2018 Mississippi River Ride: Day 25: Friday, 06/01/18, Red Wing to Minneapolis, MN

Map of today's ride:

Distance of Today's Ride: 61.8 miles

Trip Total Distance: 1743.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2920 feet

Riding Time: 4:19 hrs:mins

The first phase of our ride up the Mississippi River was completed today. We rode 61.8 miles from Red Wing, Minnesota, primarily in Wisconsin, until we re-crossed the border into Minnesota about 30 miles outside our motel destination near the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The day started out at 68 degrees, cooler than any other since leaving New Orleans. It also started cloudy and we thought we might get wet, but the rain held off and it was actually sunny by the time we reached Bloomington. Wind was not a problem. This has been an amazing trip weather-wise. Although it has been very warm, wind was only a factor on the second to last day. Also, we only rode in rain two times. Pretty phenomenal bicycling weather!

Tomorrow we will take a rest day, and then Mindy and Wayne/Dad will continue the ride for another approximate 250 miles to the actual headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota. Cheryl (Wayne's wife) and Lance (Mindy's husband) met us when we arrived at the hotel in Bloomington and will provide SAG support for us during the second phase of our ride.

On our final day, everyone wore their America by Bicycle jersey. This is the start of our ride out of Minnesota crossing back into Wisconsin and finally ending in Minnesota.

A picture of our friends from West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Peter and Susan. The water in the background is the Saint Croix River which is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It's approximately 169 miles long and is essentially the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. This was the location of our one and only SAG stop on our final riding day!

Doug and Kathy are from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Bob (left), Mindy and Melissa (right). Bob provided the humor on our trip! On day one, he said he just started training 3 months ago...he left us in the dust! He is from Walnut Creek, CA. Melissa, a support member, was the inspiration and support to get us up the hills. In addition to her moral support and positive attitude, she will cut the crust off of PB&J sandwiches for Dad/Wayne!

America by Bicycle riders Ernie (left), Paul (middle) and fellow rider Lon's wife (right)...

In regards to food... Paul introduced us to Whitey's Ice Cream. It's an ice cream parlor based in Moline, IL and an icon of the Illinois and Iowa Quad cities founded in 1933. He brought in several tubs after a dinner in Moline.

Lon's wife brought us chocolate brownies and peanut butter Krispies to our SAG stop today near the Saint Croix River...YUM!

Mike and Barb of Salem, OR and Oro Valley, AZ.

Susan and Ward of Aurora, OH.

Dad/Wayne with his British friends... Tim (left) and Richard (right).

Pictured in order from left to right Alex, Ruth, Keith, Paula and Michael. Alex and Paula are from Australia. Ruth and Keith are from Clermont, FL. This speedy team of four rode together in London/Italy. Michael, our mechanic from the Phoenix area, is pictured on the right...minus his cape!

Lon's family and new addition (Luke the dog) are on the left. Lon's wife is responsible for the delicious treats at our SAG stop today. Nick (2nd from right) is also from the United Kingdom. He and Dad enjoyed a number of ice cream treats together. Nick also shared the special Meghan and Harry wedding pins. Lon (right) was key to bringing in Dad/Wayne and Mindy to the hotel this afternoon. Lon and family reside in a Hastings, MN. He was the local so we couldn't go directionally wrong!!