The First Real Riding Day

Well, it was an eventful day.................we started out with just a superb ride out of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River.  It rained about 3 - 4 inches last night but cleared up early in the AM, with a slight breeze.  Headed south and for the first 4 - 5 miles we rode along streets that contained amazing homes.  Sort of reminded me of the "Fab 40's" in Sacramento with a a few 60's/70 style homes in between. Seemed like the economy is pretty good in Minnesota as the unemployment rate is about 6%.  Not many homes for sale.  All in all a very interesting first part of the ride. 

Our goal was to get to Red Wing, which is a down along the banks of the Mississippi and about 57 miles of riding..............if one can follow directions or interpret directions.  We ended up going about 65 miles.  Having 3 "type A" personalities.........all trying to figure out which way to go was interesting.  Let's just say that no one came away today perfect with respect to directions.  Luckily we ran into a very nice lady who helped us get back on the right track...........we tried to stay up with her as she speed away after getting us going again.............but she left us in the dust.  We are going to give DS another chance, and Bill will be providing backup with his iPhone app. 

The weather was great.  A little hot in the direct sun, but most of the time we were in the shade or had a little wind blowing............especially on the downhill sections.  We saw a lot of corn and beans in the farm lands that are situated along the Mississippi.  Went through a short section of Wisconsin which was nice, especially if you are are Green Bay fan.  Lot's of signs on homes supporting the Packers.

As it was my turn to find the hotel tonight, I went all out and found a super deal at a Super 8.  We then went next door and participated in the Wednesday night special at a bowling alley, which included $2.75 beers.  All in all a very satisfactory financial outcome, with some pretty good food. 

We are going to go about 65 miles tomorrow, (Dave has promised the route will be easy for us to follow) and should end up in Winona, MN.  We are turning in early tonight as we want to be rested for the next leg.............or we are plain exhausted from the first real biking day.  I will let you all decide which it is.

Have fun.  Cheers.