55.1 miles / +2920 ft/ Total miles 1638.4
I made it into Wisconsin, but not before Michigan gave me a big kick in the rear. See elevation gain for the day, above. And those were steep hills, on a hot humid day.
And then in the last two miles, Michigan tossed this one my way:
Which looked like this:
Fortunately, at Escanaba (Warmshowers), the west-to-east cyclist had told me about the road closed signs and that it would not be difficult to get my bike across. So I tossed the panniers off, carried the bike across the gap, ran back for the bags and was on my way.
The ride was especially difficult today, not only because of the hills but also the lack of services along the way. Almost no stores or restaurants. When a gas station mini-mart is considered to be a “grocery store,” you know the services are sparse. So I carried three full water bottles, a Gatorade, and bread, peanut butter and jelly, all of which added to the weight I’m carrying and made those hills a little steeper. But I did not run out of food or water.
When I got into Wisconsin, the route took me on County “A,” which is wonderful. A road engineer actually laid out the road, put in some cuts and fills, made sure there is sight distance, etc. What a pleasant surprise, after the UP back roads in Michigan. I hope the nice roads – and light traffic – will continue for a while.
Judy's Bike Ride 2017 
Sounds like a very challenging day, but you can check off one more ‘completed’ state! You are really clipping along though I suppose it might not feel like like it when it you have to carry your bike across a ditch… I hope Wisconsin roads, weather, and hills treat you well – should be a beautiful part of the state.
Judy – great trip across the U.S.. At Phelps you’re not too far from Land O’ Lakes (where butter comes from?). And it looks like you’ll pass a bit south of Bayfield where you could catch a ferry to the Apostle Islands (a wonderfully remote, wild flower covered, set of islands off the north coast of Wisconsin. Have a great trip across the Dairy State and enjoy some fresh curd (squeaky cheese as we used to call if down in Richland Center where I was raised). Red
Glad you got a preview of the road cut before you got there! And the elevation gain sounded intense especially with the extra weight. I hope Wisconsin is a nice ride.