Life On A B-I7

Route

• La Crosse to Marquette

Metrics

• Miles: 67 + 4 OR
• Average Speed: 9.0 mph
• Ride Time: 7 hours 22 minutes

Notes

• My longest day in the saddle, no question.
• Today’s route was punishing. The route included 10 miles of almost impassible, no shoulder riding. It takes a lot to unnerve me, today succeeded in doing that several times.

Thought #18

• Never quit. (I guess that has special significance in light of today’s experience.)

I think I’m in Iowa. It’s hard to tell. I’m in the corner where Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa all sort of converge on each other.

Today I almost got my first FedEx ride share. I pulled off the road to read an historical marker. It told of the Indian war in this area and stated matter-of-factly the brutality committed against Native Americans. That is another story. As I was reading the marker, a voice yelled “semi-truck coming in.” I pulled my bike off the pavement and onto the grass next to the marker, sure enough a FedEx semi-truck was pulling into the parking area. I watched as two fellows helped the driver of the truck unload a large box about the size of a refrigerator. I asked the fellows where they were taking it and they said., “we live nearby but this is as close as FedEx can get their truck. That made sense. After they were done unloading, I asked the FedEx driver if he had room in the back for me and my bike? He said, “sure, where are you headed?” I told him Marquette, he said, “that’s too bad. I’m headed to La Crosse.”

Shortly after my hitchhiking attempt, the route turned and headed into Lansing Iowa. When I turned off, there was a sign that said No Through Traffic. I was about 4 miles from Lansing. I did see a small sign that said Car Ferry. I decided to see what was going on, even if it meant an 8 mile out-and-back. When I reached the point where the road should have crossed the Mississippi River, there was a brand new bridge under construction. Fortunately, the bridge goes to Lansing, Iowa, not Canada, so when they finish it, it probably will open up.

I found a long line of cars waiting for the ferry so I got in line ready for a long wait. A woman got out of her car and walked over to me, she said, “honey, go on up to the front, they’ll put you on no problem.” So that’s what I did. They had no trouble squeezing me on the next trip across the river. During the crossing, I had a nice chat with the folks in the car next to me. For the record, I don’t bring up what I’m doing, I wait for people to inquire where I came from and where I’m headed. When they do, that’s when we get into the details. When I explain what I’m doing, it always seems to amaze people. I get it, but every time I have this conversation people’s reaction still surprises me.

Today was a tough 66 miles to reach my destination. There were three hills that were 2 miles long and had a 6% grade. I hate to admit it, but that pushes me almost to my limit. What goes up must come down. The last descent was a 7% grade. I was afraid to look at my phone to see how fast I was going because I didn’t want to take my eyes off the road. There’s no trying to ride the shoulder in that situation. You’re going way too fast for that.

This area is referred to as the “Driftless Area.” as much as I tried to figure out what that had to do with the geology of the area, I couldn’t come up with an answer on my own, so here’s what Wikipedia has to say about that:

“The Driftless Area was never covered by ice during the Last Glacial Period, so the area lacks the characteristic glacial deposits known as drift. Its landscape is characterized by steep hills, forested ridges and deeply carved river valleys.”

Amen to the bit about steep hills…”

Not the most challenging ski hill. However, the cycling hills are very challenging.

This detour cost me about two hours. It would have been one hour if there had not been a Tiki Bar at the ferry landing. The dog enjoyed the ferry ride as much as I did.

Itinerary / Maps