Day 29

La Crosse, WI to Spring Green, WI

• Miles: 101 mi

• Elevation Gain: 4,576 ft

Today’s Ride
Day 29 took us from La Crosse to Spring Green, WI, through the stunning Driftless Area and Amish country. It was beautiful — rolling farmland, lush trees, and endless hills. But those hills were no joke: short, steep, and described to us as “short and violent.” At moments we hit a 16% grade. Even if it was short-lived, it definitely tested the legs!

In the past eight days, we’ve cycled 801 miles. No wonder I feel it. I was absolutely exhausted today, and after a poor night’s sleep, I was teetering on cranky. Thankfully, my wonderful cycling friends pulled me through with laughter and encouragement.

Highlights & Challenges

• ☕ Our second rest stop at Wonderstate Coffee — such a treat to actually sit and savor a cup of coffee mid-ride.

• 🐎 Less fun: 101 miles of bumpy roads littered with cracks, holes, and horse poop to dodge. A smooth stretch of pavement feels priceless right now!

• 🌄 The Driftless landscape was breathtaking — endless rolling hills and wide skies.

• 🦟 And let’s not forget the Wisconsin mosquitoes. They’ve been eating us alive at every stop — an added challenge we weren’t exactly training for!

Tomorrow we roll just 54 miles into Madison for our third rest day! I can’t wait. We’ll be treated to a picnic at the Capitol Building, plus a tour and reception at Trek HQ. Even more exciting — Steve is joining me tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see him!

Saturday, my brother Wade, his wife Nicole, and my niece and nephew Addison and Henry are coming for lunch, and my coach Tom Murray (who also coaches a few other riders here) is joining us for dinner and even riding with us on Sunday!

I am more than ready for a rest day — an entire day off the bike sounds like heaven. But I’m also grateful for another day of laughter, challenge, and the beauty (mosquitoes included) of Wisconsin.

My internet is very slow tonight - I will post pictures tomorrow!