July 10, 2023

The first day of this trip setting out from Anacortes, WA on June 2, I pedaled 73 miles. I wondered if I could do more than the 50 miles a day as I had roughly planned to do.

It is not always about the distance – Although sometimes – I just can’t get there fast enough. Some factors that come into play when I ride include my average speed which varies depending on the terrain, monitoring my heart keeps me from going too hard, and my cadence sensor helps me keep the pedals turning at around 80 rpms.

These days my average heart rate beats anywhere between 102 106 beats per minute compared to 122 beats a minute on fairly flat terrain on day 1 out of Anacortes.

The faster my speed the faster I get to where I am going, which really does not need an explanation. However, bicycle touring is so dependent of the terrain – road conditions – unexpected stops and unfortunate silent dog chases.

That’s right it is one thing all together to be chased by barking and yapping hounds – but it is an altogether different and a bit disconcerting experience to be chased by large hounds who appear out of no where and they do not bark any warning. They appear out for blood!

So on any given day my speed ranges from an average of between 11.5 mph to 15.2 mph –

After a 99 mile day into Amery, WI – we changed our route to follow a route recommended to us when we stayed at the Bicycle Bunkhouse in Dalbo. The Eastern route along CR64. It has had its advantages and disadvantages.

We don’t rely on the Adventure Cycling maps for rest stops and campsites – not to mention Rob is going along without the benefits of his preprogrammed GPS.

After Amery we landed in Medford, WI after pedaling 65 miles from Bloomer. We found a city park with electricity, a bathroom and the town pool was open until 7:30 – so Rob had a hot shower too.

However, the main advantage is the route is quite direct – due East. There’s very little traffic along the route and the small towns have provided some gems.

Today Rob pedaled 63 miles with the last 20 miles or so in a cool misty rain.

Tonight we camp at a county park in Antigo, WI and we were able to secure the campsite with 50 amp power for two nights. It will feel good to take a day off – a much needed respite from navigating and pedaling. On Friday we will rejoin the Adventure Cycling Maps and camp in Shawano, WI. We plan to make out way to Manitowoc on the shores of Lake Michigan where we will take the ferry across to Ludington, Michigan.

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob