The cooler is empty and laundry is done. A self cooked breakfast is digested. Ahhh.

Our hosts are Mme L and M B. Also 6 others of 2 or maybe 3 different generations. 3 cats though only 1 has been seen. I’ve never stayed with a family this size. M B had quickly proven to be a superb bbqer. The home is beautiful and flexible, and has a knockout riverfront side. It’s relaxed and feels good.

I rode at Raceway Woods, the closest park per MTB Project and Trailforks. I met Greg, one of the original trail builders, about halfway through and I played follow the leader. They’ve made an amazing system which weaves through trees and certainly has surprises. The always undulating and swooping trails kept my heart rate up let me be clear. I’m glad it is close and for sure will be back.

Greg told me the nearest full on downhill is in Copper Harbor, Michigan. We’ll see if I can fit in the 8 hour drive, which of course means 16 of travel time. I also learned that Wisconsin trails are directional. Interesting….

First time on a mtb trail in 9 days. Lord! The states of Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa either did not proffer much, were rained out, or we just had no time. Today is the first sighting of comparable bikes and hitch racks since leaving the Denver area.

My chain was pathetically filthy. I was honestly afraid it was going to break and was so eager to clean and oil it, I did so in the parking lot.

Wondering more or less where we have been? For a high level overview of our route thus far, check out this map.

Mme Awesome worked on turns and was nailing them!

To say it another way, I have found success in taking a mobility / yoga move only to the point where I recognize a difference. Can be anything: ease of one side vs another; or the smallest of an effort level increase. After that I’m truly stretching myself, which has been conclusively and undeniably proven and reproven not helpful. Maybe it looks like you’re doing nothing. Perfect. On the boarder of just registering a 1 out of 10 effort, focus on what needs to be rotated or unwound so a little further is now slightly past what was the initial 1 and we are ever closer approaching our optimal alignment. It’ll take some time perhaps, who cares? A small change, when applied consistently, leads to an unfathomable difference.

Progress = Patience + Persistence