Little trip on the Big River

 It was a cold but fruitful spring ride this year. 

I have it in my head to visit all the bluffs on the Wisconsin - Minnesota - Iowa boarder. I have some of the more popular parks crossed off my list including: Memorial and Barn Bluffs in Red Wing, Frontenac State Park, Buena Vista (Alma), Perrot State Park, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak, and Wyalusing State Park. On this trip, I was able to cross off Maiden Rock Bluff. Unfortunately, Old Settler's Overlook, south of Stoddard, was closed.

The road in was a slick mix of clay and gravel.

Enter at your own risk. 

Spring views from Maiden Rock Bluff

Lots of hiking opportunities. 

Warming up with a hot chocolate.

I got a chance to ride Todd's new Honda, a very nice all rounder!

Views from the Grandview Motel

Apps before our Friday Fish Fry at Swede's. 

The Wooden Nickel was short staffed and would have to wait until Saturday night.

Cheers!

Saturday morning we visited the Hermitage for breakfast before setting out on classic Wisconsin backroads. We made our way up S, down P, and over Wildcat Mountain before heading back to the river. Sunday, I took to opportunity to cross the Blackhawk bridge on my way back to Saint Paul. The new bridge is coming along while the old one remains caught up between the engineers and residents. Some days it's open, some days it's not.

- Ride North

May 2nd- 4th | 46f - 76f | 540 miles