Went to Cross Plains to celebrate the end of "finals week" at the college of dentistry. Evan and I left Wednesday after class and made it to Cross Plains at about 9 pm. Ben was just getting done with finals at UW Madison. He seemed relieved to be done. Therefore, a stop at Shelton's and Gopher Crossing was in order. The night was fun with a lot of relaxing and not thinking about school.

Thursday morning we woke up and headed to downtown Madison. Hit up the REI and ate on State Street. Ben had to work that afternoon, so Evan and I rode part of the HHH route. Southwest Wisconsin has some great climbs. Road riding is a little bit more exciting up there than it is in Iowa. That night Ben, Steph, Jane, Evan, and I went to Pedro's (mexican restaurant) for half price margaritas and Spotted Cow! We made it back to Cross Plains and found out that the night was not over because another round of Shelton's was in order. Late night indeed.

Friday morning included a stop to Madison again. We made it to the capital and looked out at the surrounding area from the observation deck.
Didn't know it was such a nice view. Really fun time and a great city. Back in Cross Plains, Ben, Evan, and I went on a short ride tackling some of those darn hills again. Went to bed sort of early that night.

Saturday, Evan and I rode to Denzer to catch a peek at the bike race going on. Ended up being a 70 mile loop. We stopped at the original Culvers for lunch and got to see some cycling in Denzer. Went out to eat with Ben later that night at Rookies. Ben had some free drink chips, which meant more Spotted Cow!
Evan and I stopped at the New Glarus Brewing Co. for a brewery tour on the way home to Iowa City. I had never been there. I was glad I went. Got to see where they make my favorite beer, Spotted Cow, and got a cheap taste test of some others. Nice way to end the weekend.

For now I'm back in Iowa City living the life as a dental student again. A few more weeks of classes and I finally be off to the northwest! Might go see the Snake Alley Crit this weekend. There is a hog roast for the graduating dental students that night at MacBride also. There may be some camping involved! Then the next weekend is off to White Bear Lake!