Day 39 – July 12 – Red Wing, MN to Winona, MN – 70 Miles

We got bit of a late start today in terms of beating the heat. It was already quite warm by our 8:30 departure.  We followed the Great River Road south out of Red Wing.   It follows the river as well as the Canadian Pacific Railroad.  Traffic was moderate and the shoulder was adequate in most places.  The railroad was busy, we were often accompanied by CP freight trains.  Early in the ride we could not see the river as we were about ½ mile west.  We finally caught a glimpse at Lake City, MN where the river forms Lake Pepin.

The terrain was along the river had some hills but none that were a great challenge.  We were challenged the entire day with a headwind out of the south.  We had an early lunch in Lake City.  South of Lake City the topography of the road became somewhat repetitive as it followed the base of the bluffs and ridges along the west bank.  The road would rise as it curved east toward the river, the crest of hill would come as the road curved back to west.  At the bottom of that hill, the road would again curve toward the river to the east as it rose, crest the hill and curve downward to the west.  To a great extent, the road followed this pattern, much of the remaining 40 miles to Winona.  Each time we would crest the hill we would have a different vantage of the Mississippi and bluffs in Wisconsin to the east.

We could start seeing the signs of the drought in the Midwest.  The grass at our camp is parched and dormant.  Several fields of corn as well as soy beans were withered.

By the time we reached Winona, we were exhausted from battling the constant headwind.  We decided to get dinner before riding 3 miles to Prairie Island Campground on the banks of the river.  After setting up camp a hot shower was welcome relief from the effects of this challenging day.

Tomorrow we continue south and anticipate crossing into Iowa.  Some forecasts show the chance of showers overnight and tomorrow.

One of those “thoughts” that came to mind today…

While this ride is about raising funds for water security projects in Malawi, it has been interesting to experience the differences in drinking water right here in the U.S.  Everyday we fill our 100 oz Camelbacks in the morning, and typically again in mid afternoon.  Each time we experience a change in the taste, and sometimes, the palatability of the product of the various water systems along our route.  Today for instance, the water from Red Wing was some of the least drinkable of the trip.  Even with ice, I still felt thirsty after a drink.  This afternoon, we re-filled in Wabasha, MN with some of the better tasting water.  It made the difference for our tough afternoon.  The variations in drinking water along our ride, has made me appreciate however, the fact that we can pretty much go anywhere in our country and find safe water to drink.  It may not taste the best but it is safe.  It is not the same in many developing countries.  It is not the same in Malawi.