Day 33. Wisconsin Dells, WI. 91 miles. 1,200 ft climb

The weather was at first dark and threatening, but it never amounted to much more than a sprinkle, to everyone's relief.   One long day riding in a deluge is enough for even the hardiest cyclist.  The route today included the Sparta/Elroy Rails to Trails Bike Path.  At Sparta (advertised as the Bicycle Capital of America), the trail  was crushed limestone for 30 miles that took riders through several small towns with lots of charm and plenty of places to eat and sight see.   Riders took more time today to stop at various places and talk with locals, which made for a very pleasant day.

This Guy Appears In Many Places Around Sparta, WI

Self-proclaimed Bicycle Capitol of America

Some riders liked the crushed limestone surface of the trail, although it made for somewhat sluggish cycling.  Terry wasn't wild about it.   Borrowing a phrase from my cousin-in-law Bernie--Terry thought it  was more interesting than good.   At least they were off the roads, which by itself offers a respite from some of the concentration required when riding with traffic.  The SAG wagons, obviously, were not on the bike trail, but they were nearby, following along on the highway.  Since the Rails-to-Trails routes are "repurposed" railroad beds, they are always mostly flat, which made for easy riding today.

Some Paths Were Paved

SomeWeren't

But All Were Pretty

What was interesting about it was that there were three old railroad tunnels they went through.  The tunnels were pitch black, very damp, and one of them was nearly a mile long. It was so drippy in one tunnel that they put their rain jackets back on.   Riders were required to have strong flashlights with them and walk through the tunnels.   This seemed to bring out the kid in them all, as they hooted and hollered and sang and yelled, playing with the echos and acoustics inside these tunnels.  At least it was different from any other day that came before!

Proverbial Light At The End.......Sorry, I couldn't Resist.

The trail, advertised as the first installment of Rails to Trails in America, was opened in 1965.  In many areas, it made its way through a canopy of trees that provided shade and cool temperatures; also, when the path wasn't surrounded with trees, it would break out into beautiful farmland nestled in a backdrop of large rolling tree covered hills.  The wildflowers were blooming and the farms and houses were all beautifully landscaped and tended.  It was also Amish country, and there were horse & buggies on the trail, too!

Trail Companion

After the trail, the last 30 miles was again out in the Wisconsin countryside with several hills and a headwind that made the last push to the motel a little harder than most would have liked.   Like I said, the day was more interesting than good.