The Ridge & Valley Ramble

Summary

This is a scenic ride from Prairie du Chien to the 8 high schools of the Ridge and Valley conference: Wauzeka, Ithaca, Weston, La Farge, Kickapoo, North Crawford, Seneca and De Soto. The route winds along 3 river valleys (Wisconsin, Kickapoo and Missisippi) and, starting on the river in Prairie du Chien, a person could make the 200+ miles with only 2 major climbs-- getting from one valley to the next. 2006 was an educational 210 mile, 16 hour day. 2007 was a triumphant ride of 212 miles with an extra early morning climb thrown in for good measure.

2006 2006: Mile 153, spirit at an all time low. Heading directly into the wind I crumbled alongside the road here. This flag was taunting me as I lay there hoping the vultures wouldn't find me. 2006 was back when I was young and stupid, and had no idea how to stay nourished and/or hydrated on a leisurely 200+ mile ride. I think you call that a 'bonk'. Took about an hour to get some blood sugar back and drink some water. Eventually got rolling again and finished up the ride-- still looked miserable on the 32 mile home stretch down the Mississippi valley where this wind was at my back. Apparently nothing could help.

2007 2007: Mile 153, same flag, different world. Turning the big ring along the ridge top rollers with the wind directly at my back. Stopped for a picture of this flag and to smell the roses. Fully nourished, hydrated, and electrolytes balanced. The hint of clouds in the sky was icing on the cake-- it clouded over during what would have been the heat of the afternoon, then cleared out again in time for a nice sunset. Soaked up the tailwind for about 20 miles on the ridge, broke 47 mph on the way down to the Mississippi at De Soto, then turned south, rode the last 35 miles on the drops and didn't really notice the head wind on the home stretch.

Take 2: 6/9/07 212 miles, solo and unsupported

scroll over blue Pxx on map for photos along the way.
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The Ridge and Valley Ramble. Take 2. June 9, 2007

This was a long one. Quick visit to all 8 high schools of the Ridge and Valley conference. Rode all day without yielding the right of way to a car, no traffic signals, and only 1 (exempt) RR crossing. Gotta love the elevation plot: first climb in the morning was just to get warmed up; miles 10-50 are heading upstream along the Wisconsin River; then there was a climb up out of the valley for a couple of schools; mile 100 drops into the Kickapoo River valley, heading downstream (rollers outweigh the downward trend) for a few schools, then an ass-kicker at mile 143. Back to the ridge top for a spell before dropping into the Mississippi Valley at De Soto (mile 175). Then the home stretch is smooth sailing downstream (except for a couple of rollers near mile 200-- those hurt). Great day.

More route info through sanoodi.com
9500 feet of climbing during the day. Extreme? Nah. Well, maybe...

No speed records were set out there... progress was slow and steady. There are some recorded data here. Averaged 15.9 while in the saddle, stopped only to refill water bottles and mix sports drink.