Today I went to the center of the square
We said goodbye this morning to Madison, Jason and Edie. This past week with them has been absolutely wonderful. From opportunities to ride new trails, not having to carry gear, spending quality time together and more. They are wonderful friends and we'll miss them till we get home again.
Then most of the day was spent along local county roads. Back home these would most likely have been gravel but it seems around here everything is paved. To me this is quintessential Wisconsin. Small farms, barns, corn, and cows tucked into tree covered hills.
Hills were the course of the day. Feels like Art wanted to send us over every one. Ha! Baraboo was our first major town. We followed a lovely river walk and rolled past the Circus Museum. It's on the old Ringling Brothers winter training grounds and has several historic buildings as well as a still running attraction center. They have elephants, camels, and more. I focused mainly on the historical plaques.
Merrimack was up next and featured a FREE ferry ride across the lake. What makes this ferry really cool is that it's cable drawn. Two cables run the entirety of the crossing and the boat pulls itself back and forth. Very easy to get on for both cars and people. A perfectly placed ice cream shop right on the shore had just the thing I needed while waiting for the ferry. A salted caramel, chocolate chunk waffle cone. Flavor name: "This $#!& Just Got Real". The time between runs was pretty perfectly at one waffle cone.
Then on to Madison. Metro riding always requires a different set of skills as you have to pay attention to different things. However the city is well set up for bikes with trails, side paths and protected lanes. I headed down to the lake and enjoyed watching the boats. The. It was up the hill to the capitol for a pic and then to our hotel. We had supper at one of Alex's favorite sandwich shops and a great evening in area. We get a rest day next and I don't plan on setting an alarm.
'till next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 63.58
Feet Climbed Today: 3,005
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