Day 2 – Part 2 in New Richmond, Wisconsin

There is a saying that goes, “Some days it just doesn’t pay to get out of bed.” This was one of those days!

The forecast this morning was for “scattered thunderstorms.” I live in Florida, I know what thunderstorms are. The detail that was left out of the forecast was that the storms were all going to be “scattered” right over me.

After leaving the warm, dry comfortable hotel, I rode out into a light mist/rain. Heading north I rode about five miles when the rain turned into a torrential downpour. Then the lightning started and didn’t let up for the rest of the day. I would ride a mile or two, then the lighting would get dangerously close and I would take shelter. The first shelter was in North Hudson township. They had a ball field with covered picnic tables. I managed to stay somewhat dry and spent an hour and a half…waiting. I had been riding on McCutcheon Rd for about four miles. It is unpaved and has lots of loose gravel.

McCutcheon Rd. Loose gravel and mud.

The hills were difficult to climb, my rear wheel would start to spin in the mud and I had to dismount and walk the rest of the hill. Rinse and repeat.

At the shelter (see first photo) I decided to avoid continuing on McCutcheon, it was just too difficult. I headed north when there was a lag in the storm. When the lightning would get too close I would pull into a farmyard and ask if I could sit on the porch. In one case, I was sitting outside a home trying to decide if I should ask. Zap! Bang! Rumble!. A strike hit about 100 feet from where I was stopped. I rushed down the driveway and onto the porch. A terrified group of kids were staring out the window and the woman inside granted me a visit on the porch…no questions asked. This storm was intense, as were the accompanying rains.

After maybe, three-quarters of an hour, I ventured out again. I traveled about a mile and then repeated stopping on porches. Nobody was home, so I just sat there and waited.

One malady of GPS that I discovered, at least on my Android phone, was that raindrops act as finger-touches on the screen. It was nearly impossible to use the GPS, every raindrop would “click” the screen and take me off to some other destination. I finally gave up and just went into “dead reckoning” mode. After a few more hours of misery, I spotted a double rainbow and knew I was near some good luck.

I started out around 10 AM and it was now getting near five in the afternoon. I had gone, maybe, twenty miles east on my trip to the Atlantic and eventually turned north for about ten miles, I needed to find indoor accommodations, no camping tonight. Eventually, I ended up in North Richmond at an Amerivu Inn. The staff was warm, welcoming and treated me like family. Keep in mind, I’m dripping wet, cold and I’m certain quite a sight. No matter, they gave me a room that I could roll my bicycle to (right through the main lobby) and encouraged me to make myself at home. I was meeting Wisconsin hospitality. If you’re on a bicycle ride in North Richmond, I highly recommend this hotel.

When I arrived in the hotel room, I connected the computer and the first thing I saw on the screen was:

I’m in St. Croix County, and I can vouch for the warning.

In all, I spent about eight hours riding in cold rain, wind, and huge lightning. After a hot shower, I am ready for bed. Good night to all. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be much better, it couldn’t be worse!

Day 1-Part 2, from Hudson, Wisconsin

Can you tell I’m in Minnesota? Does the snow ever actually melt here?

As Willie Nelson sang, “I’m on the road again…” After driving 1600 miles, from Sarasota, Florida, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, it was nice to drop off the rental van and be back on the bicycle.

As planned, I set out yesterday morning, 23 August. The weather was clear and sunny, as was my disposition. The fully packed bike weighed in around 85 pounds (38.5 kg), which is what it weighed on part one of this trip. At home I had weighed all of the ham radio and computer stuff and, to my surprise, it all came in at 16 pounds (7.2 kg). I could jettison some of it, but it is the one luxury I’m going to carry.  It isn’t so much the equipment that is that heavy, it is the batteries and chargers that weigh things down.

The first problem I encountered on the ride was the GPS. The new holder I mounted on the bike for the cell phone was useless. It has a clear plastic cover that reflects so much sunlight the phone face is impossible to see. Hearing the GPS voice commands can be a challenge if large, noisy, trucks are passing. I’ll have to come up with a better mount.

About a mile from the airport I hit a spot where the GPS became very confused. First, it insisted that I go north on a road that I just knew wasn’t correct. Then, it insisted I go south. It pointed to an access ramp to a highway and wanted me to go up the ramp about fifty feet, then ride in a ten-foot circle for, get this, two and one-half hours! After riding in a circle I would arrive at my destination. Yeah, sure. I gave up on it and went with my instincts. After about a mile the GPS recovered and started functioning again. Weird. Russian hackers?

Most of the day’s ride was nice and at least two-thirds were on bike paths and trails. At one point I encountered a sign that said “Trail closed” with no indication of an alternate route. I rode on and did finally see a detour sign. The GPS didn’t know about it, so I figured I might be on my own again.

Eventually, I came to Stillwater, MN. This was another of these towns that had a much different past, as evidenced by the old brick mill building and a port area along the river. Whatever commerce it had engaged in in days gone by was now history. The town was smart enough to survive by doing what other towns have done and gone “artsy.” It now has numerous cafes, museums, various tourist shops, riverboats, and tours. It was a charming transition.

When I arrived in town I tied my bike to a bike rack. I struck up a conversation with a couple with their bikes. I asked about the restaurant across the way and I could tell by their body language that they were not too enthused. The place looked nice and had American and Irish flags hanging about. It looked expensive, with a nice outdoor table area. A hefty wind was blowing, so outdoors dining was questionable anyway.

The couple suggested that I check out LoLo, a dining establishment just up the street. LoLo translates to “Locally Owned, Locally Operated.” It sounded like my kind of place. Upon their advice, I went down there and was pleased. It was a very friendly and bustling place. They had all sorts of unusual things on the menu. I opted for a Cuban Taco and enjoyed it. Thank you, my bicycle friends.

Leaving Stillwater, I headed south along the St. Croix River, on the Minnesota bank. There is a brand new bridge across the river to Wisconsin. It is a massive affair, at least a mile long, but they did consider bicycle/pedestrian traffic and I was able to travel across in complete safety. The bike path continues for quite a distance on the Wisconsin side, and the GPS didn’t appear to be fully updated. When I arrived at the first intersection I was looking to go south on Rt. 35, but couldn’t find it, so I went right on Rt. E. Yes, “E,” there are many roads here that are just designated with a single letter. I should have gone left.

After traveling for a few miles a fellow bicyclist, by the name of Pat, stopped to chat with me. He advised that I backtrack and pick up Rt. V and it would take me to Rt. 35. He suggested that I could continue on E, but it would be about 15 more miles and I didn’t want to chance riding in the dark on strange roads.

I found my way to Hudson, WI and happily got a room at a Comfort Suite, where I am currently writing this. I had hoped to set up my amateur radio station tonight and see whom I could contact, but this 71-year-old body decided sleep would be more welcome. Maybe tonight? (I’m writing this on day two of the ride.)

This morning it is overcast, raining and not very inviting. The temperature is 71 degrees F, and it says it feels like 64. I’m hoping the rain will die down and I will get underway by around 11 AM. It is supposed to clear late in the day and tomorrow is supposed to be nice. We’ll see.

For all my single lady friends, you’d be surprised at what you can buy in Wisconsin. It is a little hard to read, but the sign reads: “Man Sale.” I’ve seen lots of topless bars along the way, but this was new. Must be low budget judging by the sign quality. Then my nose told me this might be a manure sale. Oh well.

 

 

 

Looking forward to being back in the saddle again!

The Surly
The Surly

A vehicle is has been rented and the bike tires are replaced—this trip is going to happen. Jane returns home from being up north on Sunday and we need some time together, so I’ve delayed leaving by another day. I should be riding on Thursday, 23 August, 2018.

I’ve checked out the tent, the cold weather gear, new riding shoes, the new rear panniers and the ham radio station and everything is as ready as it can be. I’ll start out a bit slowly because I am about five pounds (two kg+) over what I like to be.

The good news is the terrain, at least until I reach Vermont, should be reasonably flat. Vermont, NH, and MA are at the right side of the map:

Topo map
MN-MA Topographical Map

https://goo.gl/maps/CaAqKuDQsLP2

To see the entire route map, click here.

The bike weighs about the same as before, around 85 pounds (39 kg), fully loaded. By the time I hit Vermont, I should be back in shape for those climbs. My daughter, Áine, warned me that the biggest climbs of the entire trip, from Oregon to Massachusetts are in Vermont. Who knew? One would think the Rockies would be the issue. She accomplished this ride just after graduating from high school. She makes me feel like a wimp.

As usual, I will operate the ham radio station in the evenings, when camped. I also get on the air when staying at hotels by going out to nearby parks and setting up at picnic tables or the like. Sometimes hotels have a convenient place to do so. If I have WiFi, I will send out a Tweet from @K1YPP to let the ham radio world know where to find me.

I recall one time in Vermont, I was out in the back of the hostel on a deck. I had the radio on, talking with a fellow in Pennsylvania. I was wearing headphones and it was very dark. It was then I realized that I was sitting right next to the gas grill that had been used to cook salmon and steaks just a few hours earlier. I was deep in bear country. Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea.

Follow along and let’s see where this next adventure leads.

Dennis “K1” Blanchard

17 August 2018

Delayed again, until 22 August or so.

See you out there.

Due to family emergencies, I’m postponing slightly. I should be leaving Sarasota, FL around the 20th of August and should be back on the ride around the 22nd in Minnesota. I guess I had better bring along some warm clothing for riding in Canada in early September.

I’d like to arrive at Newburyport, Massachusetts around the 20th of September, which means about sixty miles (95 km) a day. This means about seven hours of riding each day, with some time off here and there. We’ll see.

This also means that I may stay in hotels more than I usually do, since setting up and tearing down a campsite can take considerable time. When I can, I will seek out a Warmshowers.org host, but that too can take time.

By the way, today, is the 50th anniversary of my brother Tom being killed in action in Vietnam. Fifty years! Hard to believe he has been gone that long. If only he could be along for this ride.

 

On the road again?

It looks like, if things go well, I could be on the road again around the 8th of August, 2018. The bike is almost ready, I just need to change the tires, the replacements have arrived. The following photo is a page from AAA magazine, they came and rescued me when I crashed in Minnesota.

The Florida weather has been terribly hot this summer so most of my riding has been around midnight. In the summer there is practically zero traffic at that hour and I don’t have to suffer the sun’s intense rays. In a twenty-mile ride I may see only two cars and one a police car.

My ham radio friends will be interested to know that I will have my radio station with me. I’ve been exercising it lately and everything seems to be in good working order. Radio conditions are not great, but I have to take what nature throws at me.

Anyway, just wanted to bring things up to date. I will be starting around Stacy, MN, then over to WI, then the ferry across Lake Michigan, MI, up into Canada, dropping down to Buffalo, NY, then across NY, into VT, NH and at long last MA and onto Newburyport, MA. Stay tuned.

Dennis, K1YPP

The light at the end of the tunnel is not a freight train.

Hi All: Just a quick update. I’m still alive and celebrated my 71st birthday on Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day. The really good news is, unless something prevents me from doing so, I am planning on getting back on the road this summer.

The current plan is to load up the bicycle in a rental car  around 6 August, 2018, get up to around Stacy,  Minnesota and start riding. With luck, and good weather my route should take me through the last few miles of MN, then into Wisconsin. From there I’ll hop the ferry from Manitowoc Port, to Ludington, Michigan. I’ll wander across Michigan to the Detroit/Windsor crossing into Canada and then ride east to the Rainbow Bridge crossing from Canada into NY. I’ll certainly visit my cousin in the Buffalo, NY area and then move on to cross NY into Vermont, New Hampshire and finally Massachusetts.

I’m told by my daughter, Áine, that I face the toughest hill climb of the entire journey going into NH. One would think the Cascades or Rocky Mountains would garner that honor. Who knew?

That is the quick update. Hopefully, more to follow soon.

Postponed again.

Life has a way of getting in the way. Originally, it was my plan to return to the ride later this summer (2017). In the interim, there have been a few life changes that will, once again, postpone things.

Jane and I have decided to sell our home and move to something requiring less maintenance. All this traveling and keeping up a home does not go well together. At our age, the traveling takes precedence over mowing lawns and fixing plumbing.

In addition, we have a rental property that we’re selling, for the same reasons. We’re closing on a home to move into, a manufactured home at a local mobile home park. It needs work, but, once done, we can get on with our lives. Of course, a home of that nature isn’t as solid as what we have now and we could end up like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz in a tornado, or hurricane. It is a chance we’ll have to take.

The closings for the properties we are selling will happen in August and September. That, and moving, precludes any bike adventures for the time being. Currently, I go out for midnight rides and will continue until the weather cools. It is just too hot here in Sarasota in the summer to ride during the day. Additionally, there is absolutely no traffic late at night. With a powerful headlamp, tree frogs singing and no traffic, what’s not to like?

This puts finishing the bicycle ride out to next summer. I’m hoping that July will be the right time. I could go earlier, but May or June can be chilly and rainy up north, so why push it? Any suggestions on places that I should stop and see along the way? The tentative route is flexible:

Map.

The Surly, Long Haul Trucker

2016-surly-long-haul-trucker
The Surly Long Haul Trucker with full-sized Nashbar panniers on the back. Since this photo was taken, I have added a Surly front rack as well.

This is just a quick update. I now have a new mount for my attack on finishing my ride from coast-to-coast, a Surly, Long Haul Trucker (LHT). I purchased it used from a hiking friend and it is a perfect fit.

The LHT is the perfect touring machine, especially in my case. All of my previous bicycles have never had sufficient foot room. When pedaling, my heels would always hit against the panniers shown in the photo above. On my ride coast-to-coast last summer I had to use front panniers on the back of the bicycle. They are smaller and allowed room for my size 15 (EU 50) feet. The LHT has plenty of room and now I will be able to pack even more gear next summer.

20160715_101819
The previous Cannondale bicycle while passing through Oregon. Note the small panniers on the back, matching the front bags.

As yet, there are no firm plans for a date, but I will complete the ride next summer. I will start back in Stacy, Minnesota, where I crashed and continue on through Wisconsin, take a ferry across Lake Michigan, Michigan, Canada, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and then finish in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Yes, I will once again be carrying my amateur radio equipment and will be on the air along the way. The equipment was undamaged in the crash, I wasn’t so lucky.

I look forward to all of you following along and hope to talk to many of my ham radio friends along the way. Hopefully, the northern winter will be short and sweet…

Dennis “K1YPP” Blanchard

Day 70: Recovering nicely

rotated-90-gimp-crop
The rail trail where I crashed. Note the seams in the trail, which are very much like the ones on all the roads in the northwest. Those seams cause a constant pounding when riding over them on a bicycle.

Going through photos of my trip this morning, I realized that I had stopped shortly before the crash to photograph the trail surface. The constant pounding of the bicycle wheels on those seams had been on my mind since Oregon. I kept thinking they would eventually fatigue a spoke or two and I would have to repair a wheel. I had forgotten about my front pannier rack and that I wanted to safety wire it because I was concerned that if the mounting bracket broke, it would stop my front wheel. Guess what I forgot to safety wire. I really hate being correct sometimes.

It has been just over two weeks since my crash. I’m healing well and the pain is finally subsiding. The worst pain was in the wrists. I must have really been hanging onto the handlebars.

The search for a replacement bike goes on. I’ve narrowed my choices down to a Cannondale, CoMotion, or Surly.

cannondal-touring1
Cannondale Touring1 machine, very much like the machine I crashed on. Now comes with the rear rack.

I’ve been very happy with my Cannondales over the years, both for road touring and mountain bike racing. All of their bikes that I have owned were made in the USA. Now, they seem to be making most of their bikes in Taiwan, so I’m not as enamored with them any longer. Still, the touring bike they offer does meet my needs.

comotion-americano
The Co-Motion machine. Very nice, but near $4000. The one in this photo has the “Co-Pilot” option. The “Co-Pilot” is the shiny object on the frame that allows the bike frame to be disassembled for shipping in a small box. That option is $700. That may sound like a lot of money, but if one ships the bike often it can mean a considerable savings in shipping costs.

The CoMotion machines are made in Oregon. They’re really well made and have a great reputation, but I just may not be able to afford one, they are twice the cost of the others. When the Cannondales were made here, they did cost more than the Asian versions, but not twice as much. I suppose they would be now, as are the CoMotion machines. Still, I can dream, can’t I?

surly
Shown here is the Surly Long Haul Trucker, disc brake version. The trucker name places this bike in a serious touring category. It is not a racing bike, it is meant for hauling lots of gear over long distances.

Then there is the Surly. They have a long standing reputation for being one of the best touring machines. I don’t know where they were originally manufactured, but they too are now from Asia. I’m leaning towards the Surly. A friend has one for sale that might fit me, if it does, I would seriously consider it. We’ll see. The friend’s bike has already completed one coast-to-coast ride.

healing-face
It doesn’t hurt to smile…

As for me, I’m feeling well. I’m still stiff and walk like an old man, but then I am, so nobody notices. Since I don’t have a bike here in Florida at the moment I have been riding Jane’s. It is small for me but at least I get to exercise the muscles. I had lost ten pounds on the coast-to-coast ride and lost another two pounds upon my return, but now I have put a few pounds back on. Time to get back on a bike and keep the weight in check.

Jane and I have plans for next summer, but, if I can find a month there somewhere I may just go back and finish Wisconsin to Massachusetts. My daughter, Áine, pointed out that I seem to do most of my epic journeys in two parts (The Appalachian Trail, The Vermont Trail) so why should this be any different? Good point.

We’ll see.

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