Sat. 8/14/10

Well, I made it (again).

The annual Dawn to Dusk (number XIV) was this past Saturday.

We had 16 riders roll out of Lakeville just after 6:00am. This year Pat followed along in his truck, so with a SAG we all packed a bit different (except Steve, who went ole school and carried most of what he needed).

We picked one rider on the way to Northfield and another 10 riders at Northfield, now 27 riders headed south and east toward Pine Island.

As we neared Pine Island most of the short-timers turned back, so we were now down to our 13 original riders (one of the starters turned back at mile 55 and a couple of others headed back with the Northfield group) and five other Northfield riders who were continuing on a bit further.

We rolled in and out of Mazeppa and up toward Chef's. We passed Big Jim going the opposite direction, on the way. After a quick stop and regroup at Chef's we headed for Lake City.

At Lake City three Northfield guys headed for home and the rest of us 15 headed for Wabasha. At Wabasha, Ted's in-laws were there with a terrific lunch all setup and ready for us. Not only delicious, but a very fast and relaxing lunch stop. Great idea, Ted. And many thanks to the in-laws for the much appreciated lunch.

Then i was on to Nelson and up the Wisconsin side of the river. Here is were I first felt my left calf start to complain. And it continued to complain until we reached Red Wing. So, needless to say I suffered up the big climb after Maiden Rock.

The group split a bit as we left Bay City, but we caught back on just as the group rolled into Red Wing. Then is was onto the Cannon Valley trail for the 20+ miles of high tempo riding to Cannon Falls. Again, the group split a bit, but we eventually all regrouped at the Econo Foods in Cannon Falls. Even Pat eventually found his way there, so we could all get stocked up on water and gatorade. Except Shad had to get some roasted chicken from the store.

Then is was westward and northward back to Lakeville. We got just some very light sprinkles and had some nice cooling cloud cover as we rolled back to Lakeville. A much welcome rest after the warm sun of most of the day.

With the fantastic SAG support and the terrific lunch in Wabasha, we made record time back to Lakeville and were easily back before 8:00pm.

I vote for SAG support and the picnic lunch every year!!!

I'm really spoiled now.