Another transitional day, from Minnesota to Wisconsin

After breakfast and a prayer with Larry and Dianne, we drove out to Hwy 63, which is designated as the Laura Ingles Wilder Historic Highway. Some may recall Laura Wilder as the author of the "Little House on the Prairie" stories. I stopped in South Troy to read a marker about the birth and death of an infant brother to Laura.

On to Zumbro Falls. I think we should have done a better job selecting our route to Wabasha and across the Mississippi. Up and down huge hills for 26 miles tired out Sherri and me, but not Charlotte. At a scenic outlook, we visited with two women from Louisiana, one of which was going to be seen at the Mayo Clinic tomorrow. They made a generous contribution of $20. After lunch along the River, we crossed over the bridge to Wisconsin, our 4th state to ride in on the Meander.

The terrain was much easier on the Wisconsin side. Sherri made the command decision to stop riding after 60 miles , conserving energy for tomorrow. This is Amish country too! Stopped in a home-based bakery and bought 3 pastries.

Rode to within 10 miles of Eau Claire, but stopped riding due to our time frame. Got Charlotte to the church on time, to attend the Contemporary Worship service, while Sherri and I got dinner at Wendy's. Brought dinner back to Charlotte.

We all had a good laugh in the morning. Shana had been sleeping on one of the couches in the Youth Room, but when we woke up, the cushions, bedding and Shana were missing! We discovered that our symphony of snoring caused her migration to an adjoining room!

Got all 4 of us, the 4 bikes, and all our gear into the SAG van. What a sight! Felt like the Beverly Hillbillies or some gypsies.

Drove to where we started to ride. Shana worked out the route from some Wisconsin bicycle maps. We used many county roads, but oh, the hills! Shana just powered up them; Sherri did OK, Charlotte crawled up, and I walked! Saw a herd of primarily brown and white Holstein cows. Luckily, the hills smoothed out pretty much, after lunch in Hixton. Met some motorcyclists at the park where we lunched, and they made a donation.

Didn't pass through any larger towns. Just small ones, like Osseo, Northfield, Black River Falls, and Millston. All day, we paralleled I-94. The easiest part of the ride was on HWy. 12, past Christmas tree farms and state parks.

At 65 miles, Sherri was done for the day, so we loaded her bike on top of the van, then drove down Hwy 12 and Charlotte stopped at 4@ miles. Finally caught up with Shana just a few miles from Tomah. She wanted to ride the entire distance. We told her, "Go for it."

Got directions to the church which is hosting us tonight. Lead Shana in. She rode 83 miles!

Arrived in time to get in showers at the church before a dinner for the youth and their parents. This church, Bible Evangelical Free, has an adjoining Adult Day Care Center. It also has a washer/dryer!

The Youth Room only has 2 couches, so an air mattress was brought in, which took over an hour to pump up. The pump wasn't working well. First full day of riding in Wisconsin, as a foursome. 4 riders, 4 vastly different abilities, but compatible and supportive of each other.

With love from "America's Dairyland,"
Marie, Charlotte, Sherri, and Shana

Route miles - 84
Shana - 84
Charlotte - 43
Marie - 24
Sherri - 65
Road change - 2 cents (1 penny found by Shana, the other by Charotte)

Typical early morning routines plus deflating the air mattress (which took about 20 minutes) - got everything packed up after breakfast and Shana, Sherri, and Charlotte took off South on Hwy. 12 & 16. I checked the air pressure on the tires on the van; they all needed 2-3 lbs.

Very flat ride today, parallel with the I-90. Good road shoulders, not too much heat, hills, or humidity, so we sailed along at a pretty good clip.

It was interesting to see some very specialized machines working on the railroad tracks, removing old railroad ties and installing new ones.

Spotted the Dairy Island in Mauston, which boasted of having 24 flavors of soft serve ice cream.

We all had a rendezvous at the main intersection of Wisconsin Dells of resort/water fun fame. Dropped off my film for 1 hr. service at Walgreen's, then went across the street to where tickets are sold for the various boat rides. Decided on the Jet Boat. Locked the bikes up, ate a quick lunch, then boarded our boat.

What an adventure! The driver took us very close to the falls near the dam, then sped us along the river, doing occasional maneuvers which sprayed everyone aboard. Saw some interesting rock formations of layered rock. Also, some soft-shelled turtles sunning themselves on the banks. Some swallows make their home in mud nests they constructed on the rock formation.

Just had 20 some more miles to go to Portage. Passed the Columbia Correctional prison (where Jeffrey Daummer) served some time. Arrived in Portage about 3:45 pm or so. Waited until 5:30 for the Pastor to free up, and he then took us to where we would be staying the night. Showed us where we could shower (in the basement of the school they are renovating).

After showers, we went to Pizza Hut for dinner, topped off my a trip to Dairy Queen.

A peaceful place for a nice day's ride today.

Route miles - 68
Shana - 68
Sherri - 68
Marie - 28.8
Charlotte - 40
Road Change - 3 cents

Should be seeing some of you in just a few days. Our arrival at the Hilton is scheduled for 3:00 pm for anyone who could be at the main entrance.

Goodbye for now, and God bless each of you.

Overslept this morning - first time ever that I slept through the alarm! Still managed, though. The drizzle didn't deter our spirits. Sherri donned her trash bag looking poncho, and Charlotte used my blue 2003 Houston poncho, with a bungee cord around her waist! I covered my riding shoes with silver duct tape to keep the moisture off! Stylish!

Neglected to mention a bit about the history of Portage in the Day 15 message. Marquette and Joliet came through this area in 1673, as they were exploring this area. They made the portage (carrying their canoes) between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. The town grew up around Ft. Winnebago, which was built to protect the stream of commerce through this area. A young Jefferson Davis, later president of the Confederacy, was assigned to cut logs for the barracks in 1829.

I drove out of Portage, and helped Charlotte make all the turns on these coounty roads, so I didn't get in much riding today. We rode to Merrimac, which is home to Devil's Head Resort, for skiing and snowboarding. We had planned to take the free ferry across the Wisconsin River. But ... the ferry wsn't running today. We loaed up all the bikes, then drove back roads almost 20 miles to the other side of the river, to where we would have landed had the ferry been running. Unloaded the bikes, and off they went! Went through Lodi, again, I was helping to keep Charlote on track. In general, Wisconsin roads are marked pretty well, but today's weren't up to snuff.

After some pretty hilly areas, we all finally met up in Springfield Corners. By the time I got there, the others had finished lunch and were ready to head to Madison on the new bike trail which parallels Hwy. 12. Inadvertently, Sherri and Charlotte headed the wrong way, but via cell phone, we got them going the right way.

I drove the van into Madison, with Shana's directions. Shana led Sherri and Charlotte in. We all met up at Shana's apartment, near a park and Lake Wingra. Madison is the state capital, and home to the Univ. of Wisconsin. It is also "Bike City," home to Trek Bicycles. Very bike friendly.

By the time that we all showered, Shana's daddy George showed up, and he took us out to visit Shana's mother Debby, who lives in a nursing home in Mt. Horeb. We all talked to Debby, and although she doesn't speak, we sensed that she appreciated our visit. In the middle of our visit, tornado warnings were the topic on the weather channel. The Wisconsin Dells and Portage were some of the areas being affected.

Back to Shana's apartment, where we had a nice dinner of chicken and hamburgers which Shana's boyfriend Ken had barbequed. The watermelon was great, too. After dinner, everyone but me went to a frozen yogurt place.

We followed George back to his home, where Shana grew up. It was fun for Sherri and Charlotte to sleep in Shana's old bedroom, complete with bunk beds. Her many trophies and awards from competing in gymnastics, karate, logrolling, and fitness events were quite a decor!

Quite tired from the tedious day, but still so grateful for the opportunities to raise awareness and funds for HD research and family services.

With love from America's Dairyland,
Marie, Charlotte, Sherri, and Shana

Route miles - 55
Sherri - 55
Shana - 55
Marie - 13.61 (Lots of SAG driving)
Charlotte - 41
Road Change - 2 cents

We succeeded in packing up and leaving George Martin's home without him waking up!

Shana treated us to breakfast at a retro restaurant called Mickey's Dairy Bar. The football stadium at the U of W could be seen out the front window. Thank you Shana!

At 8:30 am, a reporter and a photographer from the Capitol Times met us at Shana's apartment. The reporter had already done some research on our ride, HD, etc. The photographer had us ride towards him, four abreast and close together. Hope the story and photo make today's newspaper.

Because of our late start, we decided to load up all four bikes, and drive to Cottage Grove, a suburb of Madison, the western terminus of the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail. Charlotte and I set up pre-arranged distances to swap riding and driving the van, and it worked out well.

What, you may ask, is a Glacial Drumlin? I had never heard the word myself. It is a long, slender hill which is formed under moving ice. Drumlins have a steep front with a tapering back that points in the direction from where the ice originated. Drumlins are said to resemble hard-boiled eggs that have been cut lengthwise and laid on their sides. They are made of compressed dirt and rock carried from Canada and Northern Wisconsin. Many are quarried for their gravel.

The full length of the trail is 52 miles. It has been opened for 20 years along an abandoned railroad grade. Most of the trail is surfaced with crushed limestone packed pretty smoothly. The last 13 miles towards the Eastern terminus is paved with asphalt. Best part - FLAT!

We found a great spot for lunch, right off the trail, at Pohlman Park, near Helenville. Water to pump out of the ground, a bathroom, and shaded picnic tables under a shelter.

I drove the van to our destination, while the others rode. They arrived at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Waukesha before I did. Passed a nice park which was dedicated to the Paul and Morgan Hamm, USA Olympic gymnasts. I think Paul won the gold medal in men's all-around in the 2004 Summer Olympics. There was a controversy over the scoring, and the Chinese wanted him to give the gold medal back. We were treated to showers and a snack at the apartment of the Pastor's mother-in-law, Marian. She was so hospitable!

Back to the church. The Pastor invited us to speak briefly at their Wednesday night service. Charlotte did a nice job!

Went to Culver's for a light supper about 8:30 pm. Back to the church, some discussion about tomorrow's route into Milwaukee.

Lights out about 10:00 pm.

With anticipation of arrival at the Convention site tomorrow,
The Meanderers (Marie, Sherri, Charlotte, and Shana)

Route miles - 56
Sherri - 56
Shana - 56
Marie - 28
Charlotte - 28
Road Changed - 1 penny

Got to sleep in some this morning. Charlotte got up at 5:00 am, I got up at 6:00 am, Sherri got up at 7:00 am, and Shana slept in until 9:00 am!! Notice the inverse relationship between age and sleep patterns.

Did a little grocery shopping before eating breakfast. After we ate, we started getting everything ready for the trek together into Milwaukee. After a prayer with Pastor Engen, I led everyone out. Saw the Les Paul Parkway (he of Les Paul and Mary Ford fame, guitarists). Found the New Berlin Trail just a bit further than the directions given us by the Pastor.

The trail surface was crushed limestone, a little slow going, like yesterday on the Glacial Drumlin Trail. But the further East we got, it was more hard-packed and smooth.

We followed signs for the Oak Leaf Trail as we got into West Allis. Went through a couple of Milwaukee County Parks and golf courses. The Oak Leaf Trail has over 100 miles of paved trail in the Milwaukee area.

Got some additional directions from a cyclists who had finished his ride, drove past us once, then came back in his car to advise us. It was very helpful!

Passed Miller Field (home of the American League Brewers).

With excitement building, and within three miles of our destination (The Downtown Hilton), Sherri ran over a glass shard which caused a flat rear tire. But, not to worry ... she was the only one of us who had a spare tube, pump, and necessary tools. She sprang into action, and in about 10 minutes, we were on our way again. I have a new nickname for Sherri - "Wrench Babe."

Rode the last three miles on the sidewalk, somewhat of a "no-no" but safer. Detoured a bit, but finally turned on 5th Street. A huge crowd of folks was waiting outside the Hilton, cheering for our arrival. We knew many of them, from previous rides and Conventions. It was very impressive, and made us feel good, that all those sweaty hours and miles out there, creating awareness and raising funds, are appreciated! Hugs, kisses, and handshakes were exchanged.

When the hubbub subsided, we found George Martin, who had driven the SAG van in for us, from Waukesha. He led us to the van, where we off-loaded our convention clothes, the Hunt-Dis Memorial Phase III quilt, Sherri's bike box filled with ride T-shirts, etc. Charlotte and I loaded our bikes into the van.

George got a bellman to bring a cart for all our gear, including the oxygen concentrator machine I use each night (affectionately called R2-O2). I showered first, as Charlotte was coloring her hair. I ate dinner alone in a mall food court nearby; just needed time to myself to unwind.

Enjoyed a leisurely evening, watching a bit of the Dallas Mavericks/Miami Heat playoff game, but didn't watch long enough to find out who won.

It is a bit of deja-vu with the Men's World Cup soccer getting underway. At my first HDSA National Convention in 1998, the World Cup was being televised then. That was when I met a fellow soccer enthusiast Glenda Blondin Gillihan.

Before I wax poetic, and get too nostalgic, I guess I'll sign off for now. I may not do a Daily Message for each day of the Convention, but I will at least combine days.

I want to publically thank the three ladies who rode with Charlotte and me at various times during the ride: Sandy Lozier, Sherri Kole, and Shana Martin. Each of these women, each from families with HD, brought so much to the ride. It wasn't just their superior bicycling abilities, which far exceed those of Charlotte and me. Their dedication to the cause, their kindness and sweet spirits, were so appreciated. Thanks ladies - each of you is awesome!

With love from Milwaukee,
Marie

Route miles - 25.74 (all of us)
Road Change - 0

The theme of this year's convention is "Help for today, Hope for tomorrow." Quite fitting!

The Opening Ceremony was pretty well attended, maybe 500 people. One of the speakers said that "Milwaukee has been under the radar since LaVerne and Shirley."

The Focus on the Family Care Forum was quite good. More innovative approaches to typical subjects.

Had lunch in the Food Court down the street; ate with Charlotte and Pat Pillis, our Ride Treasurer.

In the afternoon, I attended sessions on Healthcare Planning Along the Continuum of HD and Complimentary Healing Approaches - Nutritional Science. Last session was a small gathering for Networking for JHD Parents. So tragic that youngsters are already showing signs of the disease in their childhood.

The Convention Reception was nice as usual. Sherri, Shana, Charlotte and I were each presented plaques thanking us for our "Bike for the Cure" for HD. After the reception, the National Youth Alliance put on their annual talent show. My favorite was Michelle Routhieaux's clog dancing; what a talented young lady!

An auction for dances with various NYA members was conducted by Billy Aaron Brown, from "Eight Simple Rules for Dating my Teen-aged Daughter," a show that was cut short due to the untimely death of John Ritter.

Rich full day, renewing friendships, meeting new folks, and learning more about HD.

All for now, over and out.

Marie