Thank You Sir Elton

June 30, 2025

Lots to share today and some of it might actually be about the ride.

Let’s start with some trivia…Where does the USA’s #1 tribute to Nirvana take place? Maybe the real question should be why and how does Ian know that. The answer will be included along with the picture section of today’s post.

Now let’s get political 😳. Yesterday I rode to the post office to mail the post cards to Little Ian and Zeke. An old guy (look who’s calling someone old) walked out with his mail and asked me where I came from. I said I had just ridden in from Minnesota. How was I to know that was one of his trigger points. Anyway, he went off on me and Minnesota and then governor and just about everything related to Minnesota and the people that live there. Normally I would have said we’ll have a great day and walked away. But given his age and size, I figured if it came to blows, I could take him. Well we engaged in about 15 minutes of civil conversation (once I told him I was just riding from Minnesota and that I didn’t live there). In the end we shook hands and agreed that we’ve got lots of problems and that the only way they get solved is if people with different points of views can engage in civil debate and compromise for the greater good versus themselves. Bet you didn’t see that coming…neither did I.

Last night after I posted, I met Aaron and Lasse. They are zwei junge Männer from Germany who came over for 3 months to ride from Boston to Portland,OR. They are the first long distance cyclists I’ve run into on this trip. It was fun to hear about their travels and challenges, and to give them some idea for places to stay (sanctioned and unsanctioned …post offices 😉).

Oh you’re still here and you’re waiting to hear about the ride…Today was another casual ride through beautiful country. It started on River Road (self explanatory) and then Sir Elton stepped in. I had the pleasure of riding the Gandy Dancer Trail. Come on, you remember the Elton John lyrics…hold me closer Gandy Dancer…Those were the original lyrics before Bernie convinced Elton to change them. Either way it was a gravel trail, unbelievably well maintained and just a great way to start the day. The rest of the ride was pretty much all on country roads lined with trees, fields, ponds, lakes, and very few cars or people. Went through a few small towns that can only be described as quaint (in a very positive way). And I finally saw my first Dollar General, but still haven’t eaten at a gas station. Honestly, I am so enjoying myself. But if I must complain about something, it’s the humidity…I know that’s a first world problem.

Tonight I am staying in Chateau Nemo in the town of Haugen, WI at the intersection of county roads V and M. Very convenient as it is right on the route and no detours required to get there.

Ok time for dinner.

Until tomorrow…

My German friends. They are childhood friends and 22 and 24 years old. Not sure why i didn’t do this when I was young. Better late than never.

And the answer to the trivia question is…

If you look carefully you’ll see the trail name Gandy Dancer.

Joyce Martin…this barn picture is for you 😉

I thought you’d enjoy a little scenery. This was taken right near Hunky Dory Road in Balsam WI and yes that’s a real road name

Did a little laundry today and used PSG as a clothes line. But then it rained and I had to put everything into the tent.

Today's ride: 66 miles (106 km)
Total: 437 miles (703 km)

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