38-Glidden-Hayward: Monet in Wisconsin 

55.7 miles/ +1645.1 ft/ Total miles 1799.4

Today was the most photogenic day, maybe of the entire trip. 

I found Monet!

Wisconsin:

Monet:

OK, one is real art and the other just a photo on the road. I was inspired!

Here’s another beautiful spot I passed today:

I stopped for water and a Milky Way across from the driveway to a golf course outside of Hayward, and the owner took a photo of me with the sign. I promised to put it in today’s post.

Just east of Hayward I met two cyclists who are also riding cross-country — but with sag support! Ha! I guess I forgot something! They are riding carbon fiber bikes, just one bag to carry a few items. Of course, they can do more miles per day than I can, but somehow, the real “tour” experience is somewhat less. I really do like self-contained touring, carrying everything I need on my bike, not needing a motor vehicle at all. But everyone gets to choose the way to do the ride they want to do, and whatever gets a person outside doing something active is the right thing for them. 

Hayward is about 2.5 miles off the Adventure Cycling route but I decided to ride into town to stop at the bike shop: 1) air in tires and 2) see if I could get rid of squeaky sound in the right pedal. I stopped at both bike shops in town, and the mechanic at New Moon Ski and Bike was really helpful. He carved out some of the rubber on the soles of my shoes, moved the cleats slightly back, which I hope will lead to more comfortable riding, and replaced the tube in the rear tire (still losing air too fast). So I hope all will work better tomorrow. Thank you New Moon!

As a result of bike shop adventures, I missed visiting the Hayward Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Next time …