Day 33--La Crosse WI to Wisconsin Dells WI--July 23rd
Miles Ridden 92.3
Avg Speed 13.6 MPH
Climbing 1200 Ft.
Total Miles Ridden 2442
Miles To Go 1187
The weather forecast for morning in the La Crosse area was frightening. 3-4 inches of rain or more, possible flooding and lightning. We prepared as best we could but, luckily for us, the terrible storms that hit Southern Wisconsin and flooded large areas across to Milwaukee missed us by literally a few miles. It was damp, hot and humid but it never rained on us.
Today's ride included a long stretch on the first bike trail in the country created from an abandoned rail line. The Elroy-Sparta trail is thirty six miles long and includes three long tunnels which are unlit and require flashlights. The trail was crushed rock and sand and in the wet conditions was sloppy and a little slippery. The riders with expensive ($8,000+) bikes complained about getting them dirty.
The first tunnel was nearly a mile long. As we approached the tunnel we could feel the cold air rushing out. The tunnel was absolutely dark and twenty degrees colder than outside as we entered walking our bikes with only our flashlights providing any light. Water dripped everywhere and the floor was rough stone and very wet. We walked slowly and nervously without seeing light at the other end until it was nearly over. After finishing the first one we had no desire to go through the other two.
We finished up the tunnels and the trail and got back on the road to Wisconsin Dells. After managing to get lost we arrived in the miniature golf and water park capital of the mid-west.
Avg Speed 13.6 MPH
Climbing 1200 Ft.
Total Miles Ridden 2442
Miles To Go 1187
The weather forecast for morning in the La Crosse area was frightening. 3-4 inches of rain or more, possible flooding and lightning. We prepared as best we could but, luckily for us, the terrible storms that hit Southern Wisconsin and flooded large areas across to Milwaukee missed us by literally a few miles. It was damp, hot and humid but it never rained on us.
Today's ride included a long stretch on the first bike trail in the country created from an abandoned rail line. The Elroy-Sparta trail is thirty six miles long and includes three long tunnels which are unlit and require flashlights. The trail was crushed rock and sand and in the wet conditions was sloppy and a little slippery. The riders with expensive ($8,000+) bikes complained about getting them dirty.
The first tunnel was nearly a mile long. As we approached the tunnel we could feel the cold air rushing out. The tunnel was absolutely dark and twenty degrees colder than outside as we entered walking our bikes with only our flashlights providing any light. Water dripped everywhere and the floor was rough stone and very wet. We walked slowly and nervously without seeing light at the other end until it was nearly over. After finishing the first one we had no desire to go through the other two.
We finished up the tunnels and the trail and got back on the road to Wisconsin Dells. After managing to get lost we arrived in the miniature golf and water park capital of the mid-west.
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| Nice place but I'm not sure who named them the capital |
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| The Elroy-Sparta Trail near Wilton |
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| A guilt-free 10:30 AM snack of great pie |
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| Getting ready to enter the tunnel. Note the flashlight taped to my helmet. I got to lead the group. |
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| Me walking into the light |
Couldn't you rephrase that caption on the last picture???? Kind of gives me the creeps and heart palpitations. And not in a good way!
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