#cycleamerica

I began today with a nice medium-sized breakfast (compared to what I have been eating) that consisted of a bowl of yogurt, granola, and fruit.  I jumped on my bike at 6:30am and continued to follow the Mississippi River for about 30 miles.  

I knew there was a trail head coming up that would take me pretty close to Madison, so I WAS looking forward to that.  When I got there, it was another story.  As it turns out, the trail is not paved the entire way.  Yes, over 100 miles of unpaved ickiness for a roadbike with thin tires.  I only knew this because I passed another distance cyclist just as I was entering the trail and deciding what to do.  He convinced me that the trail was good and pretty smooth throughout with the exception of one portion by La Crosse that had crushed limestone. 

I ended up riding approximately 10 miles on the trail before I got sick of it.  I got off and searched my phone for another route.  I ended up getting on 14, which would take me all the way to Madison, which was awesome.  Cycling through La Crosse sucked.  The roads were absolutely terrible and it was bumpy enough that my rear light fell off.  Eventually things evened out and I was back in the countryside. 

Today was long.  Really long.  In addition to it being the longest ride of my life so far, I had to deal with the fact that I wasn't in Boston today.  I did not accomplish my secondary goal of getting to the Atlantic by today.  I even listened/watched the Boston Pops concert on my phone as the darkness rolled in and I still had about 20 miles left.  

If I hadn't booked my room in Madison the night before, I think I would have called it quits at mile 100 or so.  How I did the additional 83 miles was beyond me. 

I eventually got to Madison and jumped in the hot tub, but not before consuming an entire Chipotle burrito bowl.  I cannot even tell you how much I ate/drank today - it was pretty incredible.  I also think I have a new favorite drink - blue Gatorade.  This stuff really kept me going today! 

Because of all the hills from yesterday, my body was still not quite ready for another long ride.  I decided to have a relaxing morning with a large breakfast at the hotel.  After a few more hours of a state of consciousness that was somewhere between awake and sleep, I then checked out of the room around noon.

I decided to just make it to Miles City, where there was an abundance of nicer hotels.  After a quick three-hour jaunt that was filled with some significant hills, I made it to the hotel.  

It seems like Apollo 13 has been on the past 2-3 days when I’ve checked into a hotel and turned on the television.  I always end up watching at least part of it.  I once again left the room before the end of the movie to get some hot tub and pool time in.  My legs needed some TLC and the hot/cold alternation combined with some stretches was just what I needed.

Feeling refreshed, I went to a nearby restaurant (Blackiron Grill) at the recommendation of the fabulous Dianna Anderson, who has family in MIles City.  After yet another tasty chicken fried steak and hefty serving of mashed potatoes, I then retired to my room.