The elevation profiles look challenging, 32,000 ft over 14 days. In reality about half of what we did in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2014 (or at least that's what I tell myself).
Moving to Dubuque has had some advantages. If you've ever been here, you know there isn't a flat spot anywhere in town. Okay, so that's a bit of an exaggeration but it is seriously hilly along the bluffs of the Mississippi River.
I've had great rides and not so great rides. It took awhile to find my way around town and some good routes. This is what I found while out exploring my new adopted city on Saturday. This is the view from the grounds of the Sisters of Charity, not far from our condo.
What a fantastic view and beautiful property they have, every day! On the same ride I found a little neighborhood bakery that Dale and I investigated -- pastries to die for! So, we've managed to make the transition an adventure.
I did a couple of organized weekend rides this year -- Tour of the Mississippi River Valley and Ride the River. I'm hoping they will pay off between all the climbing of TOMRV from Goose Lake to Dubuque and the high temperatures and humidity on both rides.
Dubuque has the distinction of being at the corners of three states -- Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. I started a ride one evening from a rest area on the Wisconsin side of the river . This nice woman approached as I was getting the bike out and putting everything together. She asked many of the normal questions, and I learned she was the rest area "hostess." She asked where I was riding to, and I confessed that I really didn't know. She began to wave her arms and explain that I would want to go down to Badger Road then turn onto another road. "That's the way all the bikers go." I asked about right turns or left turns. She just waved her arms and said ALL the bikers go that way. I thanked her, having no idea but you know I found exactly what she was waving about! Life on a bike....
Very soon I'll be in Spokane ready to start the Selkirk Loop. Here are the rest of our overnight stops for the tour:
Priest River, Idaho
Colville, Washington
Trail, British Columbia
Nelson, British Columbia
New Denver, British Columbia
Ainsworth, British Columbia
Creston, British Columbia
Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Sandpoint, Idaho
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Some of these were on last year's trip, which I'm looking forward to. These were great stops and good routes. Although, we'll hope for a little less heat than the 100 degree temps from last year.
I'll be doing SAG duties again on this trip. There are three drivers, so SAGs are in the vehicle every third day. At last report there were 19 riders and 3 staff (leader, chef and sous). This is the same company I've used in the past. Evening meals are prepared by the chef and sous, which is a nice change from a steady diet of buffets.
Of course, again, it's never a sure thing to have connectivity at some of the motels, especially as we get somewhat isolated. But, I'll post and respond to email as often as possible.
Hoping everyone has a great 4th of July. We'll see you from the road!
