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Wisconsin |
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Wisconsin |
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Distance - 30 miles
6 down, 2 and a large chunk of Canada to go!
30 miles? I know, it's a mileage I'm not exactly proud of, but here's the
deal. While stretching this morning in Hinckley, I think I stretched my left
calf muscle a little too far. Just a little, cause it didn't cause me immense
pain while riding today, but just enough that I though it might be smart to
call it a day in Danbery instead of risking anything. Giving me plenty of time
to pour over the maps this afternoon, I've decided to take a really northern
route through Wisconsin, possibly moving on to Michigan by Tuesday, but we'll
see how it goes with the calf tomorrow.
One thing is for certain about my brief encounter with
Wisconsin. They have creepy crawly insects up the wazzoo in these here parts!
Stopping to take the snapshot of the state border, I was swarmed with every
flying beast known to man. Filthy little critters that would crawl into my ear
at the most inconvenient moments, mosquitoes that do their disgusting things,
and black flies that just love their flesh. The only remedy is to ride fast
enough to outrun 'em, but them black flies are especially swift!
Another reason to ride fast was the fact that rout 48 from
Hinkley to Danbery is shoulderless and narrow, with soft quicksand-like
embankments that would really put me in a world of trouble if I happened to
have put the bike in it. I must say the cars were for the most past extremely
courteous to me, but I really had to watch my mirror and hold my line to make
sure I wouldn't have any problems.
So safe and sound I arrived, finding a nice campsite, albeit a
little pricey at $11, but nice nonetheless. The phone is charging tonight, so
it probably won't be on, but if u wanna chat then leave a message and let me
know when is the latest I can call you back, and I'll call you back. So long
for now!
-Darren
Eric: The disposable camera should be arriving shortly
Zac: I know, I'm a slacker
Chris Slenzac: I think I'm gonna take the Northern route through the UP. Have
you driven it before?
Danny S: Penatent...Penatent
Distance - 65 miles (My odometer is out of batteries, and I feel no urge to
relace them, so mileage from here on out might off by a couple meters or
so...Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause to seasoned cartographers
mapping my progress)
Hello from Hayward, population 1,879 and known mostly for the tribal owned
casino nestled in the woods 4 miles out of town, where, as I'm sure you've
already surmised, I am writing to you from. I am exactly dead even in my two
gambling stints, but that'll certainly change as soon as I can wrap this
little letter up and wolf down my fried chicken & fries. While cruising
around to find a campsite Becky J., I stumbled across a little house that
sells tasty Wisconsin cheese, so I bought a nice assortment for the road.
Before I forget, I'd like to say hello to the kind folks at
Pappy's Bar just east of Minong, WI. Everyone there (mostly
fishermen/fisherwomen gettin' their drink on before hittin' the lakes) was
extremely friendly, helping me out on riding routes and treating me to some
cold drinks before resuming the tackle on the steep grades and hot temperature
that made today's ride a bit uncomfortable.
Although it was hot and the insects were out in full
force, I must say that northern Wisconsin is extremely beautiful to ride
through. Numerous lakes and scenic forest land make for really nice rides. And
the drivers here seem to be especially courteous; pullin way over to the side
to avoid me (which is nice considering the lack of shoulders in most spots)
and looking real sorry for me when I was stuck on the side of the road
changing yet another flat (Heay Ben, is there any type of liner you recommend
me putting on the read rim to prevent so many...maybe it's the weight of the
trailer that's causing 'em?).
Tomorrow I'll head northeast in hopes of reaching Ironwood,
Michigan. Since Ironwood is 100 miles from here, I best try to rise early to
get in at least 40 or so miles in before it gets too hot. We'll see how it
goes. That'll be all for now. Take care all y'alls
-Darren
Distance - Approx. 75 (all distances will be approximates from here on out)
Good evening! A urgent plea to begin this journal entry. Who among you has a
compact sleeping bag rated at about 40 degrees or so? I am in desperate need
of one! I have a compact sleeping bag that's real nice, but is rated at 0
degrees (meaning its meant for winter camping) Average temperatures at night
here have been above 75 with (steak just arrived...be back soon.....steak has
been wolfed down) high humidity. I have been sweating like mad in my tent
because the sleeping bag is scorching hot. So if any of you have a good bag I
can borrow, I would really appreciate it. Let me know and we can work
something out.
Anyhow, today I left the town of Hayward, where I won
enough to buy me the steak I am currently enjoying. An evening rain that
lasted until 10 this morning provided a lovely excuse to gamble. When the rain
subsided I was off and ridin', weighed down with wads of cash & heading
east on Wisconsin Route 77, stopping 30 miles into the ride at Boulder Lodge
for lunch. Thanks to everyone at the Lodge for being very supportive of my
trip, and I look forward to hearing from you all.
Following lunch I continued on 77 to the town of Clam Lake, where I split from
the usual route east and took County Road GG on the advice of locals. It took
me through scenic Chequamegon National Forest land and cut the time to Mellen
by about an hour as well. A storm that appeared to be moving east provided the
motivation to peddle just a bit faster. So did the swarm of flies that would
surround me if I moved slower than 10mph.
I arrived at Mellen at about 6. Mellen kinda sucks; I haven't run
into the most friendly folks here, but maybe that's because the town doesn't
seem to be doing too well. I found the only motel in town, the Granite Inn,
but they wanted $50 for the night, and I would have had to lug my bike
upstairs. It made Motel 6 look like the Ritz too, so I'll brave the bugs in
the city park once again.
Tomorrow, into Michigan for certain. I cross the border through
Ironwood Michigan, and then stay north on the Upper Peninsula.
Tonight, being that the nightlife has waned along with the rest
of the town, I will have no shelter to escape the insects that plague me, so I
will call it an early night in the tent. I would love to talk to anyone I
haven't spoken to in a while, so why don't you gimme a call at 8182612101?
Have a great evening everyone!
-Darren
p.s. Eve if you are still at work call me
