All worries about weather are cast aside upon awakening. The mid morning sunshine is bright at the edges of the window curtains. A peek outside confirms a glorious day is at hand.
MACKINAW ISLAND ...
We hurriedly pack and get breakfast just before the restaurant closes its buffet. I’m lagging behind the others and hurry across the street to join them renting bikes. We’re off to ride the Island’s 8.2 mile circuit.
I am disappointed by the significant commercialization of the Island’s port and adjoining area. It’s a far cry from what I recall from our visit about three decades ago. While the development is understandable, I feel I am in a GAT Trap. GAT stands for ‘Great American Tourist’. The phrase is derisive and comes from my days camping the four corner States with The Cottonwood Gulch Foundation when I was 13 and 15. There are dozens of restaurants, bike rentals, gift shops, and other stores lining the main road. My feelings are definitely in the minority. Everyone else is very excited.
The circuit ride is nice. The houses are beautiful. The lake is, well, ocean-size; its company as we bicycle along is very pleasing and relaxing. There are dozens of fellow visitors cycling the route as well. It’s almost un-American to be in the company of no cars and so many bicycles (written tongue-in-cheek). It’s a welcome break. Our group is separated through happenstance. I start chatting with a fellow from Jackson MI here with his wife celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary; they visit every year at this time. We talk the remainder of the circuit; it’s a pleasant moment.
We regroup at the bike rental place and take the 1:00 ferry back to the mainland. I’m anxious to see The Slim Miss Piggy secure and well. A first glance reassures me; later I notice someone unstrapped the front and back tires. The straps were secure when we left the evening before. One of the holding clamps on my bike’s carrier was played with and is now loose. Apparently the lock on the arm securing The Slim Miss Piggy to the van prevented my bike from being stolen. A caveat: there were several items of value on my bike that were not taken. While I don’t think so, it is conceivable I’m imagining the foiled thievery.
SLEEPING BEARS DUNE ...
We van 135 miles south to Sleeping Bears Dunes. We stop at the Dunes Overlook. The National Park Gate person distinguishes himself by being curt and almost rude. Apparently asking why “no emergency services are available” as written on an entrance sign is a question too far.
The Dunes Overlook is unimpressive. There are few and small glimpses of sand amongst the rolling grassy hills. It is approaching 6:00 pm as we head for our next stop, the Dune Climb. These dunes are what I remember from our family visit decades ago. The vast expanse of white sand towers above us and stretches afar in both directions. The group starts climbing. I head for a picnic table in the shade. I remember how difficult the climbing was before and decide to rest instead.
TODAY’S RIDE ...
As I enjoy the quiet and the shade, I contemplate the day’s remaining ride. To cycle or not, that is the question. Like most days, our remaining schedule has us getting to our accommodations late in the evening. While it is a quick van drive, the fifty miles will take three hours or more to bicycle. I decide I’m not riding as the clock passes 7:00 pm and I see the gang returning. I don’t want to bicycle until 11:00 pm or later.
It is beautiful, sunny and warm. I haven’t cycled for two days. I want to be on my bicycle. My decision to not ride is based on a future 3.5 hours from now. The present conditions are too delightful and outweigh prospective worries. I decide I am cycling. I can stop later if I want. I hurriedly get ready and we’re off.
The ride is a delight. The weather is nice. The wind mild. The terrain unchallenging. In fact, there are several mild descents that are fun easy interludes.
David and I are having one of what I think of as our out-of-sync days. It seems we’re rarely riding the same pace. More often than not I’m in front and never sure how close or distant he is behind me. It confuses me since David is the stronger rider and I imagine he can ride in relation to me wherever he wants. Eventually I just ride my ride occasionally checking behind me to gauge his status.
Midway to Onekama I stop at a convenience store to replenish my water. David rejoins me. It’s getting late. Judy calls to make sure I’m ok and see if I want to be picked up. I don’t. David and I start out for ‘home’. We ride together the remainder of our adventure.
As it gets late, I give David one of my two front lights. Unfortunately, the provided relief dims an hour later when the light’s charge dies.
It’s now completely dark outside. This is a new experience for me. I’m enjoying it although I prefer daylight. There aren’t too many cars and those that pass do so at a safe distance. Before we get to our lodging, we climb a series of three hills. They are each longer than short and steeper than gradual. They are nasty little buggers. David climbs them more easily than I - no dancing on my pedals for me tonight - and waits for me at the top. I appreciate the gesture each time.
We see our van approaching when we’re a couple miles from finishing. Well, David does. My eyes aren’t as observant as they once were. More and more I find myself acting and talking like other people, that is, people that were the old people when I was young. My eyes, my ears, my body’s aches and pains ...they all resemble those of an older person. I comfort myself with the fact I’m cycling across America and keeping age in line as best I can.
Judy asks if we want to van in. I reply no. We’re too close. I know Judy and Api think we’re nuts. I also know they didn’t expect a different answer. I sincerely thank them for checking on us and making sure we’re ok.
We make quick work of the remaining distance to our rooms. It’s nearly 11:30 when we arrive. It was a good fun learning experience.
ANTICIPATION ...
Jonah’s and my lodging includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen/dining/living area. We also have a washer dryer unit. I can do laundry!!! It’s two days till I see Terri and I want the pick of clean clothes. Right now most everything is dirty. So in addition to eating dinner, showering, unpacking/packing, and readying for tomorrow, I do laundry. Mine and Jonah’s. I go to bed finally around 3:00. I’m happy cause I am that much closer and readier to see Terri.
No comments:
Post a Comment