Ride Report
On October 8, 2011, 17 riders circumvented the 72 plus miles of Lake Pepin along the Minnesota and Wisconsin boarders. The day seemed unseasonably warm despite some strong head and cross winds. At the start on the bluffs of Wacouta, MN eleven riders headed out followed shortly thereafter by “The Sandwich Sisters” in two vehicles. It became immediately obvious that next year a cue sheet would be a nice addition as four of us headed south to the path and seven headed to the north on the road, but we all came out on the same road and headed into Red Wing. I felt a swell of pride as I looked forward and saw that dark line of jerseys cranking their way toward the bridge into Wisconsin.
I was quite taken at the pace this year. Tom and Seth, both accomplished riders lead the grouppo at a solid pace into our first stop at The Haze Loft, Bay City, WI. The shopkeeper at The Flat Iron treated us all to free ice cream! I chose a puff on the inhaler as the next stretch was a two mile plus climb. I was duly impressed with Tina and Theresa’s climbing efforts. They held a steady pace and topped the hill with seeming little effort. I’m still scratching my head how Tony, riding a single speed could push ahead of us geared riders. I used almost every cog on the ring to surmount the 2300 feet climbs all day long. I know this climb was a first for many and while it was not the steepest, it tends to be the most challenging due to the length. As I crested at County Road D, I adjusted and careened down the hill topping out at an exhilarating 39+ miles per hour.
We regrouped our “team,” swapped stories so far and headed on to Nelson, WI. For me, this was the most challenging section with shorter but steeper climbs and a cross wind that seemed relenting when you got caught alone. I found the best spot on the ride was to be caught behind Luke and his broad shoulders. I bet it took the typical 30% exertion savings down to about 50%! While some of us stopped in Nelson, others had taken a quick break in Pepin, WI and went on to Wabasha, MN to meet the six remaining team members who would finish up with us. As we acquainted ourselves with each other, all the riders rolled in. I was so pleased to see everyone together (and get one last sandwich). The shop owners at The Eagle’s Nest Café were delightful. Every rider and support person who went in got praise for their www.crankinstein.net t-shirts and jerseys. Avid animal rescue and ride supporters they will be a definite SAG stop next year and promote our causes. These folks just exuded “Minnesota Nice,” so glad to have met them.
We picked up our six newbie riders and pressed on to Lake City for our now annual “technical” stop at “For Pete’s Sake” bar. Again a cue sheet would have helped as Randy went wayward not knowing where to stop – you might think the bikes outside would be a landmark but the bar lets us bring them inside for safe keeping. This year we had two flats. Both rented bikes got flats, four and ten miles into their journeys. There were a couple lessons learned. First, a quick lesson on how to change a tire and use a CO2 cartridge. Second lesson, how not to change a tire as Ethan’s tube burst at the valve effectively taking him out of the ride. I was proud the way he didn’t let his disappointment get in the way. He helped the SAG teams for the rest of the ride, hung with us all Apré ride and looked forward to defeating the challenges next year. Go Team Crush!
I can’t understand how we seemingly had a headwind in every direction, but I think we did. Kind of a slap in the face to have to pedal downhill after 72 miles! But, for my part I had the best average speed of my Riverlutions at 16.8mph. A very important fact for me was the “firsts” for so many. Dan, leader of “Team Zoolander” and rider of Blue Steel, went his personal best distance, as did Kim, Barb and Fred. Many riders had never ridden with a group like this before. Hats off (literally) to Nicole and Marc. Ben, Molly, Eric you were all wonderful and a big part of what we accomplished: Personal bests, awareness and support for animal rescue and cancer.
The Apré Party was great. The Rush River beer flowed, we poured wine and poured on the stories. Thanks Nancy for the beautiful bike inspired jewelry – it made the Yankee swap a delight.
For next year I will initiate a few changes. First, we will have a “Clue Sheet” for Mike, who, despite the advice of surgeons, three PTs and his wife, rode with determination and a recovering rotator cuff. I hate to congratulate this kind of behavior, but the accomplishment deserves recognition. We will be stopping less and making more sandwiches. I hope next year we secure more sponsors, money per mile not only from riders, but companies and personal fund raising efforts.
From the support of my wife and the sacrifice of my training time, to the coordination of Nancy and Toonsis, plus Debbie and Sheila’s bell ringing, a tremendous “Thank you!” all. We probably brought in over $3000 over-all and netted about $1050 for our causes and I am still hoping to get in some more corporate sponsor money.
Each and every one of you were wonderful and I cannot thank you enough and hope you will roll with us again next year!
