One day to go

Here is a quick synopsis of where we are at:

- Jake is out driving the course and making sure the hot off the presses tulips are spot on. The one MMR just might be passable by car (we made it up before we got 5 inches of snow with a Jetta wagon). We'll update you with road conditions.

Night before checkin at Red Wing Brewery. We'll set up around 7:30.

The start is now 8:30! We'll try and be set up no later than 7:15.

Where is the start? Mississippi National Golf Links in Red Wing, MN... head south on Highway 61 through Red Wing (there is a new light after downtown to access the bridge to WI, don't be alarmed... keep going straight). There is a huge sign for the golf club so it is really hard to miss... take a right off of 61 and you'll see us set up near the lower parking lot. I have a feeling that the clubhouse will even be open nearer to the start since we're an hour later, but don't count on it. There should be a few port-a-potties down there for the event for #1 and #2.

Where are the checkpoints?

Zumbro Falls - There is a park in "downtown" Zumbro Falls. It's hard to miss... off of water street. Sort of behind the BP gas station. Note that there are convenience stores easily accessible from the route. One pretty much right before the checkpoint, one right after. They aren't huge, but have bathrooms and coffee/snacks/etc. Typically there hasn't been a port-a-pottie at this checkpoint. You CAN have support folks meet you here and give you a change of clothes, food, water, etc.

Lake City - There are some soccer fields off of 10th street where we sit. We are generally at the far "entrance" to the lot. In the past this checkpoint has had water and bathroom services, but it cannot be counted on. My guess is that it is still off until it stops being so darned cold. There is a nice Kwik Trip at the corner of 10th and 63 that you pass on the route a bit before the checkpoint. Assume that the checkpoint is without water and plan accordingly (we generally have people backtracking for stuff).

Mississippi National does have food and drink available after the ride (hot food might be nice!). I'm not sure about hot chocolate...