Made it to Wisconsin!
While today's ride was not a long distance, there was a lot of climbing. My quads are feeling it. The skies were clear all day with temperature in the low to mid 80's and just a little head wind from the north; perfect bicycling weather.
The first 15 miles to Hanover were flat and along state highway 84 which I was warned yesterday can have lots of traffic and no shoulder. It turned out to have light to moderate traffic so not having a shoulder was never an issue.
It was 16 miles from Hanover to Galena. This section started with a long, sometimes steep, climb to the top of a high ridge which I followed for about 8 miles to Chestnut Mountain Resort. The views from the ridge were spectacular as can be seen in the photo below.
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| Riding the high ridge - always fun. |
There was a really nice descent from Chestnut Mountain and I hit 47 mph; not a personal best, but really fun!
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| Chestnut Mountain |
The rest of the way to Galena had lots of moderate climbs and descents. I passed a place where someone collects old signs and misc other "stuff". Old signs are always interesting; nostalgic.
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| Antique signs |
Upon entering Galena, I turned onto Main St. and started looking for Eric. I never did find him. I called his cell phone but he hasn't been turning it on. With all the things to look at while riding along this street it's no wonder I missed him.
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| Downtown Galena |
I climbed through Galena on Franklin which is not a terribly steep street, but is a moderately long climb. At US20 I started looking for a place to get some refreshment before heading towards Dickeyville, WI. Since I was now on the outskirts of town and didn't know if there was anything down the road, I chose a chain drug store where I also had a very pleasant conversation with a local gentleman. Very fun and interesting talking to local people in the communities I pass through. Shortly after heading out again I stopped and took a photo of the Ryan Mansion. Interesting looking place that gives tours periodically during the day. I didn't stop long enough to take the tour.
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| Ryan Mansion |
I soon entered Wisconsin. The rural roads don't have state welcome signs but as I crossed a road named Line Lane and the residential 911 signs changed from green to red, I figured I had entered Wisconsin.
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| Wisconsin/Illinois State Line - Line Lane |
Another fantastic bicycling day!!
Tomorrow's ride to Prairie Du Chien is not quite as hilly as today thanks to some route changes Eric came up with.
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