West. Day 7.

June 15, 2016

Lake of the Falls to Hayward, Wisconsin

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Photo opp near Schienebeck's Shanty in Butternut (where I finally got breakfast).

POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD 6/15/16 Wednesday

Not surprising, the restaurant listed on my Adventure Cycling map as being one mile from last night’s campsite turned out to be a bar. I had been looking forward to my first breakfast out. Ah well, there were three more potential eateries before Butternut, 24 miles down the quiet, rolling road.

I eased back for the ride, opting for the granny gear at the peaks of the hills to conserve energy.

Was that another cyclist coming this way?

Nope. A humongous BLACK BEAR was ambling along in the other lane, apparently enjoying the damp morning as much as I was.

I came to a quick halt, which isn’t hard to do when you are creeping uphill at 5 mph.

He hadn’t seen me yet. I yelled, “Bear!”

He bounced to a stop, reminding me of how my black lab Gus stands all huffy when he senses something in the woods.

The bear’s ears stood up like satellite dishes. It was a standoff.

I snapped my teeny bicycle bell. The bear bounded right and hightailed it into the woods.

“Yo bear! Didn’t the coyote warn you about me?”

The sun was bright between raindrops and I felt strong when I reached my sixty-mile goal mid-afternoon. Hell, it was only twenty-three more miles to Hayward.

Eight miles later the storm turned serious. Dow's Bar appeared like a mirage.

Maybe I shouldn't have gone for it. But if I hadn't, I wouldn't have met this fun couple and their two friends in the bar. They were on vacation hoping for a bike ride. The rain chased them inside too. After sharing tall tales, they offered me a ride. Who's to argue?

The first of many road-angels, I gave them my Leader Dogs for the Blind puppy counselor card with my email and phone number, but neglected to get their information. And now I can't remember their names.

Thank you, kind strangers!

My free ride to the Hayward KOA.

And a dry tent.