Day 26 Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin to Dyersville

 A semi rest day of 55 miles. I needed to race ahead of an impending rainfall that was to carry on throughout the day. As I pulled into the parking lot of the hotel the rain drops began to fall as predicted. 

Iowa corn fields as far as the eyes could see.

Day 25 Winona MN to Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin

 A 94 mile ,3 state adventure. Beginning in Minnesota, crossing state line into Iowa, crossing the Mississippi River into Wisconsin. Went off route to save still another River crossing to stumble on a paved cycling path. All in all another stunning day of cycling as I turn more eastward through Illinois. 

Asphalt bike path 

History lesson 

Day 24 Prescott to Winona Minnesota

 Strataling the upper Mississippi River today for a 90 mileblast.

Crossing the Mississippi river again 

Unusual use for old skis.

Bridge leaving Prescott 

Early morning mist

Signpost for river road. 
. Another early start to beat the prediction of a thunderstorm at 3pm which didn't happen until 8PM . Biked on the Great River Road, as it is known. It's positioned on the Wisconsin side of the river and covers 250 miles.  Very similar to our river road along the Delaware 

Day 23 Cambridge to Prescott Wi.

 On the road again. Woke to an angry dark cloud filled sky. Concern soon gave way to clear skies and the st. Croix scenic byway  under my tires. A little disappointed that this route didn't hug the river as closely as I had hoped. 87 miles total today. 

River side house along the St. Croix

Byways signage.

St. Croix meeting the Mississippi. Minnesota meeting Wisconsin. 

Rest and recharge day

 Heavy showers night and day. Seems to me a good day to take a break and get a feel for the final 2 week push into Winchester where I pick up the start of the anchor house ride. I have completed 1837 miles in 21 days.

Day 21 Albany to Cambridge Mn.

 Another absolutely perfect weather day. Cool morning, tail and cross breeze, bright sunshine. Final 18 miles on the lake wobegon rail trail before being redirected to rural country roads. 95 miles in all today. Total mileage for the full first 3 weeks of riding 1827.

Mississippi River crossing. 

River flow to the south. 

Eastern terminus of wobegon trail.

Christmas tree farming. 

Day 20 Fergus Falls to Albany MN

 90 miles of all rail to trails. Some areas were a little bumpy, but nothing out of control.  The weather and winds were holding up. This states motto is the land of 10000 lakes and I can definitely see why.

Lake Wobegon trail marker. 

This guy.

That dirty shell 

Lake 

Lake

Swans in Lake. 

Day 19 Fargo ND to Fergus Falls Mn.

 A short 64 mile Sunday stroll. It actually felt good to get off of the interstate and plod along some back roads. 

Entered Minnesota today. 

The elusive Prairie chicken. 

Day 18 Jamestown to Fargo

 Final full day in North Dakota. Stayed on interstate 94 as the winds buffered me from the northwest making today's ride a little rocky. Spent some time in the visitors center observing movie props from the movie FARGO.  The acual wood chipped used in the movie was the highlight. Tomorrow's ride turns south east into Minnesota. 

Yikes. 

Visitors center 

Day 17 Bismarck to Jamestown North Dakota.

 Another big chunk of North Dakota is behind me. Near perfect conditions from start to finish. 103 miles of a mix of rural and interstate roadways. 50 degrees at the start, 75 degrees at the finish. The northern winds are still doing there part as well. 

Random rock pile.

Rural county highway 

Following the grasses 

Does anyone remember this place. 

Day 16 Dickinson to Bismarck North Dakota.

 Another very smooth and wind aided ride. I almost feel like I am cheating a little by taking advantage of the strong western wind catapulting me to complete a full century ride in 6.5 hours. Although I only need to think back to 2024 when I cycled the southern tier through Arizona with 30 mph  head winds and 110 degree heat to have it all even out. Yes indeed. 

Light on the photos as I was racing to the finish before the thunderstorm. 

Day 15 Glendive Montana to Dickinson north Dakota.

 Montana is finally in the rear view mirror. 5 full days and 2 partial days of mostly wind assisted riding. The scenery hasn't changed much as i crossed the state line. Perhaps a little greener, more agriculture and less live stock. 3 solid days in north Dakota. Hopefully the winds remain in my favor. Making very good progress. I continue to take full advantage of a strong westerly wind.

Fast speed limits 

Keep on trucking down the road. 

Next state line. 

Day 14 Jordan to Glendive

 A scheduled 118 ride shortened to 100 due to a major reconstruction project along today's route. The road surface was completely gone leaving only stone and dirt. Luckily before I got no more than a mile into the mess I stopped at a rest area hoping to grab a ride with someone in a pickup.  Not 10 minutes in a contractor pulled up offering me a ride through the construction. 

My taxi 

My guardian angel. 

Day 13 Winnett to Jordan Montana

 77 miles of smooth pavement on a picture perfect cycling day. 50 degrees to start, 75 degrees to finish. Wind added ride always adds to the enjoyment. Going to push the daily mileage up a little in the next couple of days to make good use of favorable weather and wind. 

Big foot country 

Wide open. 

Day 12 Hobson to Winnett.

 More like a roller coaster ride than a true bicycle ride. The cycling gods were definitely on my side today. A strong steady north westerly wind propelled me to my final destination of 78 miles in a little more than 5 hours. And I hardly needed to pedal. Let's hope the winds hold in there direction. 2 more full days in Montana then on to north Dakota. 

Fresh finely grooved asphalt courtesy of the Montana department of transportation. 

Day 11 Great Falls to Hobson Mo.

Curious onlookers. 

  82 miles of intermittent cross and head winds. Wide open surroundings with wheat fields and cattle grazing. No rain today. I am overnighting in the tiny town of Hobson Montana, population 187. Having dinner at this super cool old western tavern, the tall boys tavern. Early start tomorrow, rain possible in the 

Rules at the restaurant 

Day 10 Cut Bank to Great Falls Mt.

 Hot and windy 109 mile day. Unlike the previous days ride, this days highlight was a southernly with which absolutely destroyed my spirit very early in the day.  The heat and the hills didn't help much either. 

Buffalo country 

No description needed 

Random historical person 

Antelope in field 

Day 9 Columbia Falls to Cut Bank Montana

 119 miles.  Cold and rainy to start. Dry and windy to finish. The good kind of wind. The kind that hits you in the back as you struggle to make the next hill. Crossing the continental divide the landscape changes dramatically. No trees, just a massive open space.