The place without a postcard
 

One of the not often mentioned things about cycle-touring, is the way it puts us in touch with special places that nobody else knows about. Places that people touring by more conventional (and faster) means tend to miss out on, in their absolute determination to get to the touristy places. I'm dedicating this thread to the "place without a postcard". Places we've visited that were special to us for one reason or another, that we didn't even know existed before the tour started.

It could be an oasis like Lake Barambah, or maybe a place with a natural cathedral like atmosphere such as Daggs Falls (not to mention an unflattering name).

Perhaps it was something totally surprising like Mushroom Rock, or it was a deviation from your intended route on the basis of local advice about a place such as Bridgewater Lakes.

Either way, this thread is dedicated to those special, out of the way places that offer an added bonus for cycle-tourists.

great photo's Chris, now they're postcards ;)
good stuff !

I was nearing the end of a ride from Portland to my home in Rochester, MN. I needed a place to stay and stopped in a small town just north of I90 on MN86. Lakefield, MN, didn't look like much as I wheeled into town. The high school girls at the C-store directed me to their business district a couple blocks off the state highway. It was pure midwest Americana (it boasted two cafes: the Corner Cafe and the Squeeze-In), the homes were lovingly cared for, and the people were wonderful. It was an honor to visit the town that evening and the following morning... places like this are one of the reasons I go on tour. No postcards, though.