Cycling the Driftless Region | PART 7; THE HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY STATE TRAIL

Chapter 7 finds us leaving Decorah Iowa for Minnesota, the last day of my bicycle tour in the Driftless Region. A gravel road takes me to the state line, and I reach Harmony, Minnesota by early afternoon. From Harmony it’s a short but beautiful stretch of gorgeous rail trail, the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail, to be precise, to reach Preston where my car is waiting for me. Another beautiful bike tour, this one short but sweet, and, yes, a bit lonely, but fabulous nonetheless.
Music:
Old Pen - Cody Francis
Epidemic Sound
Shoes Full Of Sand - Headlund
Epidemic Sound
The Welcome Of The Dawn - Roy Williams
Epidemic Sound
Timeless Clouds - Luwaks
Epidemic Sound
Mountain Air - Cody Francis
Epidemic Sound
1993 - They Dream By Day
Epidemic Sound

[@felipericketts]

Slowing down enough to appreciate life is an amazing thing and it is something anyone can do. It seems though that we have forgotten that and look for what we yearn for somewhere else. I ride my bike and usually leave from my front door and come back home a few hour later. It is common for me to feel gratitude and appreciation for the simple things that come my way: a bird flies by, a butterfly lands on my handlebar, someone offers a friendly greeting. The best things in life live in our hearts, no one is left out, and there is more there than any one of us will ever exhaust. Is there such a thing as too much joy and gratitude? I think not! Thanks for sharing your story. It reminds me of how lucky I am, if I just take the time to notice. 🙂

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's beautiful. It's what I love about bicycle touring. You're not going anywhere fast, but you get to see and hear and smell everything along the way. Parts of the country that seem boring from a fast moving automobile are gorgeous from the seat of a bicycle. You're absolutely right. Slow down, that's what its all about!

[@felipericketts]

@@TheBicycleTourists Yes, being present is a great thing! Cycling is a great tool to achieve that. 🙂

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Thank you for this series! I’m going to have to check this out next Summer! Can’t thank you enough!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Of course! It's really a lovely area. If you have more time, it's easy to add the Elroy Sparta system to this. Lots of great riding around here.

[@dondonner1095]

I have to agree with tonyorme that your narration is great and gets better with each posting as well as your drone footage and overall perfection in general. Great posting and I will look forward to the next adventure. Thank again for taking us along.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Always appreciated Don. Its been a life saver having something that I can work at, and improve upon, here in retirement. Keeps me going for sure! Thanks and happy Holidays!

[@frankducett9]

I walked outside this morning at 3 AM with my little dog on her leash. It was clear and I remarked about the beauty of the moon, much in your tone of voice. I never do that, I don't care much for the moon, or the cloudless sky. Point is, your videos has a calming and positive effect on even grouchy people. Thanks.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Haha. Well thank you for that, Frank!

[@tommythompson749]

What a wonderful video series! Thank you for ALL of your videos and inspiration to explore and discover. Helmet is off to you and Juliana in appreciation!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much Tommy. Julianna and I are planning out our next trip, can't wait to travel with her again, it's been too long.

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

Bravo…Best series of the area I’ve watched…Being from Minnesota and born in Harmony I am partial to the Driftless area..Glad you enjoyed the great downhill from Harmony to Preston..Perfect ending to your trip…Thanks for videos 🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's great to hear. I always try to do a region justice. Yes, I didn't plan it that way, but that cruise into Preston really capped off the trip nicely.

[@TerrapinCyclist]

Serenity and beauty of a ride. Simply outstanding production quality. Your use of music and mixing are superb, never jarring, never distant. Bravo! Looking forward to Slovenia. Merry Christmas to you and Julianna. - John and Berta

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Merry Christmas John and Berta! And thank you so much for the kind words. It means so much!

[@tonyorme6446]

Your narration of the videos just makes them a must watch. You’re right that when you ride none of the world’s troubles can touch you. Looking forward to future adventures…Merry Christmas!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Merry Christmas Tony! And thank you so much for your kind words. Working on a series of Slovenia with my daughters, should start posting just after the new year.

[@user-hi1ex9ob8l]

Thanks for taking us to this beautiful area. As European, familiar with the coastal States, the I associated the Midwest as flat and boring. Thanks for teaching me opposite. Indeed a peaceful and luscious part of the world - worth a visit. Already eager to watch the Slovenia videos, ...

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! Yes, it's a great region for cycling. Reminds me of an American version of a lot of European touring I've done, gentle hills and lovely pastoral scenery.

[@jeanbaker239]

Love your beautiful scenic videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much, Jean. So apprieciated!

[@klasjansson5814]

Perfect ending!😊

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah, that descent into Preston was amazing.

[@garyseckel295]

Thanks for tagging me along! Beautiful scenery and the drone footage! That circle of cornfield was special too!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I really love these fields from the air, very artistic!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

That was a pleasant ending, but I'm always sad when these trips finally end, till the next trip, I'll be here waiting, Roland!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Dennis, It is always a sad moment. Relief on the one hand, but always wish there was more. I'm getting ready to dive into Slovenia. Some great scenery there, for sure!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

@@TheBicycleTourists looking forward to that! Just be careful over there

[@pmdesherb]

Privileged we are when we can travel by bike.... did Montreal-Vancouver summer 2023. Thinking of doing USA East to West.... thanks for sharing 🙏

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, privileged. Every year I can still do this I feel blessed.

[@terylteeter562]

Always a joy to hear you share your bike adventures. 👏👏👏

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Teryl!

[@marklawrence4596]

Very nice series of videos. I've only driven through the Driftless Region a bit while driving a tour bus in 2002. Hoping to travel to rail trails throughout the country from New England through some coming years of semi-retirement. Your videos are inspiring and a reminder that our whole country is beautiful and worth visiting. Thanks!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Mark. That's certainly my feeling too, that you don't have to go to the National Parks or the highest peaks to find outstanding beauty here. It's everywhere.

[@stephenmorton8017]

Kudos. Photography, editing and ride. Really enjoyed this one. It's like they made the trail just for you.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

This was such a lovely stretch. And I feel the same way on some of these trails. Like, you all built this for me? How great to actually have a trail designed for your enjoyment?

[@PumpkinVillage]

Another will done video and so much beauty. Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and yours, Al

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you All, and Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@TheJoePavlik]

Thanks again for sharing. Trapped here in the cold wishing I could bike tour. Your series has been great to watch on the trainer.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Same here. The wishing, not so much the training. When these holidays are over, the plan is to buckle down.

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

Salut Roland. @19:03, that camera work, these cameras movements, rather are next level ! That.is.so.clever !! Bird view given by the drone blending with a Gopro view pointing upward, what a soft, cinematography/ editing wise, “landing”, you have created. Chapeau 🎩!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Claude! I love it when people notice!

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

Not at all ! I am pretty sure that many of your editing techniques escape me. (down the line, a little bit like a magician tricks, you aren’t supposed to find out, but instead just enjoy the magic). May I wish to Julianna and you, to your families, a Merry Xmas. C.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Joyeux noël Clauade!

[@dooley-ch]

Thanks for sharing and a Merry Christmas to you both.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You're welcome, and have a lovely Christmas James!

[@michelesauret7779]

Belle nature, jolis paysages américains ❤

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Et ce que j’aime dans les paysages pastoraux, c’est qu’ils sont tous uniques, d’un pays à l’autre, façonnés par la culture et les gens. Joyeux Noël Michèle!

[@brianmccarty3615]

Thanks for the series -- though I've biked (or at least have driven) most of the route you took it was nice to see from an outsider's point of view. You mentioned Elroy-Sparta but I think I prefer the Great River trail (esp. between Lytle's landing and Perrot State Park). The roads near the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are pretty also (though very hilly).

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks. My original plan was to include some of that but I ended up with very little time on this trip. Those areas look lovely.

[@kenmcclow8963]

I just drove past the Root River and Houston this morning. It was cold and foggy but the previous day had been almost 60 and sunny in December. If it wasn’t for the temperature plunge after dark I would’ve regretted taking my bike out of the car for this trip

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Wow. The last time I was in that area in December temps were hovering below zero. Too cold to even take a walk. I bet it's lovely in the Winter.

[@hellogreg1973]

nicely done

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you!

[@fionahunt8530]

Hope you will be filming your adventures in Slovenia? We were there in 2008 for only a week and loved it.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, indeed. Just starting to put it together now, some really pretty stuff!

[@GregoryBirulkin]

I heard the Cannon Valley trail out of Cannon falls to Red Wing is worth doing, 25 Miles 😊

[@TheBicycleTourists]

One of my early videos is from the Cannon River Valley. Lovely trail, which continues in the form of the Sakatah Trail further west. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmjdlKWmiM1kfNU

[@PedalsNPetals]

I keep trying to bike but i just feel like an old lady on a bike Lol..not too old (53)..i really want to enjoy it more but ....

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, we do what we love. You don't have to be great at it, you just have to enjoy it!

[@PedalsNPetals]

@@TheBicycleTourists 💯🚴