Just over a year ago, I bought my Masi Giramondo touring bicycle. I have clocked over 2200 miles on it, mostly doing errands around town and using it for local transportation when I am going somewhere alone. I did manage a couple of short trips last year including an overnight to Robertsville State Park (temperatures in the 40s and 50s, windy, drizzling rain) and a two day trip to Springfield, IL (temperatures in the 90s, humidity somewhere north of 150%).
I am a month away from leaving on my first long bike tour. I plan to ride from my home, in St. Peters, MO, to Minneapolis, MN. (Requesting better weather this time, please!)
This trip will be a bit over 760 miles, including a detour through Madison, WI to visit my cousin Melanie. I think that I will spend about 16 days pedaling, spread over a three week (ish) period. That ought to leave me lots of time for sightseeing and photography.
Here is my route in more detail on RideWithGPS.
I am looking forward to following the Mississippi River northward and seeing some interesting places including Nauvoo, Galena, Rock-in-the-House, and the Stone Arch Bridge.
To answer the most frequent questions that I have had: I will be riding alone, not in a group. I will be carrying all of my stuff on my bike; Candy will not be following along in the car and carrying my gear. I will camp most of the time but stay in hotels when I cannot find a convenient campground (or if I just want a place with a real bed and shower).
I’d love suggestions for microbreweries, dining spots, and interesting things to see or do. For instance, do you know if it is possible for me to visit the Rock Island Arsenal and see the atomic canon?
This adventure, and blog post series, is most definitely…
To be continued.
Looks like a wonderful trip, Art. I hope you get the weather you prefer; as you proceed northward the temps should moderate somewhat (I hope!).
Sounds like a great plan. I rode a BRAT (bike ride across TN) ~500 miles in 7 days. Big group ride. Prob 50 people finished, tent camping, but our gear was carried in a van. It was in the fall, very cool mornings & 2-3 days in the rain. On day 2 my friend fell down in the rain slicked road crossing some RR tracks, & broke his leg. Interesting ride, i broke my ankle a yr later & could no longer ride.
Last year I took a road trip with my cousin up to WI and followed almost the same route you’re taking. Went through a little town called Mt. Horeb. We went to the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub and we both enjoyed the food and beer.
On a bike, it might be a bit out of the way and not worth the detour. But if your route takes you that way from the Mississippi to Madison I’d say it’s worth a stop.
If you’re going through Dubuque, Maquoketa Caves State Park might be on your way. On the road trip we tried to go there and it was too packed to even park. But my cousin who used to live in the area wanted to go back, said it was a really cool park. I believe you can camp there, probably worth a google.
The Grumpy Troll looks great but I’m afraid that I’ll have to miss it. I am riding into Madison from the south. I’m also going to miss Dubuque this time. Bummer. But it sounds like I have two destinations for my next visit.