Biking with Bill

ROOT RIVER TRAIL

At precisely 8:18 am my cell phone rang–as planned. Dan, Keith and I had stopped to take the call along the route just outside of Chatfield, MN. It was the first media event of the day; an on the air interview with Mike Hayes, "Talk radio WIZM", La CrosseWI. We talked about the bike trip, the group of riders, and Rails to Trails Conservancy. WXOW TV and WKBT TV also sent reporters and cameramen for interviews and bike riding footage today for the local La Crosse news shows at 6:00 and 10:00pm. One interview took place in front of the large "Welcome to Wisconsin" sign just before crossing the Mississippi River.
The timing was perfect, as we had a wonderful ride today on Minnesota’s Root River Trail, a RTC bike path from Rushford to Houston, MN. It was a 12 mile interval in our 90 mile route from Rochester to La Crosse, WI. The trail weaved through the shade in the woods , along the Root River, past cornfields, through wildflowers, and over railroad trestles. It was great fun and an enjoyable change of pace from our road riding. We met a cyclist from New Zealand who took photo of (left to right) Susan (staff), Ted (NJ), Dan and me.
The weather --in contrast to yesterday’s severe storms–was a beautiful summer day in the 80's. It was an enjoyable day on the bike!
We came upon a turkey farm along the route. Thousands and thousands of turkeys are getting ready here to feed America on Thanksgiving Day.
We also had the unique assistance of the MN State Police today. As we came down the road we saw 2 black dogs in wait. There was no doubt as to their intent–our ankles! At that moment, coming from the other direction, was the police patrol car. As we both got nearer to the dogs, the trooper put on his siren, stopped, and shielded us from the now confused dogs, who took out their frustration by barking at the trooper. He stayed on to protect riders following us. A real public servant!
The Minnesota countryside –in good weather– has been refreshingly green and scenic. The rolling hills make for good cycling fun, the big expansive farms are attractive, and the huge healthy tracts of corn and soybeans are a marvel of modern agriculture. We have moved quickly across the state with long mileage days.
Tomorrow we ride on another RTC pathway: Wisconsin’s famous Elroy Sparta Trail.
Bill