Today is the most topsy turvy day of The Norseman’s Passage for me. On the one hand is the glorious weather and beautiful ride that awaits. On the other hand are my concerns that Thursday’s timetable will delay when I see Terri in Niagara Falls.
TODAY’S RIDE PART 1 ...
David has re-routed the first half of our ride. He discovered the original route included gravel or dirt roads and are not suitable for our bikes. He texts me the new step by step directions and asks if I’m ok. I respond there’s no doubt I’ll get lost since that happens when I’m following the programmed routes in Garmin.
We start off with me in the lead. Somehow I miss the first turn. And this when I was being my most attentive. David recalculates and advises the small tweak needed to redress our error. Readjusting our route will be the theme for the first half of our ride due to the condition of Michigan’s roads.
It is a glorious day. Clear skies. Bright sun. Warm and occasionally hot. Mild wind.
Eventually I find myself in front with David and Jonah behind. They’re never too far back but not always visible.
We all meet at the van at the Dublin General Store. After a 15-20 minute break, I decide to continue on. As I cross the road and turn to start pedaling, I swing onto the gravel berm beside the road. My front tire sinks into the soft dirt and I fall down on my left side before I can unclip. No one notices. There’s no damage to myself or my clothes. I scramble up and get on my way.
I’m riding solo with David and Jonah and the van behind me. This is as safe a situation as can be other than riding in a group. If something happens, there are people behind me who will come across me and be ready to help if necessary.
It’s a beautiful day and I’m enjoying the ride immensely. I watch my pace and try not to push myself.
We end up rerouting our ride to avoid an impassable dirt road. Unbeknownst to me, David and Jonah begin the corrected route ahead of me. Api and team drop me off at the new road and head to our next meeting point. I’m third in line out of sight of everyone. We have good cell reception which is a comfort. Eventually I pass David and Jonah.
CONCERNS ALLAYED ...
David and I have several conversations about Thursday’s timeline. I don’t want to be late to Niagara Falls. Given our lack of timeliness most days, I’m looking for a commitment when the van will depart after our ride so we complete the long drive to Niagara Falls by 5:00. We talk past each other. David’s focus is on the bike ride; my focus is on the van’s departure time. Finally David tells me to confirm when the van should leave and we’ll adjust accordingly. I’m happy with the resolution. Later that afternoon, I do as requested.
TODAY’S RIDE PART 2 ...
We meet up in Baldwin and take a break. We’re off and riding shortly after. It continues to be a great day. For much of the afternoon, I feel Spirit Sherpa with me. Spirit Sherpa is a reminder of Vik’s company when we rode together the first couple weeks and has also come to represent grace and calmness on the road. Spirit Sherpa helps keep me centered on this topsy turvey day. I’m surprised Spirit is here: it’s warm and relatively flat, less than desirable conditions. I am happy Spirit Sherpa showed up.
After 94 miles, I need a break and an energy boost. I decide to do the unconventional and cycle through a McDonalds drive through. As I enter McDonalds, the van appears behind me. I now have company on my break. I get a chocolate shake, a cheeseburger, and wonder of wonders, a Buzz Lightyear toy. It’s an omen, I tell myself. Buzz Lightyear has been a symbol of the relationship and love between my oldest daughter Jennifer and I for years. A few minutes later, David and Jonah stop.
Api and team are heading to our final destination. I decide I am done for the day. I don’t want to be cycling as long as it will take for them to return. Off we go to Clare, MI.
EVENING’S END ...
We have a pleasant dinner. A group of customers break out in song for no reason. They are loud and enthusiastic and fun. After dinner, we visit Cops and Doughnuts, a donut store across the street. It has become an important landmark for the city of Clare.
After dinner, David asks to talk. He shares some of his concerns with the ride generally and my actions specifically on a couple occasions. He makes some valid points. I share my concerns. Interesting enough, David’s view on how we would ride together mirror mine; it’s a wonder he never expressed his feelings earlier when Vik was here or since Vik departed. David acknowledges even he rode differently than he expected we all would. We enjoy an amicable and fruitful conversation. I had previously decided I wouldn’t ride tomorrow, I tell David I would like to join he and Jonah, which David welcomes.
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