Minnesota Mike's Ride Across America

Day 7, Thursday, Sept.11th, Phelps, WI to Sagola, WI, 68 miles, Total miles 407

Had my snacks for breakfast, no restaurants in town, just the Great Escape Bar and Grill that opens on Wednesday later in the day, luckily I grabbed a burger there last night. The owner is in his late 70’s and plans to work another 10 years, was doing everything himself, serving, cooking, taking cash only, etc. said he was not going to pay for help and have them just sit around. Felt sorry for him.

Still gloomy overcast skies, would sure like to see some sun and I am sure it will do wonders for my mood. Two miles into my ride I turned onto CR A and was greeted by a sign ‘Road Closed Ahead’. I decided to be a rebel and pedaled on albeit on a hard dirt road. A few miles in another sign ‘Bridge Out’. Now what to do….I saw a road crew up ahead, and a road grader operator coming towards me leveling out the dirt. I got off my bike and walked with my head down not wanting to make eye contact. I am sure he was not happy I was there, but I slithered by and walked my bike over the bridge.

Got over the closed bridge and then the road was paved with no traffic for another 13 miles into Nelma. One bar with a grill in town open at 10am. It’s just after 10am I am in luck! No I am not! Grill not open till 11am, drank my ice water left him a dollar and back on bike.

By noon clouds separated and peaks of the sun came out. Hallelujah! Drying the roads out and changing my mood!

As I was riding in to Iron River, I was guided down the road with three bald eagles leading the way, swooping right ahead of me. Was so cool.

Grabbed a sandwich and peach at IGA store and now need to find a place to enjoy it. Rode a few more miles in to Caspian, MI and stopped at a ball field with a picnic table. Was able to shed my jacket, enjoying the sunshine.

Rode on a bike trail for a few miles and got to a large town, Crystal Falls and there is an ice cream store! As I was enjoying it a young guy talked with me and told me his goal is to run across America. What??!!

Got in to Sagola, MI, a town with Dollar General, 4 room motel and BP station. No room available, but they graciously offered to let me camp in back of motel. I will take it!