Trans America Bike Ride 2019: Day 18. June 17, 2019

Henry's notes for today:

Day 18: We woke to glorious unfettered sunshine, which we had not seen for many days. Paula and Matt had prepared a hearty breakfast for us, highlighting Nueske's Canadian bacon, out of Wittenberg, WI. As we started our ride for the day, we were overjoyed to be dry, and riding in the sunshine with a cool breeze. Jeff Polzin would be leading us to his home in Black River Falls, where we would be staying for 2 nights (including a rest day). We rode along the Wisconsin River for a while, and at one of our picture stops, a patrol car pulled up. We met Adam Berry from the Wood County Sheriff's Department, who had completed a trans-America bike ride by himself 8 years ago. He said he averaged 108 miles per day. It was a pleasure talking to him. We had another turtle encounter on the road - this time it was a large snapping turtle, which Jeff P expertly handled by the tail. Subsequently, we found a Kwik Trip relatively early in the day, which allowed Tim to have his first of 4 ice cream treats for the day. I bought him an ice cream sandwich there. We kept riding and had lunch at the Dexter Lake Drive-In, where Tim enjoyed a mint chocolate chip shake, and a turtle sundae. The others had a root beer float in a frosted mug. Those calories proved to be important, as we encountered an unexpected 2 mile slog through a trail with what seemed like quicksand. Jeff Cohen broke a bolt on his front pannier rack, and Tim carried an extra pannier on his bike the rest of the day. Heroic. We stopped at the local hardware store as we entered Black River Falls, to buy what was needed to extract the broken bolt and repair Jeff's rack. Jeff Polzin's wife Susie had a delicious marinated turkey dinner ready and waiting for us. We had rhubarb custard pie a la mode for dessert, the 4th ice cream of the day, for anyone who is keeping count. We are riding sequentially from one gastronomic experience to another. Tim, Jeff P, and Susie all went out for a evening horse ride to see the fireflies. We are all looking forward to a rest day.

Maps of today's ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3758033873

https://www.relive.cc/view/u3611654986