PALM


a return visit

A little over twenty years ago, I read in the Detroit Free Press about a group from Ann Arbor who were going to start a bike ride across the state. They were going to ride from the western side of Michigan to the eastern side. They wanted to call this ride Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM ). I really wanted to go along. Time, family, and other commitments prevented me from taking part in what was to become an annual event.

About thirteen years ago I was able to go on my first PALM ride. I took my youngest daughter, Sarah, her friend Mary, and my nephew, Dan. We had a wonderful experience! We started in Fruitport and rode to Harbor Beach. The weather was grand. The mileage was doable for an out of shape old guy, two eleven year olds, and one ten year old. We have many cherished memories. Among them was the dog that ran with us for miles, Mary's visit to the hospital in Freemont, and the many characters PALM attracts. I had taken many photographs during this trip and presented Dan and Sarah with an album for Christmas that year.

Two years later Sarah, her friend Crystal, Dan, and myself did it again. That PALM we were riders on the storm. Each day we encountered severe weather. We hid in a picnic shelter during a tornado one day. Another day we sought refuge in a working barn. Then there was the legendary stop in the airplane hanger. I thought the stop was a mile away. The kids (correctly) thought it was about 100 yards down the rode. It was a memorable PALM.

Nephew Dan had found his album this past winter. He wanted to go again.



So here we are, Dan and I on a little ride with 700 of our closest friends. I was humbled that my nephew was willing to go for a bike ride with his uncle once again.

Posted: Tue - June 28, 2005 at 07:22 AM      

©