It was a cool morning heading towards the Illinois/Wisconsin border. I got a good laugh when I went to take a picture of the "Welcome to Wisconsin" sign on the Badger State Trail and looked up to see a whole field of mooing cows. Welcome to Wisconsin, indeed!
I know Wisconsin is supposed to be known for its cows and cheese but after the first few hours of my morning, I've decided it should really be known for rabbits. There were at least 13 or 14 rabbits along the bike path. Not to mention the three woodchucks, and tons of yellow party birds. In Monroe, WI I stopped over at the Monroe Hospital Pharmacy to fill up my water bottle and say hey to Carrie (from the previous town). Her co-workers were great - very interested to hear about my trip and to give me fresh produce (greatest gift ever: HUGE CUCUMBER!). The rest of the day was comfortable riding on the limestone trail... until I hit a patch of loose gravel thrown in to cover a wash-out. First epic fall of the trip. I must have been going around 12mph or so, which doesn't seem like a ton until you see the ground coming up at you. Nice little war wound on my left leg now though. My poor left pannier is just getting beat up. Good thing its durable. From there though, it just sort of wound down to a frustrating afternoon: the trail ended sort of abruptly, my rear tire starting showing signs of a flat, my chain popped off as I was shifting downhill, and to top it off when I was close to meeting up with my arrival party Marti, the road was closed for construction. We decided to be adventurous though and just walk our bikes through the construction and see if we could meet up in the middle. That's where the afternoon began to look up...
The bike into Madison was gorgeous on the Capitol City Bike Trail and it was great to get to ride WITH someone for a change. We stopped at the Next Generation Consulting workspace (super cool) and then rode onward to their home. Let me just take a moment to say it is the coolest home I think I may have ever seen. Very modern. I feel like I am staying in a little retreat:) To sum up the evening: went out for beer and live jazz (SO GOOOOOD) on State Street with Marti and Ann-o, and then caught the Breeders playing at the Majestic. Welcome to Wisconsin. I think I'll stay an extra day;)
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For any future hostesses/hosts of the Amazing Maggie, she's a great guest! She'll take adorable photos of your pets (she caught our yellow lab sleeping on our bed!), entertain you with her stories (you know she's a theater major), and be a great dinner companion. Tonight: sushi+art opening. Good times. What a pleasure to be a stop on Maggie's journey!
ReplyDeleteMaggie ~ I just stumbled upon your blog and was saddened to see that I missed you by only a few days. I'm in Shorewood IL...
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go cross country...but I don't think I'd have the stamina to ride a bike! Take lots of photos...I'm sure you'll cherish them later. You'll have one heck of a story to tell people later in life!
Good luck to you!
-Amy
MAGGIE
ReplyDeleteITS BEEN JUST 1 DAY AND WE MISS YOU ALREADY. YOU WERE LIKE ONE OF OUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE EVER BACK IN ORANGEVILLE DONT FORGET TO STOP BY. WE HAVE ALL BEEN WONDERING HOW YOUR TRIP IS GOING. SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MISHAPS ON THE TRAIL TO MADISON. MY CO-WORKERS AT MONROE CLINIC HAVE ALSO BEEN ASKING ABOUT YOU,SO KEEP UPDATING US ON YOUR BLOGSPOT. BE SAFE AND GLAD TO HEAR YOU ENJOYED THE CUCUMBER. CARRIE,DESTINY,RODNEY
DALE, T-BONE
YOUR FRIENDS IN ORANGEVILLE,IL.
Mags, I enjoy reading your blog so much! You are a wonderful writer. I think when you're finished with your trip, you should write a book. Sorry about your fall. I'm glad you didn't get hurt. You are a tough cookie! I can't wait to see your calves by the time you get to Houston! I am so relieved to hear about all the generosity and hospitality people are showing to you. How could anyone NOT love you?!! Thanks, everyone, for taking such good care of our Maggie! Have fun, and stay safe! We love you and are so proud of you!!
ReplyDelete-Jen