WI Hill Country Day 3 - Viroqua to Mauston

PAC Tour is supplementing the motel continental breakfasts with the same great oatmeal and assorted fresh fruit toppings.  The riders appreciate this "bonus" as it helps to get the day off to a good start.

Overall climbing was somewhat less today, although punctuated with some tough steep hills.  One prankster (not sure if an outsider or rider) had cleverly modified one of Lon's white 'W' arrows at the bottom of a steep, curvy downhill into a U-turn shape.  I doubt if anyone fell for it, but we did joke that it was a special route marking for Rod from IL who has been making a practice of deliberately adding in extra miles, often riding back up a hill that he just descended.

Today's highlight was 35 miles on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a converted railroad bed now used for bikers.  I didn't see any evidence of equestrian traffic (which was fine, if you know what I mean).  The surface is hard pack (crushed limestone) and no problem even for 25 mm wide tires (wider would have been more comfortable).  By the end of the trail, most of us were ready for some pavement.

Tomorrow's ride is 76 miles from Mauston to Spring Green.

Bike museum in Sparta shares building with a space museum

Tandem bike used for record setting cross country race by Lon Haldeman and Pete Penseyres

Starting down the Elroy-Sparta State Trail (from Sparta end)