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Door County, perhaps the highlight riding of a trip full of fantastic routes. Today was one of those days that was both incredibly enjoyable and challenging at the same time. Some tough hill climbs, and 20+ mph headwinds on the way back from the tip of the peninsula. What a day! The fantastic scenery and fall colors can almost seem commonplace in a ride like this.

Today started out in the 40s, but with the sun, it felt much warmer so I shed the long pants and opted for just the biking shorts. By the end of the ride it was in the 70s and I was in short sleeves. The sun and short sleeves! What a change from the last several gray, damp days!







The ride started out in Sturgeon Bay which requires crossing the bay itself (or the ship canal that bisects the peninsula). This means that tomorrow I will be visiting the city again, but taking a different route across the water.


The tree canopied streets and picturesque roads are in abundance in the vacation mecca. Even at this time of year, tourists can be seen walking the streets of the boutique store laden towns. For me, I prefer the scenic routes, but have to pass through the towns anyway since they often are throttle points for the roads.







Peninsula State Park is a natural gem with plenty of sights and well worth the 7 miles to traverse the shoreline.











Here is a set of photos from the top of the peninsula - Gills Rock, a home at the "top of the thumb" (the northernmost address in the peninsula, and Northport - which is only a restaurant and ferry.











On the last 17 miles for the day from Northport the fierce winds were in my face the whole way, but that still didn't detract from the spectacular setting and fall colors. I knew at this point that I was headed home - no more optional routes, no more following the coastline that took me further from home - just a straight shot down the coast for the last few days. 1175 miles traveled, about 325 mile to go!