And that’s a wrap on the 2024 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s the Wichita, KS to Wisconsin tour. Sixteen days on the road, 962.58 miles, zero flats and TONS of adventure.
Tidbits from the tour…
Interesting Amish community in Kalona, Iowa. You could hear the horses clip clop on the brick streets before you saw the carriage slip down the alley. As I pedaled out of town I spotted an Amish girl on a bicycle. An e-bike to be exact. It seemed wrong somehow. “Why Grettle… you move with wings on your new bicycle,” said the Elder. “Yes, Silas… under my traditional skirt I have legs that are strong like bull.” At least that’s how I imagined the conversation.
Lots of vintage signs in many small towns. Jack & Jill grocery was in West Branch, Iowa. The same community that was home to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum.
Photo courtesy Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum
Found a couple nice trails on tour. The Badger State Trail went north/south between Monroe, Wi and Madison, Wi. Hard-packed gravel, well market, a couple muddy spots but considering the monsoon rains this summer the trail was actually drier than expected.
I was shocked with the trail system in Madison, WI. Pleasantly so, the trail system reminded me of Germany. Very well marked, painted areas at road crossings, respectful traffic that gave way to bicycles, and lots of people taking advantage of the paved paths. So well marked it got me completely through a very busy Madison. Gold standard.
