The Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour; Riding with the Breeze
Noah Holzer
In certain shores of the British Isles, there persists a belief that some weekends are simply meant for cycling. Excerpts from old Cyclists Touring Club Gazettes speak of “auspicious winds,” “favorable dispositions of the heavens,” and “times when the countryside itself seems to urge one along.” Whether or not one subscribes to such folklore, the Nutters assembled for this year’s Tour quickly sensed that this may be one of those charmed occasions.
After a brilliant Blessing of the Bicycles by our new vicar, a man clearly destined for ecclesiastical greatness, we weighed anchor from Colvill Park and shoved off toward the Mississippi bridge. The morning was mild, the sun generous, and spirits high as we crossed into Wisconsin to begin our annual tour of the Loch.
Fortune favored us immediately. As we approached the notorious Bay City Hill — that brute of a bluff that has broken many a gallant rider’s resolve — we discovered the wind was squarely at our backs. With this unexpected push from the heavens, even the steep grade felt almost civilized. At the summit we paused for a well‑earned respite, admiring the view and congratulating ourselves on our vigor, before plunging down toward Maiden Rock. A cheeky stop at the Loch Pepin sign was, of course, very much in order.
At the Smiling Pelican, pastries vanished with astonishing speed, as they frequently do. Yet the Maiden Rock Mercantile once again saved the day, offering hot tea and sundries to replenish those who arrived too late for pie and other delicacies. Thus fortified, we pressed on.
By the time we reached Stockholm, the sun had grown bold and the day became officially hot, particularly for those clad in wool. With the Humble Moon Saloon closed, riders naturally divided themselves: some sensibly sought refuge in the town’s various other establishments, taking their ease with sandwiches, salads, and iced refreshments, while a small contingent pushed past the temptations of the high street and continued on to Pepin, where their lunch awaited in the shaded courtyard of the Villa Bellezza winery. A glass of wine in such surroundings can make even the weariest Nutter feel like a gentleman of leisure.
The stretch from Pepin to Nelson, often a tedious affair, was transformed by our faithful tailwind into a splendid high‑gear glide. At the Nelson Creamery we paused for ice cream, then crossed back into Minnesota to disperse for the evening. With Nutters well represented in all the pubs of Red Wing, there was no shortage of company for those who ventured out for supper.
Sunday morning found many of us gathered at the Anderson House for a breakfast buffet so popular we nearly exceeded their seating capacity! Soon after, we reconvened at Malone Park to begin the second day of our tour. The air was brisk, clouds hung low, and yet, astonishingly, the previous day’s tailwind had reversed itself to favor us once more!
At the Lake Pepin Geologic Marker the first drops of rain appeared, prompting a flurry of activity as everyone rushed to don their rain capes. A gentle drizzle accompanied us on the path into Lake City, but as we arrived the clouds parted, the sun returned, and we dried off quickly.
The Brew-up was a triumph. Tables were laden with fine spreads, and over it all drifted the sweet, crackling sound of a shellac record played on a portable phonograph. Russell and his group, who hauled the contraption along with a book of records through the rain, were rightly awarded top honors.
After packing away our teapots and sundries, we rode on into Old Frontenac to gather at the venerable Stone Wall for the traditional Light-up. Pipes were lit, stories exchanged, and photographs were taken in that timeless atmosphere. Eventually, we split into our preferred routes back to Red Wing; some down Ski Road, some along Hill Avenue, and some making the final push along Highway 61.
As we rolled back into Red Wing — some triumphant, some sun‑warmed, some slightly over‑served at B‑Well’s — it was clear that this year’s Tour would be remembered not for hardship or heroics, but for its rare ease. The hills were just as tall, the pastries still vanished too quickly, and the wool still grew heavy in the rain, yet the miles themselves seemed to glide beneath us.
Perhaps it was the wind. Perhaps it was the company. Perhaps it was simply one of those weekends the old CTC Gazettes were talking about.
Whatever the cause, the Nutters of 2026 completed their circuit of Loch Pepin with spirits high, legs surprisingly fresh, and the pleasant suspicion that we had been quietly assisted by forces beyond our understanding; or at least beyond our gearing.
Best along the path,
Noah Holzer
Shirt Tail Organizer
P.S. if you’d like to share your photos of the ride with the group, upload them here.
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Subject: RE: [Gentleman Cyclist] The Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour; Riding with the Breeze
Barry Hans
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Ted Schefelbein
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Jon Hanson
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2026 10:13:27 PM
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