Lansing, IA to Prairie du Chen, WI 35 miles
Whew. I’m tired. Today’s ride was delayed by thunderstorms until after noon. I was staying in a campground about 2 miles west of Lansing. When I woke up just before 6 to get ready to leave, a quick check of weather radar indicated a big storm coming in about an hour. I was able to pack up the tent and got everything into the BOB and got into town just before the storm hit. I parked Jake & BOB under an awning at the local hardware store and hit the quik stop, restaurants, coffee shops, variety stores, hardware stores, and just about every place I could take shelter. I had my fill of coffee today, let me tell you. 😉 Rain, lightning, & thunder lasted until 11:30. I finally got on the road shortly after noon.
And it was a slogging day. The road from Lansing to Harper’s Ferry, IA leaves the river and climbs over a number of the bluffs. Three good size climbs to be exact. I did get a chance to stop at (and get a welcome break) at the Effigy Mounds National Monument. I DID NOT do the 7 mile hikes — the visitor center sufficed.
I finally made Marquette, IA at 4:30 and stopped in a cafe and had the meatloaf special. I then crossed the mighty Mississippi into Prairie du Chen, WI, in whose library I update this tome.
Will stay here for the evening and hopefully get a good an early start tomorrow. My knee is still tender and my rear is still swollen & blue, but being on the bike actually feels much better than walking or lying down. Must be all those muscles I’ve been building up the last few weeks giving some back.