A Neighborhood Challenge

Chatfield Loop: 43.81 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 3 hours 22 minutes, average speed: 12.9

Because Alan and Michelle are still recovering from their bike injuries, we drove our van to Dover to have lunch with them. Prior to the bike accident, our foursome would have been out biking somewhere adventurous on a Friday such as this—we do miss Alan and Michelle’s company but know they will be back at it again soon. After lunch, Dennis and I decided to challenge ourselves and bike to Chatfield. We haven’t biked the Chatfield route in quite some time so had forgotten how scenic the route was. In Chatfield we found a tasty treat at the Dairy Queen and enjoyed answering the questions other diners had about our tandem travels. One couple visiting from Ohio was curious about biking the Root River Trail and wondered if we could suggest routes and camping accommodations—no problem there. I think I should get a job working for the Lanesboro Tourist Bureau. We finished our ice cream treat and continued on down the road towards Eyota and then back around to Dover where we picked up Hwy 14 to loop into St. Charles. Just one more challenge to home—the category 5 hill out of town. It was very humid today and this was a hilly ride but we do it because of the adventure and the thrill of the challenge.