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2006 Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour:
Records Broken, Traditions Preserved

Several new 3-speed Tourists gave us a record attendance of 47 Riders of the Realm. The weather was perfect and spirits were high as we began our day with historic markers, scenic overlooks and the ever-looming Bay City Hill. We celebrated the climb with a friendly gathering at the summit then the welcome plummet down the back side. We noticed a rare tailwind was starting to build and push us down river.

The Smiling Pelican survived the arrival of hungry Tourists and we laid claim to their garden as we lay in the grass and ate pastry, pie, quiche, torte and cookies. Our tradition of re-decorating their beautiful garden with rusty lumps of English iron has been firmly upheld.

The optional route to the top of Maiden Rock bluff was altered because of the discovery of a good map and advice from 3-speed Tourists familiar with the area. The route began on County Road AA; a Wisconsin “Rustic Road” and a cracker of a climb. Most everyone walked this vertical challenge and once to the top we realised what we were doing: a traditional English phenomena called Pass Storming! Turning off the pavement onto a dirt road we approached the kiosk provided by the Wisconsin Land Trust. To get to the overlook we were then required to ride through the fields, ruts and woods; traditional rough-stuff cycling! The view from the top was worth it; almost the entire length of Lake Pepin was visible. The descent into Stockholm was quite memorable indeed; the sweeping bends and high speed required a steady hand and complete faith in our Trusty Steeds as our velocity approached a record-breaking 40mph.

During lunch in Stockholm we upheld another 3-Speed Tour tradition: rain. It was light rain and not enough to don the capes but the tradition continues; we have never had a 3-Speed Tour without rain.

Riding the tailwind, the eager Tourists pressed on to more scenic overlooks and markers plus the familiar Depot Museum in Pepin. We hated to leave that familiar spot but we heard our calling: ice cream at the Nelson Cheese Factory. Nutters of the Realm are not known for watching the clock but after enjoying a cone (or 2) we realised there was only 2 hours before dinner so we pressed on, crossing the Mississippi and settling in Wabasha.

The Eagle’s Nest coffeehouse simply outdid themselves with a reception on the patio including English ale and inside we had live music from John Bernadot plus the Carrigan girls. Outstanding food was provided by the Wabasha Bicycle Club. Our Keeper of the Cask Dave Brierley declared the cask open and our glasses half full then we had our traditional toast to those who could not join us; indeed, they were sorely missed.

Sunday morning dawned clear and cold but Jim and Jan at the ‘Nest warmed us with more hospitality, excellent breakfast and hot tea. They were outside to bid us farewell as we began our return journey upstream. The wind was against us but had died a bit from the previous day and provided little resistance.

Some of us made a quick detour through Reads Landing for an interesting look at the local architecture but in short order we were back up on the highway and on our way over hill and dale.

Lake City provided a welcome break at the Chickadee Cottage Tea Room with scones and hot tea. Some 3-Speed Tourists explored the backroads out of Lake City and found an interesting gravel road that connected with the Old Frontenac optional route. The group gathered at the traditional spot along the old stone wall at Manypenny Avenue and Faribault Street for photos.

Pressing on, we quickly agreed to explore an interesting side-road around Frontenac State Park that promised a diversion from the busy highway. The gravel lane was a delight; well-maintained and very scenic. We passed through a narrow valley with old farms and soon found ourselves pass storming again! Most everyone walked the grade but a pair of fierce cycle-chasing dogs encouraged a re-mount and a quick sprint over the top. Descending the other side was very unusual; the downhill kept going and going until it seemed like we were below river level. It also provided our first casualty; Karl had a pinch flat on a one-lane bridge. Chris stopped to help and later they claimed the bridge was “…haunted by trolls”.

Rolling into Red Wing brought our little Bummel to a close. Hands were shaken, hugs were given and promises made to see each other again for another record-setting traditional tour.
Date(s): May 20, 21, 2006. Album by Jon Sharratt. Photos by Jon Sharratt unless noted. 1 - 106 of 106 Total. 12402 Visits.
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Since finding this (self guided?) tour on-line last winter, I've been dying to find a way to go on it but alas, it was filled up by the time I discovered it. Plus, I didn't have a three speed other than an old Shimano hub, without the shifter arm, cable or changer. I don't know why they're so rare in this area, but English three's simply aren't to be found. I have discovered and purchased two three speeds, but they are in need of complete rebuilds, though, and they are both American made. I hope this won't keep us from riding this tour someday. I really would like to meet everyone. It sounds like such fun.
 - 
johann kuester, Sat, 4 Apr 2009 12:22AM
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Scot McCollum and Carrie Melin Edit
will be married next weekend. Edit
"I've heard of riding iwth no hands, ..."
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Group Photo 2006 3ST Edit
Photo courtesy of Chris Kostman Edit

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Carrie Contemplates the Bow and Arrow Marker Edit
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Marlis Schmidt Edit
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"Marvelous Marlis!"
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Rick Burneson from Whittier, CA Edit
Rob Riggins in the background Edit

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Judy Bourland and Rich Smith Edit
Larry on the left and Gregg on the right Edit

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Rick, Stuart Frescas and Thomas Huber Edit
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Eileen Matro and Jane Stonich Edit
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Kirk Stuart and Noel Edit
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Kevin MaCafee, Doug Heinzen Edit
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Marlis Edit
note the clever knot to keep the skirt out of the works. Edit
"Smashing!"
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Rob, Eileen, Larry Reading the Tourbook Edit
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Matt's clever camera mount Edit
It's a tripod head mounted to the plate of a Topeak rack with a bolt through a hole. Edit

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Matt Cole from Saint Paul Edit
The Norway sticker was from folks in Red Wing during our kickoff bakery stop. Edit

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Paul Salamon from Cedar Rapids, IA Edit
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View from the Saddle Edit
Shockstop grips, cloth cables, Norfolk jacket and Royal Enfield green. Edit

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1950 Royal Enfield Lightweight Tourist Edit
What is going on? Edit

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Our Keeper of the Cask Edit
Dave Brierley and his uncles 1937 Raleigh that was used to tour the Continent before WWII. Edit

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Shirt-Tail Organiser Edit
...who does not need another old pickup that does not run. Edit

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Bay City Wisconsin Edit
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Tourists in the Distance Edit
grinding up the Bay City Hill. Edit

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Paul, Matt, Noel at the top of the BCH Edit
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Carter Wall, Chap from Red Wing and Casey Edit
Casey lives in Maiden Rock and donated a roadster for the prize drawing. Edit

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Joanne Snow Edit
Yes, she did the tour in heels and did quite well, thank you. Edit

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Gathering at the top of the Bay City Hill Edit
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Larry Bontreger and Andy Krueger Edit
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Gregg Richmann makes quick work of the BCH Edit
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Cathy Martin, Mike Jenkins Edit
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Judy is ready for a break Edit
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Rich rolls in Edit
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Tom Majure from Winnipeg Edit
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Tom's New Hudson Edit
$5 auction find. Edit

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Eileen has the landing gear down Edit
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Marlis in fine form after the BCH Edit
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"This may be my favorite! The hat, th..."
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Bobbi the Lorry Driver Edit
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Raleigh Lenton Sports with 531 Tubing Edit
Poosa on the left. Edit
"Nice looking leg! -husband"
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Beginning the Bay City Plummet Edit
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Wayside rest Edit
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Melanie Steinborn Edit
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View from the Wayside Edit
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Paul's Rudge Edit
Hey!  Is that Velcro around that pump?  Shocking!  Yes, and note the carbon fibre headset spacer.  Scandalous!! Edit

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Noel Robinson Edit
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Chris Kostman Edit
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Paul with bespoke Rampant Lion Tie Edit
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Mark Stonich Edit
Note the biplane bars! Edit

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Scot and Carrie Edit
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Melanie and Judy Edit
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One of Many Royal Enfield Shots Edit
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Royal Enfield Edit
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Tom and Tony Majure Edit
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Tom and Tony Edit
Tony was our youngest tourist at 16 years old. Edit

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CIMG2241 Edit
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Noel 1 Edit
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Noel 2 Edit
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"What a great lookin' bike and outfit..."
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Noel 3 Edit
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Lake Pepin Historic Marker Edit
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The View Downstream Edit
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Noel on the wheel Edit
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In the garden at the Smiling Pelican Bakery Edit
Erroll McCollum wearing Plus Fours Edit

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Beautiful garden! Edit
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Cycles everywhere Edit
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Preserves and Preserved Edit
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Becki Persons, Gregg, Larry, Joanne, Patrick Persons, Noel Edit
Note the sign and the tiramisu. Edit

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John Carlson won this roadster at the prize drawing Edit
Courtesy of Casey. Edit

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Richard Booth's Turtle Torte Edit
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"Actually the concoction I loved so m..."
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Rich contemplates his Tourbook Edit
...while Matt contemplates a run through the tulips. Edit

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Becki and Patrick Edit
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Turtle Torte and Berry Pie Edit
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Leaving the town of Maiden Rock Edit
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A fine example of the scenery Edit
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County AA Edit
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Camera hams Edit
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Noel and Jon Edit
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Pass storming up the grade Edit
to the Maiden Rock bluff overlook. Edit

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Note the fine Belgians Edit
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The country lane to the MR overlook Edit
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Maiden Rock bluff kiosk Edit
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Through the rough stuff Edit
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The view from the top Edit
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The Maiden Rock historic marker is wayyy down there Edit
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Stepping out to the edge Edit
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The view upstream Edit
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Tom points to Lake City MN Edit
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Tom is braver than most Edit
Good thing he's wearing a helmet! Edit

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Noel summons the Spirit of the Maiden Edit
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Finding our way out Edit
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Larry on the Wheel Edit
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Brothers Noel and Jim at Gelly's in Stockholm Edit
That's Tony in the back. Edit

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Fort St. Antoine Edit
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The mysterious undocumented scenic overlook Edit
Did you find it? Edit

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Larry's Warwick with dandelion tuft Edit
Sir Warwick was voted B.A.R. by the C.T.C. for his unintended excursion off-road. Edit

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At the Pepin Depot Museum Edit
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Museum attendant by the Oak Edit
Did not get her name. Sorry. Edit

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At the Pepin Boat Shop Edit
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Note the Marlinspike rope work Edit
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The distant rainbow seems to have no arc. Edit
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Along Frontenac State Park Edit
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Pass storming up Hill Avenue Edit
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The bottom of Hill Ave Edit
Karl and Chris tell us of the haunted bridge with trolls beneath. Look close to see the bone Karl found. Edit

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Keith Kostman get the checkered flag Edit
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Nobody wants to leave Edit
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Chickadee Cottage Edit
Fine cream teas available!  Except on Sundays! Edit

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Bag tags Edit
and the rare Terry Triple Spring Edit

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Along the stone wall Edit
at the corner of Manypenny Ave and Fairibault St. Edit

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Look for a similar photo in Bicycling Magazine soon. Edit
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Dave and Marlis are the last to arrive Edit
amid cheers of admiration! Edit

 
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