Red Wing

Took the 7:50 Empire Builder to Red Wing. Now, Amtrak allows only folding bikes on board. But with $9, a wink, a nod and a few obsequious words to the conductor we were able to sneak our full mounts on board, if only as far as Red Wing, MN. Far enough.

This got us to the northern corner of the driftless area. We skipped over the Mississippi to Wisconsin and savored miles of smooth, quiet riding. Up Trimbelle Coulee: birds singing, tires humming and no traffic. The only complaints we heard were from a group loading the first haying to the hayloft. Damn hot work today.

A beautiful and uneventful ride. We were due for a quiet one.