Hi everyone! Welcome to day 26. It was a big, long, and beautiful day. We got to our next state - Minnesota! Before that though, we go to ride on some of those Wisconsin trails just one last time.

The actual state line was a beautiful location on the Mississippi river and we took tons of photos by the state signs, of course.

After crossing the river, we got to enjoy some beautiful views while riding along the Mississippi. Julissa got a flat along the way, but rejoined us at the next rest stop.

After our third rest stop of the day, we had a fairly short but somewhat steep climb. After the last 2 weeks of the midwestern flatness, it was the first sign of the upcoming mountains. We all did very well climbing the hill and got to enjoy the feeling of getting stronger compared to the first days of the trip climbing those Pennsylvania hills.

After the hill, it was all smooth sailing… Just kidding, of course it wasn’t. First, we had to ride about 2 miles on a hilly gravel road. It was a challenge but thankfully a very short one. Then, less than 10 miles from our destination, Mercedes got a flat on her bike by getting a huge screw stuck in her tire. It was honestly quite an impressive picture and our whole group made this into an occasion for a small photo session.

Overall, it was an amazing riding day, with lots of beautiful views and fun moments :)

Last, but certainly not least, we had a very special ride dedication on day 26. We rode for Ruthie Maddox, who was described by Marie’s mom as “a true superhero who from day one has been smiling and dealing with a brain tumor with a positive attitude.” On this beautiful and very special day we rode for Ruthie!

-Valerie