Not the Breakfast I was Counting On

July 1, 2025

I woke up early today figuring I’d get an early start on my 80 mile day. I couldn’t get breakfast at the Marathon gas station until 6am so I figured I would just pack up and ride over then. Packing up was fun…not. Between the temperature, the humidity, and the dew point Chateau Nemo was really wet. Never fun packing a wet tent and rain cover and ground tarp. Strike One!

But hey I was still so excited to get a Marathon gas station breakfast sandwich. They were my favorite on my TransAmerica trip. WHAT, you don’t make breakfast sandwiches!!! Gatorade and half a brownie for breakfast 😳. Strike Two!

Started riding at 6:15am. It was only about 59 degrees and yet by 6:36am I was dripping with sweat. That would have been strike three, but it was beat out by some people’s total disrespect for the Roadrunner and the cartoon rules (see the photos). Strike Three!

And finally, could someone please tell the Amish and/or Mennonites to clean up after their horses. The buggies are cool, but it was like playing Frogger the old video game dodging all the horse manure on the road.

But not surprising, the day got way better. The route was rolling with mostly 3-5% uphill grades, sometimes going as steep as 6-9%, but nothing very long. For the most part it was either a ride through the forest or a ride along the lakes and ponds or both. What an amazingly beautiful part of the country. If not for Ian and Zeke, I’d be working hard to convince Mrs G that we need to move here, right on one of the lakes I passed (and I’d even buy a boat and learn to fish). I took a few pictures, but honestly they don’t do the landscape any justice (could be that I am lousy photographer).

Newsflash! Wisconsin gas stations have been vindicated! At about 10:30am, I stopped at a gas station for a Gatorade and YES they had my coveted breakfast sandwich.

Getting close to the end of the ride, I think about 15 miles to go, I stopped at a bar to get some ice for my water. Seems like most establishments in the area are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. But the owner opened the bar for me and got me some ice and refilled my water bottle. Shout out to Christina from Moose Lake,WI. Stop in and say hello if you’re ever in the area.

Less than 10 miles to go, I stopped to take a picture of some roadside flowers. Dumb move…the dumber move was I killed a horse fly or hornet or horse hornet (all I know is it was big and eager to get a piece of my flesh). I am sure you’re thinking killing the monster was a smart move. I thought so too until for the next 8 or so miles, all of the dead monster’s friends and relatives chased me…seriously they did. It was a mad sprint to get away from them but they just kept coming. I got bit or stung or whatever they do once, killed three more and got to Clam Lake Junction safely and not too much worse for wear.

Resting up for a 94 mile day tomorrow. Probably will start early again but who knows…

One final tidbit…if you’re traveling out this way, bring cash. It seems like every bar has a cash only policy. But don’t worry, there’s an ATM in every bar.

Bye for now

Even I was disappointed that I had to eat a brownie for breakfast. So much so that I only ate half. I did get an apple later. Does that cancel out my bad brownie choice?

Wiley never wins and he isn’t allowed to choke the Roadrunner. I thought about knocking on the people’s door and explaining the error of their ways. But discretion being the better part of valor, I rode on.

This isn’t the lake where I put an offer in on a house (only kidding Mrs G), but is an example of the myriad lakes I rode past over the past two days.

A large portion of today’s ride was tree lined on both sides of the road. It was like constantly riding through a forest.

Shout out to Christina. Didn’t want her picture taken so I just took one of her place.

Roadside flowers and the start of the assault of the killer flies or bees or monsters. I guess they are pretty protective of their flowers.

Today's ride: 80 miles (129 km)
Total: 517 miles (832 km)

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Max GordonHope tomorrow’s breakfast is more appetizing
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