Eau Claire

Trip from Cincy to Chippawa Valey WI (KEAU). The weather was forecast to be good, and it was. Low winds and cool nights in the low 50s F. I dropped into Chippawa Valley and headed to Hangar 54 restaurant for a steak, not bad for $27. I then jumped on the bike and rode into Eau Claire (French for Clearwater) to the Holiday Inn Express and noticed my front wheel bearing making noise (like a popcorn machine) and brake binding. The bearing was beyond my repair. It's never been the same since I drug it thru the sand down the Root River and on the raft. The next morning, I rode to a bicycle shop, and they matched the bearing cone as best they could and added some new ball bearings, 45 minutes. Short story, it survived the next 100 miles, but I needed to again release the front brake mechanism and only use the rear brake by the time the trip was over. I cruised up to Brunet Island State Park (pronounced "brew-nay") and had a lovely time. People were friendly and well behaved. A nice pizza in Cornell, where they make the crust using spent grain. My prediction is that spent grain pizza crust will take over the world. The next day was to Lake Wissota State Park, and it was very nice. "L" shaped campsites with hedges in-between made it feel exclusive. No restaurants close by so I had a ready meal, and it was good enough. Lake Wissota has some nice hiking and scenery although the Canadian wildfire smoke was thick. Upon departure from Chippawa Valley airport the visibility was 3 but clear at 11.5K. A very nice trip and everything was new to me so that makes it an adventure! After all that food, I am sure I added a couple pounds, time to go fall back to OMAD. Hey, a BMI of 22.2 leaves plenty of room in the cockpit for stick travel. Backrest set to mid-range and thick seatback cushions.

Bottom line, would I do this trip again. yes

Chippawa Valley airport, 3 nights tie down and 13 gallons fuel, $75. I think they like old guys on bikes.

Note: there is a high antenna south of the field. if you are in low visibility, get above it.