Today we faced a dilemma, we could take our original route along Hwy 14 to Richland Center (a 65 mile trip) OR take the bike trails to Reedsburg, WI ( a 83 mile trip.) Either route would leave us with the same distance to Madison the next day. After our 100 miler yesterday, I was eager to opt for the shorter route. Plus I wanted to to go through the town of Spring Green to see the House on the Rock and Frank Lloyd Wright's estate.
On the other hand, the bike trail would be a nice change of pace and everyone we've met says its great. But taking the trail means 18 more miles and I'd miss Spring Green. I couldn't make up my mind, so I did what I normally do when I can't decide - tell Marc to make the decision.
Of course he opted for the trail route. I was a bit grumpy at first about that decision, as I was feeling lazy, but that quickly changed when we got on the trail. It was fantastic! We were to take 3 connecting trails today that kept us off roads for the entire distance to Reedsburg (Reedsburg is about 30 miles West of Wisconsin Dells area.) The trails were flat, shaded and easy to ride. The miles flew by as you did not have highway signs reminding you of your mileage every 5 miles!
We were warned to bring flashlights as there would be three long tunnels along our route. The first tunnel was long - almost 3/4 of a mile. It was eerie entering the tunnel as you could barely see a pinpoint of light at the other end. We had our headlamps on and decided to ride through the tunnel (instead of walking like the signs suggested you do.) Once we were inside the tunnel it was pitch black and it took you awhile to get used to the light from the headlamp. The air was cold inside the tunnel and water dripped on you from every crevice. If you could get over the spookiness of it, it was really kind of fun. (I think I have a new theme ride idea for Six Flags!)
After conquering the tunnels, we rode on through various small towns with little cafe's and shops all welcoming cyclists. It was quite charming and very picturesque. I have forgotten how beautiful Wisconsin is! It was also nice to see the small towns busling with activity. Up until today, most of the small towns we have ridden through have been like ghosttowns.
We stopped for lunch at a trailside cafe. We picked the right place as they had cheese curds for Marc and pie for me! I ordered a refreshing slice of banana cream pie with a real whip cream topping.
At 6 PM (we got a late start this morning), we rolled into the town of Reedsburg. Reedsburg is like two towns in one. We entered off the trail into a charming old downtown area and biked along Main Street to find a motel. After riding about a mile away from the historic downtown area, we were met with another downtown area, this one much more modern with fast food establishments and motels. We opted for the cheapest place in town (as advertised on the sign), The Reedsburg Motel. Ahh, back to the familiar cheap motel decor of wood paneled walls, asbestos ceiling tiles and a TV circa 1975 or so. It's interesting how all our cheap motel rooms are starting to resemble each other.
Tomorrow we should have a shorter ride of 55 miles to Madison. I'm really looking forward to seeing my friend and former coworker, Patricia. She's one great lady and I know we'll have an awesome time in Madtown!
Happy 4th of July to you all! I know the next few days will be busy and fun filled for everyone.
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