Day 4 (Updated) - You can’t plan for everything...

Date: Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Time on Bike: 2:42:47

Total Travel Time: 4:20:21

Miles Covered Today: 30.47

Total Trip Miles: 187.3

Average Speed: 11.1 mph, Maximum Speed: 28.5 mph

From: Stoughton, WI

To: WDOT, Middleton, WI

(Written from Minnetonka, MN)

Even though I had hoped to bike it all the way into Madison, WI yesterday but didn’t make it, we are still staying at a Red Roof Inn in Madison. Will be based out of here for two days.

I have been thinking…. And I have a lot of time to do that on the bike. I have had really super limited contact with people this bike trip. I think it is because I am not readily recognizable as a long distance cyclist, so no one is ever asking where I am going to or coming from. I am not outfitted with the normal gear that a long distance cyclist would have, so people just assume I am out for my daily ride. Maybe when I get to the Northern Tier Bike Route in a few days that will change.

We got a very slow start this morning… slept in a little. Loaded up the bike as most of our junk stayed at the hotel. Then we had to find the Costco, needed dog food for Woz! Drove the half an hour or so to my starting point, which again was yesterday’s finishing point. So actually didn’t get on the road until after 11 AM!

Within 5 miles of starting out I found this sign at the side of the road… not exactly what a cyclist wants on the road was loose gravel. But it was pretty easy traveling as the cars had already made a clear space for me to ride where car tires hit the road.

I had my first mechanical issue today. Dropped my chain. Easily fixed. So far no flats. Hope I didn’t just jinx that!!!

Another windy day. But just spectacular scenery. Enjoying all the farmland.

Went by some small agricultural operation. They were growing all sorts of vegetables and ornamental plants. Bunny’s favorite flower is the Star Gazer Lily . Couldn’t get her any, but did snap a pic.

I hooked up with the City State Trail - Baxter Park Spur trail that would take me into Madison. You might be able to see the sign to the right of the trail that says “Entering Fee Area”. Huh??

A few miles later I went by the Capital Springs State Recreational Area and bought my $5 day usage pass. Filled my water bottle, used the facility, walked out to the porch to look at the view.

I soon rolled into Madison. Cool city. And verrrrry bike friendly! Madison was ranked at the Platinum Level Bicycle Friendly Community in November 2015 by The League of American Bicyclists. (http://bikeleague.org/content/new-platinum-new-gold-bicycle-friendly-communities)

Some streets had not one, but two (2) bike lanes???? And the cars give the right of way to cyclists!!!

I took a break by Lake Monona next to the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center designed by none other than Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright.

I got my picture taken in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. From the signage, they were having a concert by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Missed that!

Found myself cycling by the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus.

The sky was starting to look very grey and dark. I called it a day just before I got on 8-mile bike path with limited options to meet Bunny & get out of any foul weather.

All in all, didn’t feel too bad about the low mileage as today was supposed to be a rest day. Bunny knows someone in Madison and we were to spend the day with him, but it didn’t work out, so I guess my ~30 miles was my rest day!!