72 miles ridden – 4300 feet climbed – temperature 30C

Today was all about climbing and flies. It was a bit cooler today when we left but that was more than compensated for by constant small hills or rollers. We try and get enough speed going down to get us almost to the top of the next one but it never quite works that way!

The critical speed for avoiding flies is about 8 mph which is easy on flats and downhills but on the short steep and the longer gentle climbs once you drop below that speed you suddenly find yourself in a cloud of flies. They get inside your sunglasses, in your ears, up your nose, and just walk around your face and until you can get your speed up there’s nothing you can do. But – there are some stunning views:

After 10 miles we crossed into Wisconsin, our penultimate state. Sadly no sign at the State line but Wisconsin is known as America’s Dairyland so there were significantly more cows – maybe that’s why there are so many flies….

We did however pass through Paris:

aside from a couple of houses, this was pretty much it.

Our first SAG was in the interestingly named town of Dickeyville. Like many towns, there was not much to it but at one of the churches there was a grotto which someone certainly put a lot of work in to. It’s covered in seashells which given we are at least 1500 miles from any ocean is no mean feat:

We continued riding through fields interspersed with a couple of small towns – second SAG was in Beestown – and of course many classic American Mid-West farms. This one was quite isolated but they still prioritise cutting a lot of grass. I have given much thought over the last few days to very large gardens – we have passed a lot on this trip – and the owners need to mow at least two or three acres of grass. I do not ever want such a large garden.

As we came off the hilltops we crossed the Wisconsin River. There was a massive flock of birds swooping across the water hopefully eating some of the local flies and bugs – I hope so!

Today was a hard day for me – I’m not really sure why. My legs hurt, my backside hurt, my eyes were constantly stinging from sweat, and there was ALWAYS another hill.

About ten of us headed straight for Dairy Queen and as usual once we were in our post ride/eat/milkshake euphoric calm we compared our feelings on the day. Some found it much easier than yesterday, some found it harder like me. Maybe there’s no rationale or logic to explain good and bad days BUT we all hate the flies!

Tomorrow is a relatively short day but we are expecting thunderstorms overnight and possibly through the day so one way or another it will most likely be wet. Can’t wait!