Day 37 - Our ride to the Wisconsin State capital of Madison

We started our 75-mile day in La Valle, Wisconsin and enjoyed the first 8 miles on the rail trail we were on yesterday. Relatively cool temperatures and shade from the trees along the path gave us a good start to the day. This was almost immediately replaced by hot pavement, lots of full sun and rising temperatures, like a slap in the face, we knew this would be a hot one! Today topped out at 95 degrees with not much of any breeze. Lots of hills and valleys added up to 3,000 feet of climbing as we headed for the capital and eventually to my sister-and-brother in law’s house on the east side of the city.

Nice early lunch in Lodi, a ferry ride across the Wisconsin River and lots of corn, soybeans and marsh lands made up the day. Hydration became the most important task. It was pretty brutal out.

After getting off the bikes mid afternoon, we had a couple of special treats. First Kate and David (my sister and brother-in-law) bought us a delicious dinner at the Great Dane where Kevin got his first taste of cheese curds. Not sure the impression we made but its good to try new things!

Next, Kate, David and Susan put together a Puppy Ride Event at Kate and David’s church. Between family and friends I’d say we had at least 30 attendees and we raised some money for The Seeing Eye and raised awareness through a group presentation about guide dogs and Puppy Ride.

Two very special attendees blindsided (in a good way) all of us. Leon and Sandy drove from northern Wisconsin to meet us. They raised puppies for The Seeing Eye when the lived in New Jersey and now raise puppies for Leader Dog a Michigan foundation. They brought thier current puppy with them , number 29! What dedication and love to be so committed. But here is where the story gets interesting! Leon and Sandy surprised us by telling us that they were Hero’s puppy raisers in 2012! My brothers guide dog was raised by them!!! Me and my sisters were floored and thrilled that they drove 3 hours to meet us and to tell us about hero as a puppy! They even brought us some pictures from Hero’s childhood. You can’t make this up! What a day!