We completed the last day of our 2025 segment going from Prairie du Chien to Cassville, WI. We rode south through town and crossed the Wisconsin River just before the confluence with the Mississippi. It’s interesting (to me anyways) having seen the headwaters of both rivers, how they can become huge bodies of water. After crossing the Wisconsin, we rode up our first big climb of the day near Wyalusing State Park. It was about 1.2 miles of constant climbing with some steep parts thrown in. Speaking of climbing…normally – I am one to push up a hill as hard and fast as possible, and my goal is always to be first – especially when riding my lightweight bike, whose name is “Bluey”. Not because I want to “win” but because I know that the more I push up hills, the stronger my legs are and the better I am as a cyclist and a runner. I use the competitive part of my brain to push my training.  

HOWEVER – when on a touring bike with 40+ pounds of gear strapped to the sides and as aerodynamic as a brick wall – the riding attitude is completely different. It’s about saving energy, enjoying the climb, and savoring the time on the bike. Instead of racing to the top, being the last of the group is fine and I have no issue chugging along at 3 – 4 mph. The overall work is about the same but it’s a totally different mindset! That is the same with all my bike touring, sometimes it’s about cruising down the road listening to the hum of the tires, the wind in the trees and soaking in the scenery. I believe it’s good for the soul! 

We cruised up the hill and then back down on a wonderful coasting descent. All that effort climbing is worth it when you can coast for a couple of miles down at 20+ mph. We went through a couple small towns (Wyalusing and Bagley) and then took a chance on an alternate route. I had seen a gravel road on some maps that ran along the train tracks and connected the towns of Bagley and Glen Haven and it looked interesting. I just hadn’t seen that anyone else had ridden bikes down it… so we took a chance and diverted to the road. If you are EVER near Bagley or Glen Haven, WI you need to drive, ride, run, or walk this road. It was so beautiful. Deep woods, views of the river, rock overhangs, clear streams. Sometimes you just have to get off the established route and do some exploring!

We took a break in Glen Haven, did our last climb of the trip and then rode to Cassville, about 15 miles away. We finished at the parking lot of the Eagles Roost Resort (a great place to stay in Cassville FYI) which completed this segment.

In 2023, we road from Cedarville, IL to Burlington, IA (184 miles). In 2024, we rode from Itasca, MN to Hastings, MN (314 miles) and then did a two-day drip from Thompson, IL to Cassville, WI (97 miles). This year we filled in the puzzle piece and connected Cassville, WI to Hastings, MN (245 miles). Our total for the adventure so far, 15 days of riding and 840 miles. 

Our squad for this trip included Marcy and Bob Folgate. Marcy road all the miles and Bob rode a bunch on his mountain bike and moved their van along the route. He provided shade and water and transport when needed! Our squad also included Josh and Kelly Fosler. Josh rode 3 of the days and Kelly moved the van and provided food, water, and transport all 5 days. Kelly is our foodie and continues to find cool places to eat and even delivers it to us on some of our lunch/break times. Popsicles and pie were special treats from Kelly this ride. Mel and I are very blessed to have friends to ride with, laugh with, eat with, and share life with, all while peddling along the river.

Thanks for reading along!