102 miles ridden – 2000 feet climbed – temperature 32C

What a beautiful day. Although no rain was forecast, because of the rain yesterday afternoon and overnight there was a lot of mist around which didn’t really burn off until lunchtime.

It was around 20c/68F when we left at 07:00 and although we started in around 80% humidity as the sun worked its way through the clouds the humidity went down. Of course the temperature went up but not as high as we have had it over the last 3 weeks.

We spent most of our day on route 35 again which in the sunshine was, as I speculated yesterday, a lot nicer than in the rain. Aside from one long climb at 90 miles (!) it was gently undulating, the road surface was decent, it wasn’t too hot BUT, you never get it all, we had a headwind most of the way. The Mississippi River was never far away and looked fabulous.

We went through a couple of pretty little towns, Alma was one of them.

The dams and locks never cease to amaze me simply because of the scale. This is lock 3.

Our travels through renowned world cities continued today as we visited Stockholm best known in these here parts – certainly by Lon who lives about 70 miles away – for its pie shop.

Cherry pie with vanilla ice cream went down very well after 80 miles.

Travelling up the river through Wisconsin, one moment it looks like you’re in the Alps, then you see thick vegetation and hear birds and it seems you’re in the Caribbean, and then you find a vineyard with winery and restaurant that be perfectly in place in Spain. It really is a beautiful part of the world.

 

The final few miles led us up over a ridge and then down to cross the Mississippi into Red Wing. The euphoria of finishing and the prospect of a milkshake at Dairy Queen was enough to calm nerves as we went over a narrow bridge sharing a debris strewn carriageway with thankful patient traffic. Sadly there was no ‘Welcome to Minnesota’ sign – I must write to President Trump about the lack of ‘Welcome’ signage at State lines.

So it was a long, not too hot, mostly flat, beautiful day. Tonight we have a big farewell dinner as tomorrow is our last day and many will disperse quickly after our arrival in Minneapolis.

The day started with a little trepidation as last night I found a crack in my bike frame – lucky I turned it upside down or I wouldn’t have seen it. Detailed consultation with our mechanic Mike and much discussion with Paul (whose rear derailleur hanger failed yesterday causing it to jam into and lock his back wheel), Lon and Ernie led to a decision that I would ride gently with it and watch its progress carefully. Thankfully no issues with it today and only 60 miles tomorrow but this bike will not be coming to France.

Titanium should not do this!!!