Doug is getting on a train today and will arrive in Cleveland early tomorrow. He sounds like a kid who got out of a very disappointing camp early and can't wait to get home.

Trip from Manitowoc, WI to Red Wing, MN

Trip from Manitowoc, WI to Red Wing, MN

Saturday, June 12

Doug rode 65 miles to Red Wing MN where he talked to some people about options to get home. They thought his best bet would be to get the train from Winona so he rode 65 miles back to Winona. He rode over 130 miles today! He's resting and then will go to Amtrack this evening to see about getting a train to Cleveland tomorrow. He is tired of being cold, wet and lonely and the forecast is for more rain. It's just not fun. He thinks the trip might be fun if he had some company but he misses us and is coming home. He rode at least 836 miles on this trip.

Friday June 11

Doug is still in Winona resting, doing laundry, drying out his gear, eating the rest of yesterday's pizza and drinking the rest of the beer. They are having thunder storms.

Trip from Manitowoc, WI to State Route 43, Winona, MN 55987

Trip from Manitowoc, WI to State Route 43, Winona, MN 55987

Doug took a break at McDonald's in Onalaska (free wifi) had coffee and watched the clouds roll in. He wrote "Good ride so far. Chance of thunderstorms today." He is in an AmericInn again. "I'm finally in Minnesota -Winona. There was a 'Welcome to Minnesota' sign on the bridge across the Mississippi but it was raining to hard to stop and take a photo. 80 miles to get here, 40 in the rain." He is feeling good and enjoyed the whirlpool. I guess life is better in a hotel room with pizza, beer and TV than in a cold, wet, dark, cramped tent with Ramen noodles and water. Who knew? Photos: 3 mile downhill heading into Sparta Wi and a Park in Sparta

Wed, June 9

Good news! It is NOT raining for Doug today, according to the weather report. It is, however, windy. He's planning to get to Tomah WI today.
Doug's email:
Today was tough, I left at 6:30 to try and beat some of the wind. By 10:00 I had gone about 30 miles, then the wind started. It increased to about 20 mph before the end of the ride.
At 6 miles from my projected route there was a detour that added about 10 miles. Total mileage for the day, 75 average speed 11.1. I got here about 2:30 but I was whipped. I going to try to reach Winona Mn tomorrow. Looks like I might have a slight tailwind.
Having beer in my room to help recover.
I talked to him on the phone. He is in a good mood. Might be the beer. Might be all those supportive emails.