Today we have a special treat; a guest blogger-- Mr. John Langhans! We woke up to rain beating on our window but by the time we were dressed and out the door it stopped. The ride was from Wisconsin Dells to Fond du Lac. It was relatively cool (high about 80) and the scenery was beautiful. Much of the ride was on secondary roads with rolling hills and farms. At mile 45 in the town of Princeton the American Legion had a bratfest and I stopped and ate a bratwurst with sauerkraut. We rode on a bike path for 7 miles to the outskirts of Fond du Lac and the rode 3 miles into the center of town to our hotel - and old fashioned 7 story hotel.
Back to the original blogger, Dereka. John, as usual, has focused on the food, but I also thought it was a lovely ride. Who knew that Minnesota and Wisconsin were such nice states? I am thoroughly indoctrinated with the idea that Vermont and Maine are the only truly beautiful states in the country but this trip is changing that idea a bit. (The West was gorgeous but not liveable-- I could see myself in Wisconsin). There was still a few remnants of corn and soybeans but also some nice dairy farms-- including ones that were signposted "BGH Free Farms" and I was pleased to see cows wandering in green grassy fields and not destined for the slaughterhouse. As a newly minted vegetarian I had to forgo the bratwurst but I had a truly splendid ear of sweet corn and some decent potato salad and the people at the American Legion were excited-- "this is the first vegetarian meal we have ever served!".
We had our second SAG in the town of Ripon-- "birthplace of the Republican Party" but we were interested in it more because our dear friends attended Ripon College. Not that we could actually see the campus-- as always on this trip there was no time for sidetrips--but we did see the Ripon College sign.
Both John and I choose the bike path option over the busy state highway 23 and we were glad we did. The picture shows you what it was like-- simply dirt with a grass center but it was charming and quiet-- except for the thrill and trill of birdsong. This was one ride where the last few miles were as pleasant as the first few. I was sorry for the ride to end.
When we were in school Ripon was also the home of Rippin' Good Cookies, Speed Queen washers and dryers, and the Jolly Green Giant. Many of the college buildings were built of local limestone, and the expanse of farmland started at the edge of campus. Rick worked as a bartender his last year of school at a "townie" bar where men used to consume their beers with brandy while their wives shopped on Friday nights.
ReplyDeleteLiz
How many miles was this day, where the last few miles were as enjoyable as the first?
ReplyDeleteFood is important! Good blogging, Dad (and Mom, as always!)
ReplyDeleteHi Dereka and John,
ReplyDeleteI just read your entire blog and am in awe! We drove across the country a couple of years ago, but doing it on bikes is amazing. Minnesota is, indeed, gorgeous; we loved visiting Caroline in college there.
I look forward to the rest of your journey.
xxAnn V.
Hi Dereka,
ReplyDeleteArthur wants you to know he is very worried about you becoming a vegetarian. Does that mean we cannot invite you over for lobster to celebrate your safe return? Your endurance is inspiring!
Sara and Arthur