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DAY 2
It never rains on an ABB ride...well almost.

ROUTE: Red Wing to LaCrosse MN DISTANCE:  100 miles WINDS: pretty brisk headwinds all day...UGH.   SE 10-20
WEATHER:  Cool and overcast with periods of sun...showers intermittent in the afternoon hours. TERRAIN: Rolling along the river with one good climb 10 miles from the start. TOTAL CLIMBING: 2560 feet

RIDE OVERVIEW: 

We were in for a long day today so we got up before the chickens to load luggage before we ate breakfast at a nearby Perkins.  Everyone seemed eager to get on the road so loading went pretty quickly even though it was still dark (right) when we opened the luggage truck.  We're still trying to get into our routine as a couple late loaders found the truck all locked up and everyone gone by the time they came out to load...snooze you lose.  Some of these bags are pretty heavy to be carrying them on a bike.  Luckily, I had to return to the motel and found them trying to figure out how to get their bags loaded...Finally, everyone got to breakfast in good order under the street lights and by the time we finished eating, it was a beautiful morning as you can see with the rider riding off into the morning sunrise (below left). 

The morning was very pleasant, except for a pesky headwind at times.  It seemed to be in their face at times and then at their back...that's what happens along the bluffs as the winds swirl around so it's hard to tell which way they are really blowing.  After the second SAG, we were in and out of light showers until arriving at LaCrosse.  Talking about the headwinds, Craig said he got up to 14 miles an hour at one point...and he was thrilled!

The route today was a beautiful one in spite of all the iffy weather and almost everyone indicated they had a great day riding.  The rain and overcast conditions did keep the temperatures in the mid 60s so over heating was not an issue today and the scenery was great whether it was raining or not.  The terrain was pretty tame except for one good climb about 10 miles from the start that allowed the legs to get a good warm up before the rollers started after that.  After the first SAG, we were on pretty gentle terrain and I think most everyone liked the break from the climbs.  I hope they enjoyed it...they only have 1 more day with relatively flat terrain...on day 4, we start some serious climbing.  Yes, there are climbs along the river...some big ones! 

Many of the riders stopped at Lock #4 in Pepin to watch the barges (right) and other aquatic craft negotiate the locks.  It was interesting to see how that worked.  I was curious as to how they kept from sinking the boats when the water rose to the high levels.  For instance...I watched one boat pull in with a ladder over the port side.  There were 4 rungs of the ladder showing above the water when they arrived and the rungs were 1 foot apart.  When they raised the water level, it rose 7 feet, but there were still 4 rungs showing on the ladder.  How'd they do that?  I've got to think about that one.

It turned out to be a long day to say the least.  It was well after 6:00 before the last riders got in...the headwinds did a number on some of them.  The good thing about a tough day like this is it makes us really hungry...bad news for the country buffet were we had dinner.  A great spread, but the locals will have to go to the supermarket if they want to eat tonight.  The wait staff just looked on in amazement when they saw us cart away all the food...and did I mention desert?  I thought senior citizens were supposed to cut down?  Guess not.

Our long day was finally capped with route rap for tomorrow's ride and a road kill report from our mighty hunter Don.  I'm sure we'll get future reports to supplement his initial installment...I can't wait until we get down south and he tries to explain why there's never been a successful road crossing by an Alabama Armadillo.  Stand by for that report.

Tomorrow we have a much shorter day and a much tamer day, but the toll from today will make it a bit more difficult than it normally would be.  Plus, if these winds don't change, we may be in for a tough first leg to our journey...we'll just have to wait and see.  Tonight we rest, for tomorrow we ride again.  Tune in and see how we do.

HEARD ON THE ROAD TODAY:  "Oh, you've got a Brooks saddle."  "Yep, they really mold to your bottom."  "Wow, those really are nice, but you know, I've never seen one shaped like that!" 

DUH! OF THE DAY:  Last night Steve O. was trying to do a good deed at rap.  He found a motel key on the table and announced the find to return it to the owner.  No one claimed it, but we later found it was Boston Bob's key from the night before and he was slyly trying to nonchalantly dispose of it on the table...nice try Bob, you'll have to be more creative than that.  The fact we were staying at a Super 8 and the key was from a Best Western should have been a little clue to Steve not to ask the question, especially when Bob was next to him trying to look disinterested.  Hey, it doesn't take much to entertain the ride leader.

PS:  Most of the riders bios are up and ready to view.  Check them out in the "Meet the Riders" section.

PHOTOS OF THE DAY
 

At the third SAG, I heard Craig chanting,
"Oh wind god...please change your direction!!!!"

  

Did we make a wrong turn somewhere? 

 
 

Now they tell us.  George and Don realize they should have read this sign before the ride.

 

  

For those who spend $200 to shave 5 grams off a pedal set, Buzz only paid $2.78 for this bottle opener attachment...put that on your wish list!

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fountain City must be on a tight budget...their sanitation department trash pick up vehicle is a pickup truck, trailer, and 50 gallon drums.  Nice truck though. 

 

Are the "free" hashbrowns $2.56 or is it $2.56 just for asking?
 

Oh, the aroma of the great outdoors.  Guess this is why this rider didn't use the "facilities" in this field.  Wouldn't want up upset the delicate balance of fertilization.