August 3, 2013 Hayward --> Clam Lake, WI - 37 miles
We got off to a late start after breakfast because Randy needed to mail something and the post office didn't open until 10 am. A local came up and started asking us about the ride. He has done some bike touring in the past, and was very enthusiastic. Made some suggestions regarding today's route and told us about the Moose Lake Festival taking place about halfway to Clam Lake. Since this was to be a relatively short day, we decided to head for the festival.
Our route today was a combination of state highway 77 and a return to back roads. Again, I was astonished by the quality of the roads and biking conditions. The temperature started in the 60's under blue skies. Perfect riding conditions. As the day progressed, it became increasingly more cloudy. We rode through beautiful countryside with what looked like a lot of marshes and swamp like areas. I saw a lot more wild life today. A big blue heron majestically swooped down and over the marsh - made me think of my Mom and "her" blue heron. Also saw peacocks in someone's yard, and various other unusual looking birds flying around and making neat bird sounds. A big furry caterpillar of some sort crawling across the road. Farm animals raising their heads and looking us in the eye as if to acknowledge and welcome us. At one point, what I think was a large goose of some sort (tall with a long neck and legs) came out of the bushes and started racing alongside Randy's bike as if trying to keep up. Randy happened to be looking the other way, and I was yelling at him to check out the bird racer, but by the time he heard me the bird had conceded the race and darted back into the bushes. Brought back memories of cow and pronghorn antelope racers from last summer.
I was again struck by the whole body/sensory experience involved with biking. The feel in your legs of the incline in the road, the sun and wind on your face, the sounds and smells of the countryside, the smell of wood as logging trucks pass by, a real sense of the scenery as you pass by at a much slower pace than normally experienced in a car or other vehicle. The time to just sit with your thoughts and contemplate life. Time to think of others and offer up prayers for them and on their behalf. This is why I love biking.
As we pedaled along the back roads, a passing van slowed and a lady stuck her head out and enthusiastically wished us a good ride. Randy later told me that the man driving was the man we met at the post office. Shortly after that, we saw our first touring biker coming from the other direction. His name was Mike - from Cleveland - and he had started from Mackinaw City, MI headed towards Fargo as his final destination. Mike confirmed that there were several other touring bikers several days ahead of us, and filled us in on what to expect as far as riding conditions for the next few miles. As we were talking with Mike, our friends in the van approached and stopped one more time to say hi - seemed like they could not get enough of us. Or, as Randy accused them, they seemed intent that we stop at a particular place selling homemade gelatos and sandwiches. He kept asking them if they were receiving a commission.
On we continued to the Moose Lake Festival, which was a combination of swap meet, food, games, and music alongside a beautiful lake. There is a reason that this section of the Adventure Cycling maps is called the North Lakes route. For lunch I had roasted corn and a brownie a la mode from the local Lions Club.
We stopped for the night in Clam Lake, WI. This area is particularly known for elk and large black bears. The accommodations were in an 8 room little motel attached to a convenience store, and were truly astonishing. Large, clean rooms. Mine had a sitting area with rocking chairs and a tv on the wall. Like a little theatre almost. The owners were friendly and gracious. For dinner, Randy and I walked next door to a pizza place and had one of the most delicious pizzas I have tasted. Chicago style of the thin crust variety and a sauce unlike any I have had.
Our planned ride for tomorrow is approximately 55 miles to Mercer. My legs are a little sore and I am feeling a little anxious about the long ride. Just have to keep reminding myself to take it one mile at a time, and focus on being in the present.
