Finishing the stretch

At 4am this morning I woke up needing to go to the bathroom. It's amazing to wander through the dark and peaceful tents. As I crawled back into my sleeping bag for the last hour of sleep, I hear a few drips. What could be dripping I think? Hold it...I'm sleeping outside...not dripping...raining. Quickly I scrambled to rescue the biking clothes and towels that had been drying on the outside of my tent. It poured all morning through breakfast. Good news for me, I love biking in the rain.
Today was another "short" ride 116kms into Madison. The rain cleared about halfway as we headed into Dodgeville. I noticed signs for a Land's End Warehouse sale..well hate to miss that. Markus, Clare and Mark were headed that way so I followed. It was amazing...why cycle when you can shop. People there were very interested in what we were doing and both Clare and I gave out several cards. Ladies swimwear was on sale 50% off but they gave me an additional 25% when they heard about SeaToSea. I got 5 new tops I can use for cycling for less than $40.
Now by the time I had finished the men had abandoned me(Clare said that he felt that I had found a safe and happy so he should leave me there!)Now I wasn't sure that I was able to back track our route( it was off the planned route) but I knew what direction I should be headed and what road. Now there was a side road that looked like it would be shorter than backtracking but it was under construction and was just loose gravel and large rocks preparing for pavement. I thought hey, a real cyclist would look for a smoother option but this is why i have fat tires....And off roading I went!
I found my way to the next SAG where the sweep team had been a little worried as they hadn't passed me but no one had seen me in a while. They were wondering if I was lost!
From there we headed for a 12kms stretch on a bike path that was just pressed dirt. Seriously, I have seen goat paths better groomed. As we were trucking along some of the guys were saying that this was not designed for road bike. I mentioned again my forethought in having fat tire to which Jonathan responded," Yes Gayle, you brought the right bike for 12kms of this tour!"
We passed through Mount Horeb, a quaint Nordic village with a great bakery. We stopped in and the guy had heard from other riders earlier about what we were doing. When he asked what we wanted, I couldn't decide but something fresh and cold. "How about a root beer float on me?" Done!
I'm starting to see a pattern as faster riders go ahead and spread the news, people decide they want to help and set up treats and stuff for those behind. I like this system!
Warm and wonderful welcome was ready for us at the Crossroads Church in Madison. A Spa with haircuts and massages, internet, snacks and movies.
Also it was a mail drop so my camera is back and a whole slew of notes from home including one from each of my sisters. My sister Anita had written hers back in July and was wondering how I was dealing with the rain and humidity. I can hardly wait to tell her that at that point, we were in the high desert so I was PRAYING for it!!!!!
Week six is done! As I was riding today, once again the wonder and surrealness of this whole thing hit me again. I am cycling across the continent. It's really happening! Also although we are heading to the end of the tour, really it is just the beginning to the changes it will bring to those trying to break out of the cycle of poverty. Praise God.