St Croix Falls to Rice Lake
56miles / 1,827ft climb
As I write this, I have just passed the 2,500 mile mark. I have less than 2,000 miles to cycle and I feel physically in good form right now. The cycling, although challenging, has become easier as time goes on. We think nothing of doing 60 miles a day, every day. So, ‘nothing’ may be a slight exaggeration but cycling long distances have become our daily routine and we just do it, without question.
The ride to Rice Lake was tough. We had, yet again, a strong headwind, we had 60miles and 2,000ft to climb which included a stretch of gravel which is never easy or fast. We lost John at mile 20 or and we didn’t regroup until we were at the hotel around 5pm, some 40 miles later with no way of contacting each other.
I was fortunately with Paul and Caroline so of course felt completely safe and confident that we three would make it but it is much more of a challenge if any one of us is on our own especially if there is no way of making contact.
I’ve been bitten on both hands, through my gloves and they are each itchy, hot and swollen. The nurse in me wants to remove my rings before they swell any further but it is too late, there is no way those rings are coming off!
The physical challenge I am coping with but the psychological challenge of doing this repeatedly for 60 days has got the better of me today. I’m tired, emotional and in need of some sleep.💤
Challenging Times 
I’m so sorry this is delayed feedback but ditto all of above, you are a star and true inspiration and clearly (as you’re now on Day 87!!!), you’ve got this xx I mean, I am feeling sorry for any future girlfriends of C, R, K as a lot to live up to!!
Sounds like a tough day today, and that hand! 😳 Hopefully a good nights sleep and you’ll feel better. Amazing that you are well over half way now! XX
Oh Alison, sending you lots of love, I just want to hug you. Those hands look so sore. You are so amazing and I know you can do this, I am thinking of you and hope you managed to get some sleep. I am allowing myself a little worry xxx
You are such an inspirati
Hi Alison, Sending you love and a hug. What a day for you both. Glad you all met up safely. A bit unnerving for you all being divided 3:1 until John found you all. You’ve got this, Alison. You’re doing tremendously. That hand does look sore and inflamed. I hope you’ve got access to some oral antihistamines with you! Even the mosquitoes here are vicious this year, with the heatwaves we’ve been having. Keep pedalling. Xxx
Hi Nici, thanks for your words of encouragement and support. It is much appreciated. X
Sending virtual love and hugs to you. Hope you’ve had some decent sleep, some tender loving care.
You are strong, 💪 and amazing and hopefully today you feel that.
Love you sis…you got this! Xx
🥰
I can’t get my head around the mental toll, nor how remarkable how well you are all coping with the physical side. Chapeau!