared their songs with us. Robins, red tail hawks and red wing blackbirds seem to be everywhere. The Meadowlark took us across eastern Montana and western ND. There is never a reason to be bored on a bike as there are almost always birds to watch and listen to.

Crossing the Mississippi: Today we crossed the Mississippi on a county road that did not have a sign indicating the river. I found that odd. Nevertheless the scene was beautiful and it felt good to cross another major continental drainage.

Katie’s Friends: Tonight three of Katie’s buddies picked her up to take her for a homemade dinner in North Branch. We are really happy that Katie has such good and wonderful friends. Mary Elmstrand brought us some fresh picked strawberries that were the best I’ve ever had.

Changing of the Guard and Gratitude for our Guardians: Tomorrow morning we pick Tom up at the MPLS airport and tomorrow night we drop Lisa off at the St. Paul train station. This is our last changing of the guard. Without Tom, Lisa and Gary to shepherd us along we would never be able to make this ride. They all have made a big sacrifice to be with us and we are forever indebted for their generosity and help. We will miss Lisa greatly but are grateful to have Tom back on board for the remainder of the trip.

On Wisconsin: Tomorrow, if all holds well, we should be crossing into Wisconsin sometime around noon. We have had a great time in Minnesota but are looking forward to families and friends in Wisconsin.

6-17 – Thunder and Lightning and Hail, Oh My! We are hunkered down in the Westside Motel in Cooperstown, ND. We gave it a try at 6:00 AM and again at 9:00. Each time we have ventured out a new thunderstorm cell has come through. The forecast is for much the same all day so we have resigned ourselves to washing clothes, packing up some things to send back home, resting up and waiting for a better day. There is always an upside. We are watching the first round of the US Open and will watch game 7 of the NBA Finals tonight. We have ridden every day since starting so the rest will serve our bodies and minds well.

After a tip from Gary we will be altering our route a little bit to take about 100 miles of bike trail from Fergus Falls to St. Joseph, Minnesota. We just have to get to Minnesota to do that.

More Blasts From the Past

1 - Last pass in Washington
2 - One more payment and it's all mine.
3 - Mackey's typical pose during breaks
4 - Our kind of establishment - We have friends in low places