David, Jonah and I plan on an early biking start. I am very happy to be cycling today. We meet at 6:30, put our bags in the van, get our bikes ready, and have a quick breakfast. I’m always amused by the looks we get. When people learn of our journey, they view us in a different light, always favorable and not infrequently envious.
TODAY’S RIDE ...
We are on our bikes and off to Lake Huron fifty miles away.
We start on a Rails to Trails path. Jonah takes the lead and sets a pretty aggressive pace. Did someone spike his coffee, I wonder. Soon David takes over and keeps us moving quickly. I smile to myself acknowledging we will complete our ride with time to spare. It’s a win-win moment.
The scenery along the path is pretty and pleasant for the most part. However, the physical ride itself is annoying. Whoever patches the trail leaves “seam bumps” along a good portion of the path. Each time we cross one our crotches receive a jarring jackhammer hit. It is not a good feeling, over and over. After 20-25 miles, we leave the trail behind.
The first of Michigan’s roads after the Rails to Trails path are very congested. David improvises and we limit our time on them. Pretty soon we’re on less congested back roads. They too are very bumpy. Michigan’s roads suck as badly as Minnesota’s. However, unlike Minnesota, Michigan’s scenery is not adequate compensation for its lousy roads. Michigan drivers are also unfriendly; even the odd trucker doesn’t wave.
We’re nearing ride’s end when the van passes us. About 8 miles later, we pass the van parked at our end point to ride to Lake Huron’s edge. This is Michigan’s easternmost land border. We’ve crossed the State! We load our bikes onto the van and set forth to the border and Niagara Falls.
THE VAN EXPRESS ...
Judy and Api are magnificent. Everyone collaborates. Efficient stops. We maintain steady pace through busy traffic or not. Arrive at hotel just before 5:00. In retrospect, while I complimented both on their driving, I didn’t really thank everyone for pulling together so we arrived on time. I’m sure they know how much I appreciated it.
REUNION ...
I jump out of van and hurry inside looking for Terri, Liz and Ryan. They text they’ll be right there, their arrival delayed five minutes by a long line across the street. We unpack and are checking in when I see Terri. I hurry to hug her. Then Liz and Ryan. It’s a wonderful feeling.
We hang out in my room. It’s nice to have time to ourselves. We meet everyone else at 7:00 for dinner. During dinner, I decide I’m going to Buffalo with Terri and Liz. It doesn’t make sense for Liz to pick me up Friday morning so we can spend the morning together. I wonder why I ever thought that was a good plan. We make quick and heartfelt goodbyes to Judy, Api, and Morgan. They were wonderful companions and it was great getting to know them better. Later I regret the hurried, last minute goodbyes but right now I’m only thinking of being with Terri and family.
Buffalo is nice. Terri is tired from her, Liz and Ryan’s day in Niagara Falls: boat ride, zip line, and arcade. I need to do laundry. Later I join Terri and we fall asleep holding hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment