COVID CROSS

Covid Cross Day #19 June 20, 2020 Monona, IA to La Crosse, WI 77 Miles Start 7:11 AM Finish 2:46 PM Ride Time 6:58 Ascent 1634 Feet Descent 2165 Feet Tour Total 1710 Miles Details at:  https://cyclemeter.com/3f1ef27914a4c684/Cycle-20200620-0711-58108 I slept alright last night in my tent on top of a concrete slab underneath a canopy at Gateway Park in Monona. Last night after MJ's, I cycled back to the park, located at the edge of town. It was familiar because I had stayed there last year while it was being reconstructed. This year everything was in fine order. I set up my tent in exactly the same spot as last year. The restroom was now open with a sink and toilet, and I knew not to be startled by the life-like military statues There was a massive rain storm last night, and I set up my tent in the perfect place. I woke up around 6 AM and slowly packed. My socks were still wet from yesterday and it was supposed to rain again today so I put them back on. The ro...

Covid Cross Day #20 June 21, 2020 La Crosse, WI to Stockholm, WI 79 Miles 8:37 AM Finish 4:12 PM Ride Time 6:19 Ascent 635 Feet Descent 622 Feet Tour Total 1789 Miles Details at:  https://cyclemeter.com/3f1ef27914a4c684/Cycle-20200621-0837-14327 Last night at the Holiday Inn In La Crosse, I slept probably the best I’ve slept yet on the tour. I was able to completely block the outside light with the curtains, and when I woke up at 6 AM my room was pitch dark. I rolled over and got another hour of sleep. It was a slow pack up and my body was sore. My socks were still damp from yesterday‘s wash, but I put them on anyway. My jersey and shorts were dry and clean. Last night, I had an opportunity to load my iPod with WFMU's Duane Train, Shiela B, and Small change archives. My music situation was now covered. Riding through the streets of La Crosse I noticed that most of it's citizens were wearing masks. It was sunny with no clouds in the sky. I zigzagged through the...

Covid Cross Day #21 June 22, 2020 Stockholm, WI to Houlton, WI 67 Miles Start 7:14 AM Finish 8:38 PM Ride Time 6:46 Ascent 2913 Feet Descent 2741 Feet Tour Total 1860 Miles Details at:  https://cyclemeter.com/3f1ef27914a4c684/Cycle-20200622-0714-57917 I slept reasonably well last night at the Stockholm Village Park Campground. I had pitched my tent up on the bandstand stage. I had spotted the bandstand when I surveyed the campground upon my arrival in town. I knew there was gong be a heavy rain and I needed to be under cover. Last night qualified as a campsite sneak in. There was a reservation box and instructions, yet also a sign saying 'Campground Full'. There were several other campers and RVs.  Yesterday evening, after sitting in front of the pie shop and editing my report, I pedaled over to the campground in the rain. I set up my tent under the bandstand canopy and sat at the picnic table. To my delight, I discovered there was free village Wi-Fi. The rai...

Covid Cross Day #22 June 23, 2020 Houlton, WI to Dalbo, MN 83 Miles Start 6:13 AM Finish 4:36 PM Ride Time 8:28 Ascent 1375 Feet Descent 1262 Feet Tour Total 1943 Miles Details at:   https://cyclemeter.com/3f1ef27914a4c684/Cycle-20200623-0613-79218 I slept alright last night stealth camping in somebody’s backyard next to a dental clinic in Houlton. The ground was bumpy underneath where I pitched my tent. It was cool and a comfortable temperature for sleeping. I woke up with the sunrise and birds chirping, and was on the road by 6:15 AM. I needed to get out of there before anyone noticed me. It was chilly and I was wearing my sweater. I took County Road E to County Road V. This year's route was so much better with the lift bridge open. Fellow west-bounders, Sidd and Chris, had made it to Minneapolis last night. I passed my first bunny at 6:30 AM. A family of deer was nibbling grass alongside the road. By the time I got my camera functioning and unclipped, they ...