Airstud From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 1474 posts, RR: 1 Posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 559 times:
Part of what made 2010 one of the happier years for humankind was the fact that I, Airstud, got to add three (3) new states to my I've-Set-Foot-There list (North Carolina on a biz trip in April, Minnemasota when I bloody moved here in May, and, obviously, Georgia, where I took a drive to on one of my free mornings during my business sojourn in Jacksonville; thanks for asking).
No new states were added in 2011!!
(However, three weeks ago, I was able to send a $1,400 check to the icky MasterCard people, to whom I used to owe more than $3K on just once card...yich. That $1,400 was the remaining balance, so my debt-related panic is behind me now. Phew.)
Since I want I should go to South Africa for my birthday in September, I am considering more frugal-type trips that I could take in the spring or early summer. I know it's not exactly a one-day bike ride from the Twin Cities to the Wisconsin-Michigan border (for you see, I have already been to Wisconsin (and quite enjoyed it thanks), but never to yon Wolverine State). Still, I wonder if the rolling trek across Wisconsin to the U-P would be worthwhile? I hear parts of the U-P are gorgeous. (And I'd possibly get to add Lake Superior to my List of Bodies Of Water I've Swum In!!)
What are the thoughts of the Michigan cognoscenti out there?
(with particular concern for adequate lodging, especially on the Wisconsin stretch - must shower every day when cycling in warm weather)
johns624 From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 668 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 months 4 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 493 times:
I'm an ex-cyclist so I sort of know what you're looking for. Other than Ashland, plan on staying in mom-and-pop motels. M107 in the Porkies is a nice, scenic climb. Further east, M28 between Marquette and the Soo is a beautiflul road.
Wisconsin really isn't that bad. Rolling hills, trees, interesting rock formations make driving through Wisconsin much more scenic than driving through Iowa, some parts of Minnesota, and North Dakota.
Airstud - just wanna say good luck in advance! The northern portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin are some of my favorite in the country, and I'm sure the UP is beautiful too.
Cycling is really something I would like to start doing. There seems to be a big cycling presence in the Twin Cities and I'd like to get into it this summer when I'm home. I have a bad knee, though, so I'm not sure if cycling is something that would really impact it a whole lot. I have a calcified patellar (?) tendon so I'm not sure if there is anything I can do to loosen it up.
2H4 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 8937 posts, RR: 65 Reply 10, posted (3 months 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 318 times:
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Quoting Stabilator (Reply 9): I have a bad knee, though, so I'm not sure if cycling is something that would really impact it a whole lot.
Cycling is generally considered to be a fairly knee-friendly activity. If you pursue it, clipless pedals (the kind where you buy shoes, install cleats, and clip into/out of the pedals) is one of the single most effective upgrades you can make. And one of the most critical things to consider if you have knee issues.
I strongly recommend checking out Speedplay pedals. They manufacture models that allow your heel to rotate inward and outward while pedaling, completely unrestricted by spring tension. This eliminates torsional stress on your knee, and will most likely make a huge difference for you.
If you want walkable shoes, check out the Speedplay Frog pedals. Otherwise, you'll want to check out the X/2.
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