Day 35. Manitowoc, WI. 57 miles. 1,350 ft climb

Since the ride today was only 57 miles, they were allowed to sleep a bit later and and load the luggage after a late breakfast.

Luggage Load

Zippy & Others In Morning Tire-Pumping Routine

Spirits were high at breakfast, anticipating an easy day today and a very short ride tomorrow, when they board the ferry to cross Lake Michigan. The route was across beautiful Wisconsin countryside toward Lake Michigan.  Terry treated today as a recovery ride--no stress or pressure.

First stop on the road was the Lake Winnebago lighthouse in Fond Du Lac. The lake is 92 miles around but only about 15 feet deep.

Manitowoc Lighthouse

 Riding on through dairy farm country, there were more farms, dairy cows and wind turbines. Vegetable and flower gardens are common features of the farms as well. Everywhere, there was beautiful landscaping and colorful flower arrangements. 

We Must Be In Wisconsin, Toto

The riders were treated to a special SAG ( support and gear) near the end of today’s ride. Wisconsin-based family and friends of Travis set up a special SAG  stop which included home baked goodies, fresh nuts, candy and ice cold water for all. It was a treat!  I don't think Terry realized these people were friends of one of the riders because he told me he didn't know how they knew about this tour, but they had a sign up, saying "Super Athletes Going To the Atlantic Ocean."   I found out by looking at Leslie's blog!

FOT SAG (Friends of Travis Support and Gear)

 They call Manitowoc the west coast of Lake Michigan.  The lake appeared over the horizon as a mid-continent ocean.   As they approached Manitowoc,  the first sign that they were nearing the Great Lake  was a sudden downward change in temperature. In fact, Mike anticipates quite chilly temps on the boat crossing tomorrow. 

Everyone got in pretty early today so ABB had the rap and dinner early enough to allow Terry and others to take the hotel shuttle to a laundromat for more of that chore.  Tomorrow is kind of day off, but not entirely.
They ride 3 miles to the ferry landing and board the SS Badger for a 4-hour ferry ride across Lake Michigan.  Boarding time is 12:45.  They'll load up and leave by 9:00 am, which shouldn't present any problems for anyone to get to the ferry on time.  When they disembark in Ludington, Michigan, they'll be in the Eastern  Time Zone and another hour ahead. Then, they have another short ride to their motel in Ludington.  No rest for the weary!