Wed - October 18, 2006
Old Friends
In April, my wife and I ran into Ann at a retirement
party. Ann and I
had both started our careers as rookie Customs Inspectors in 1971. As
we caught up on what was happening in our lives, I mentioned this bike
trip. I said that the route would take us through Ludington where Ann
has a second house. She said something about calling when we were in
the area.
While working on the route and itinerary I realized that we would pass
through Ludington around the Fourth of July. Since camping or other
accommodations might be difficult to come by, I sent Ann an email in an
effort to be invited to pitch our tents in her backyard. The response
was positive and we were offered the guest bedroom.
On July 3 we were just north of Ludington. I called Ann for specific
instructions to her house. We rolled up about 15 minutes later to find
Ann on the porch waiting for us. As I took my helmet off, Ann's
greeting was "Nice tan lines!" She was reacting to the unusual pattern
on my bald head caused by the helmet vents. It is always nice to know
that you have some unique quality.
After getting cleaned up, Ann drove us to the local laundromat. While
the clothes were going round and round, Ann gave us a quick driving tour
of Ludington. She grew up in Ludington and was pointing out houses and
buildings that are either currently or previously owned by various
family members. I had to laugh because Brian does the same thing as we
ride around Wyandotte.
Ann also made it a point to show us the route out of Ludington. We
guess that she didn't want us to stay too long.
Even though we had offered to take her out to dinner, Ann cooked a
wonderful pork loin with sweet potatoes. Excellent! After dinner, one
of Ann's friends stopped over for a beer. His question to us was,
"Why?" We sent Ann a copy of William Least-Heat Moon's book "Blue
Highways" in an effort to answer that question.
As we packed our gear in the morning, the wonderful aroma of bacon
floated through the house. Ann had topped off her gracious hospitality
with a great breakfast.
Old friends are the best friends. Thanks, Ann.
Wes
had both started our careers as rookie Customs Inspectors in 1971. As
we caught up on what was happening in our lives, I mentioned this bike
trip. I said that the route would take us through Ludington where Ann
has a second house. She said something about calling when we were in
the area.
While working on the route and itinerary I realized that we would pass
through Ludington around the Fourth of July. Since camping or other
accommodations might be difficult to come by, I sent Ann an email in an
effort to be invited to pitch our tents in her backyard. The response
was positive and we were offered the guest bedroom.
On July 3 we were just north of Ludington. I called Ann for specific
instructions to her house. We rolled up about 15 minutes later to find
Ann on the porch waiting for us. As I took my helmet off, Ann's
greeting was "Nice tan lines!" She was reacting to the unusual pattern
on my bald head caused by the helmet vents. It is always nice to know
that you have some unique quality.
After getting cleaned up, Ann drove us to the local laundromat. While
the clothes were going round and round, Ann gave us a quick driving tour
of Ludington. She grew up in Ludington and was pointing out houses and
buildings that are either currently or previously owned by various
family members. I had to laugh because Brian does the same thing as we
ride around Wyandotte.
Ann also made it a point to show us the route out of Ludington. We
guess that she didn't want us to stay too long.
Even though we had offered to take her out to dinner, Ann cooked a
wonderful pork loin with sweet potatoes. Excellent! After dinner, one
of Ann's friends stopped over for a beer. His question to us was,
"Why?" We sent Ann a copy of William Least-Heat Moon's book "Blue
Highways" in an effort to answer that question.
As we packed our gear in the morning, the wonderful aroma of bacon
floated through the house. Ann had topped off her gracious hospitality
with a great breakfast.
Old friends are the best friends. Thanks, Ann.
Wes
Posted at 07:56 PM Read More
Sun - September 17, 2006
Camp Ground Security
The ride from Sebewaing continued on M-25. We
have basically been following M-25 fromPort
Huron. Following M-25 and keeping the big water on our right made
navigating the Thumb pretty easy. As we approached Bay City the traffic got
heavier and we found another road that paralleled M-25 but was much
quieter.
We found a diner just south of theBay City State Park for coffee and pie. Our trip became the discussion of about half of the customers. We learned that there was a nice county park at Pinconning with camping. We also learned that the route that we planned to take to Pinconning would not work. The other patrons offered route suggestions and we were on our way.
Camp was set up atPinconning County Park early in the afternoon. We rode back into town to log some computer time at the library and to buy something for dinner. Getting off of the road early always makes for a good day.
After dinner I went exploring around the park. There was a nice boardwalk that extended about a mile into a marsh and ended at an observation platform. While walking back I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. As it came out of my pocket, I heard the key to my bike lock hit the boardwalk. By the time I turned to see where it landed, it had disappeared between the slats.
I spent the next 20 minutes crawling on my hands and knees looking between the boards for the key. You know that I didn’t find it and my bike was safely locked to a tree next to my tent.
Yeah I know I should have had another key stashed away somewhere in my pack but I didn’t. When I got back to camp I asked Brian how long he thought it would take me to defeat my cable lock using my little Gerber multi-tool. Brian suggested that I use the saw blade and cut down the tree and release my bike.
It really wasn’t the tree’s fault so I rejected Brian’s suggestion. As I was working on my problem, the phone rang. Barb and I told each other about our day (at least I told her about most of it). Since Barb and Pat would be joining us in a couple of days, I asked her to bring the extra lock from my other bike. That begged the embarrassing question as to why I needed and extra lock.
Confession is good for the soul.
Oh yeah, 15 minutes.
Wes
We found a diner just south of theBay City State Park for coffee and pie. Our trip became the discussion of about half of the customers. We learned that there was a nice county park at Pinconning with camping. We also learned that the route that we planned to take to Pinconning would not work. The other patrons offered route suggestions and we were on our way.
Camp was set up atPinconning County Park early in the afternoon. We rode back into town to log some computer time at the library and to buy something for dinner. Getting off of the road early always makes for a good day.
After dinner I went exploring around the park. There was a nice boardwalk that extended about a mile into a marsh and ended at an observation platform. While walking back I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. As it came out of my pocket, I heard the key to my bike lock hit the boardwalk. By the time I turned to see where it landed, it had disappeared between the slats.
I spent the next 20 minutes crawling on my hands and knees looking between the boards for the key. You know that I didn’t find it and my bike was safely locked to a tree next to my tent.
Yeah I know I should have had another key stashed away somewhere in my pack but I didn’t. When I got back to camp I asked Brian how long he thought it would take me to defeat my cable lock using my little Gerber multi-tool. Brian suggested that I use the saw blade and cut down the tree and release my bike.
It really wasn’t the tree’s fault so I rejected Brian’s suggestion. As I was working on my problem, the phone rang. Barb and I told each other about our day (at least I told her about most of it). Since Barb and Pat would be joining us in a couple of days, I asked her to bring the extra lock from my other bike. That begged the embarrassing question as to why I needed and extra lock.
Confession is good for the soul.
Oh yeah, 15 minutes.
Wes
Posted at 12:33 PM Read More
Sat
- August 26, 2006
We Find Jimmy Hoffa
Brian is a fifth grade elementary teacher and is
constantly on the lookout for interesting items to introduce to his
class. He was continually formulating questions and exercises for his
students from historical markers and geographic landmarks. One of the
questions was, “How many times did I cross the 45th
Parallel?” (The answer is four.) Each crossing was celebrated
with a picture of Brian standing in front of the sign announcing the
45th Parallel.
Shortly after leaving the town of Leland in the Leelanau Peninsula I was not too surprised to see Brian pointing wildly at the shoulder of the road. I looked up to see the familiar green sign announcing our final crossing of the parallel. I rolled to a stop and started to pull the camera from my handlebar bag.
“Did you see it?” Brian asked excitedly.
“Well, yea. It’s right behind you.”
“No, no, no! Not the sign. The body! The body in the wheelbarrow!”
“What!?”
“There’s a body in the wheelbarrow. Right back there”
I couldn’t understand what he was raving about and I sure didn’t see a wheelbarrow, let alone a body.
“There’s a body back there, really! I saw his face”.
I looked back about 20 yards down the road and saw the wheelbarrow with a pick and shovel and a heap of grey in it. I suggested that we take the picture of him and the sign before we went back to look at a load of dirt.
If only the FBI were as perceptive as Brian. They could have saved a lot of money and embarrassment, let alone not having to rebuild a barn.
There he was, in a grey trench coat and fedora, laying face down in the wheelbarrow. There was even a highly relevant clue to the identity of the occupant posted next to the wheelbarrow.
Brian is ready for a role on CSI.
Wes
Shortly after leaving the town of Leland in the Leelanau Peninsula I was not too surprised to see Brian pointing wildly at the shoulder of the road. I looked up to see the familiar green sign announcing our final crossing of the parallel. I rolled to a stop and started to pull the camera from my handlebar bag.
“Did you see it?” Brian asked excitedly.
“Well, yea. It’s right behind you.”
“No, no, no! Not the sign. The body! The body in the wheelbarrow!”
“What!?”
“There’s a body in the wheelbarrow. Right back there”
I couldn’t understand what he was raving about and I sure didn’t see a wheelbarrow, let alone a body.
“There’s a body back there, really! I saw his face”.
I looked back about 20 yards down the road and saw the wheelbarrow with a pick and shovel and a heap of grey in it. I suggested that we take the picture of him and the sign before we went back to look at a load of dirt.
If only the FBI were as perceptive as Brian. They could have saved a lot of money and embarrassment, let alone not having to rebuild a barn.
There he was, in a grey trench coat and fedora, laying face down in the wheelbarrow. There was even a highly relevant clue to the identity of the occupant posted next to the wheelbarrow.
Brian is ready for a role on CSI.
Wes
Posted at 10:43 AM Read More
Night Visitors
Brian has complained to me that he often has a
difficult time sleeping at night. This has been evidenced by emails that
are sent at 3:00 or 4:00 A.M. I sometimes wonder if he is just making this
up and that the clock on his computer is not set properly. Even though I
normally fall asleep quite quickly, I have heard a roaring snoring noise
emanating from his tent long before I nod
off.
At Leelanau State Park we had secured a spacious “auxiliary” camp site even though the camp ground was officially full. After a satisfying meal including a desert of locally grown cherries and witnessing a beautiful sunset overLake Michigan, we both settled in to our tents. I was asleep before the last light of dusk disappeared.
Sometime later (I don’t know the time because I don’t bring a clock when I tour) a noise awakened me. I unzipped the tent and saw that Brian’s bike was lying on its side and one of his panniers was several feet from the bike. I got out to investigate. My small bike headlight doubles as my flashlight and was still attached to my handlebars. As I went for the light, I caught sight of some movement to my left. Shining the light in the direction of the movement I spotted a defiant raccoon. I yelled at the raccoon and he retreated to tall weeds.
Brian’s bike had been pulled over by the raccoon tugging on his right rear pannier. He had actually pulled the pannier off of the rack. I shined the light at my bike and discovered that the raccoon had pulled the rain covers off of my panniers as well.
I figured that I would solve the problem by removing all of the panniers and relocating them under the vestibule of my tent. With that task completed I was soon asleep again.
I woke the second time that night to the realization that the raccoon was into the vestibule of my tent and was pulling the panniers out. As I emerged from the tent, my flashlight landed on Brian’s pannier about six feet away and a rather defiant raccoon about three feet further away. He gave me a look that said, “This is mine, I found it – twice.”
I stamped my feet and yelled again and the little thief retreated but not as far as before. I decided to find my clothesline and hang the panniers out of reach. As I strung the line between two trees, I had lost sight of the raccoon. I swung the light towards my tent only to find that he was heading back to my now open tent. I dropped one end of the line and ran back my tent. The invader retreated back to the bikes but never left the campsite. I scooped up all four panniers and finished hanging them like laundry from the clothesline. I threw a stick at my adversary and he wandered off as I climbed back into my sleeping bag.
Brian’s reaction to all of this activity was non-existent. The only thing emanating from him was the sound of an 18 wheeler idling at a truck stop.
When I emerged from the tent in the morning, Brian was sitting at the picnic table making coffee. He said that he noticed the panniers hanging from the trees. I explained my interrupted night and his only excuse was that he “thought” he had heard something, but thought that it was the wind in the trees and rolled over and went back to sleep.
I should have just put the panniers in the vestibule of his tent.
At Leelanau State Park we had secured a spacious “auxiliary” camp site even though the camp ground was officially full. After a satisfying meal including a desert of locally grown cherries and witnessing a beautiful sunset overLake Michigan, we both settled in to our tents. I was asleep before the last light of dusk disappeared.
Sometime later (I don’t know the time because I don’t bring a clock when I tour) a noise awakened me. I unzipped the tent and saw that Brian’s bike was lying on its side and one of his panniers was several feet from the bike. I got out to investigate. My small bike headlight doubles as my flashlight and was still attached to my handlebars. As I went for the light, I caught sight of some movement to my left. Shining the light in the direction of the movement I spotted a defiant raccoon. I yelled at the raccoon and he retreated to tall weeds.
Brian’s bike had been pulled over by the raccoon tugging on his right rear pannier. He had actually pulled the pannier off of the rack. I shined the light at my bike and discovered that the raccoon had pulled the rain covers off of my panniers as well.
I figured that I would solve the problem by removing all of the panniers and relocating them under the vestibule of my tent. With that task completed I was soon asleep again.
I woke the second time that night to the realization that the raccoon was into the vestibule of my tent and was pulling the panniers out. As I emerged from the tent, my flashlight landed on Brian’s pannier about six feet away and a rather defiant raccoon about three feet further away. He gave me a look that said, “This is mine, I found it – twice.”
I stamped my feet and yelled again and the little thief retreated but not as far as before. I decided to find my clothesline and hang the panniers out of reach. As I strung the line between two trees, I had lost sight of the raccoon. I swung the light towards my tent only to find that he was heading back to my now open tent. I dropped one end of the line and ran back my tent. The invader retreated back to the bikes but never left the campsite. I scooped up all four panniers and finished hanging them like laundry from the clothesline. I threw a stick at my adversary and he wandered off as I climbed back into my sleeping bag.
Brian’s reaction to all of this activity was non-existent. The only thing emanating from him was the sound of an 18 wheeler idling at a truck stop.
When I emerged from the tent in the morning, Brian was sitting at the picnic table making coffee. He said that he noticed the panniers hanging from the trees. I explained my interrupted night and his only excuse was that he “thought” he had heard something, but thought that it was the wind in the trees and rolled over and went back to sleep.
I should have just put the panniers in the vestibule of his tent.
Wes
Posted at 10:36 AM Read More
Wed - August 2, 2006
Bicycle Friendly Part b
Our experience at the Platt River Campground did
not have the successful outcome that we had come to expect after our dealings
with Michigan State Park system. We walked out of the Ranger’s office
with a list of alternate campgrounds and the prospect of 15 additional miles on
the road.
I had cell service and called a private campground, the Betsie River Camp Site that was just off of our route. The first response to our inquiry about the availability of a camp site was that they were full. I explained that we were two guys on bicycles with two small tents; the lady said that she had a place where we could set up. I said that we would be there in about two hours.
The ride to the camp was uneventful. We made a stop at a supermarket inFrankfort and picked up dinner on the deli aisle.
The Betsie River Camp Site is on River Road just south of Frankfort. It is right on the Betsie Valley Trail, a 22 mile trail that runs from Frankfort to Thompsonville.
We have often written that meeting nice people is one of the best parts of bicycle touring. The nice person at the center of this story is Barbara Lavely who was willing to listen to our problem and offer up a solution.
Thanks, Barb.
Wes
I had cell service and called a private campground, the Betsie River Camp Site that was just off of our route. The first response to our inquiry about the availability of a camp site was that they were full. I explained that we were two guys on bicycles with two small tents; the lady said that she had a place where we could set up. I said that we would be there in about two hours.
The ride to the camp was uneventful. We made a stop at a supermarket inFrankfort and picked up dinner on the deli aisle.
The Betsie River Camp Site is on River Road just south of Frankfort. It is right on the Betsie Valley Trail, a 22 mile trail that runs from Frankfort to Thompsonville.
We have often written that meeting nice people is one of the best parts of bicycle touring. The nice person at the center of this story is Barbara Lavely who was willing to listen to our problem and offer up a solution.
Thanks, Barb.
Wes
Posted at 09:47 AM Read More
Fri - July 28, 2006
A WOBBLE OF BICYCLES
Yes folks, I took a thumb through my favorite book
of terms of venery to come up with this entry.
During the RALPH tour, Wes and I encountered
many interesting sights. On a pleasant country road between Standish and Au
Gres was one example. We rounded a gentle bend to see that the trees contained
a wake of vultures. We were concerned that we might be looking much worse than
how we were feeling at the time. After a few more pedal strokes down the road,
we rolled onto the point of interest for our creepy feathery friends. A raccoon
had an unfortunate meeting with a car and had obviously lost. Curiously, next
to the expired raccoon was a buzzard who shared a similar fate as the dearly
departed, with the same result.
To the vultures was it:
A) a moral dilemma? “Gosh, that is Cousin Carl!”
2) a religious experience? “I wish to be one with Cousin Carl!”
c) poetic justice? “Dibs on Cousin Carl!”
As we rode along the Michigan shoreline we had to endure the constant squabble of seagulls. Through the countryside we encountered many ruminations of cows. Each campground held their own scurry of squirrels and ubiquities of sparrows. As we rode through less populous areas we were amazed at the growing rafter of wild turkeys. Outside of Alabaster we encountered a siege of herons. The heron rockery held many active nests. We could see fledgling herons stretching and exercising their new wings.
Sadly, just west of Tawas, we encountered a large snarl of motorcycles. This particular “rolling thunder” was loud and a little unruly. A few did not give Wes and I much respect and even less room on the road. Fortunately, by the time we arrived in Tawas the motorcycle storm had passed.
I will leave it up to Wes to tell you about the mask of raccoons we encountered on the trip.
To the vultures was it:
A) a moral dilemma? “Gosh, that is Cousin Carl!”
2) a religious experience? “I wish to be one with Cousin Carl!”
c) poetic justice? “Dibs on Cousin Carl!”
As we rode along the Michigan shoreline we had to endure the constant squabble of seagulls. Through the countryside we encountered many ruminations of cows. Each campground held their own scurry of squirrels and ubiquities of sparrows. As we rode through less populous areas we were amazed at the growing rafter of wild turkeys. Outside of Alabaster we encountered a siege of herons. The heron rockery held many active nests. We could see fledgling herons stretching and exercising their new wings.
Sadly, just west of Tawas, we encountered a large snarl of motorcycles. This particular “rolling thunder” was loud and a little unruly. A few did not give Wes and I much respect and even less room on the road. Fortunately, by the time we arrived in Tawas the motorcycle storm had passed.
I will leave it up to Wes to tell you about the mask of raccoons we encountered on the trip.
Posted at 04:29 PM Read More
Sat
- July 22, 2006
Bicycle Friendly
The League of American Bicyclists and Bicycling
Magazine have awarded various communities throughout
theU.S. the title “Bicycle Friendly
Community”. Portage, MI recently won an honorable mention in this
category. Brian and I have found that the Michigan State Parks should also
earn praise for being bicycle
friendly.
The route that we chose to ride was selected partially to take advantage of the string of Michigan State Parks that hang around shoreline of theLower Peninsula like a necklace. The timing of our tour also took us into the heart of the tourist season, the Fourth of July weekend.
We camped at Lakeport, Tawas Point,Traverse City, Leelanau, Algonac, Holland, and Yankee Springs State Parks. What happened at Tawas Point and Leelanau is the story here. You see, when we arrived at the camp office we were greeted by a sign that said, “Sorry, Camp Full”.
We walked into the Ranger’s office and without hesitation, the Ranger said that since we arrived by bike to camp, they would put us on the “auxiliary site”. At Tawas Point, this was a very nice patch of grass between two mini-cabins. At Leelanau it was the vacant host camper site. At both parks our tents were pitched within 30 minutes of arriving.
We have been told that the State Parks has a policy of accommodating cyclists and hikers who arrive at full campgrounds. That such a policy exists and is so well known by the staff is outstanding.
I wish I could say nice things about the Feds. Our experience at the Platt River Campground in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore was just the opposite. We arrived on a hot afternoon and were told sorry, no space. We brought up the State policy and received a shoulder shrug in response. Another Ranger suggested to the Ranger talking to us that maybe if she called so and so, something could be done. This suggestion generated no action. When Brian asked if she was going to make the call, she said no. We were handed a list of campgrounds in the vicinity.
We contacted a private camp who would accommodate us and we were back on the road. Fifteen more frustrating miles.
Fortunately for all touring cyclists, there are a lot more State Parks in Michigan than Federal parks. I am proud of my state for this policy.
Wes
The route that we chose to ride was selected partially to take advantage of the string of Michigan State Parks that hang around shoreline of theLower Peninsula like a necklace. The timing of our tour also took us into the heart of the tourist season, the Fourth of July weekend.
We camped at Lakeport, Tawas Point,Traverse City, Leelanau, Algonac, Holland, and Yankee Springs State Parks. What happened at Tawas Point and Leelanau is the story here. You see, when we arrived at the camp office we were greeted by a sign that said, “Sorry, Camp Full”.
We walked into the Ranger’s office and without hesitation, the Ranger said that since we arrived by bike to camp, they would put us on the “auxiliary site”. At Tawas Point, this was a very nice patch of grass between two mini-cabins. At Leelanau it was the vacant host camper site. At both parks our tents were pitched within 30 minutes of arriving.
We have been told that the State Parks has a policy of accommodating cyclists and hikers who arrive at full campgrounds. That such a policy exists and is so well known by the staff is outstanding.
I wish I could say nice things about the Feds. Our experience at the Platt River Campground in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore was just the opposite. We arrived on a hot afternoon and were told sorry, no space. We brought up the State policy and received a shoulder shrug in response. Another Ranger suggested to the Ranger talking to us that maybe if she called so and so, something could be done. This suggestion generated no action. When Brian asked if she was going to make the call, she said no. We were handed a list of campgrounds in the vicinity.
We contacted a private camp who would accommodate us and we were back on the road. Fifteen more frustrating miles.
Fortunately for all touring cyclists, there are a lot more State Parks in Michigan than Federal parks. I am proud of my state for this policy.
Wes
Posted at 08:30 PM Read More
Wed - July 19, 2006
Just the Facts
Wes gives the data for the trip.
The first questions
that we are normally asked are how far and where. My first blog entry since
our return will try to answer those basic questions. That will leave Brian
and I lots of space to hang our ever so slightly embellished stories on a
framework of the basic trip. Please remember that facts are a relative
thing and can vary with the person espousing the facts. Brian and I will
have slightly different facts because he is taller and I ride a recumbent
bike. Here is a breakdown of my daily
mileage:
DAY RIDE MILEAGE AVERAGE
6/18/2006 ALGONAC STATE PARK 71.7 12.1
6/19/2006 LAKEPORT STATE PARK 37.7 11.4
6/20/2006 FORESTER COUNTY PARK 30.8 9.9
6/21/2006 LIGHTHOUSE COUNTY PARK 30.9 13.2
6/22/2006 SEBAWAING COUNTY PARK 52.2 10.7
6/23/2006 PINCONNING COUNTY PARK 55.5 11.6
6/24/2006 TAWAS POINT STATE PARK 59.7 12
6/25/2006 HARRISVILLE 51.8 10.9
6/26/2006 ALPENA 45.1 11.9
6/27/2006 ROGERS CITY 47.8 12.5
6/28/2006 MACKINAWCITY 63.9 12.4
6/29/2006 PETOSKEY 57 11
6/30/2006 TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK 70.2 10.6
7/1/2006 LEELANAU STATE PARK 44.5 11.1
7/2/2006 FRANKFORT BETSIE RIVER CAMPSITE 74 11.1
7/3/2006 LUDINGTON (ANN'S HOUSE) 61.2 10.3
7/4/2006 WHITEHALL(LOTZ'S BOAT) 52.4 11.3
7/5/2006 HOLLAND STATE PARK 64.7 10.9
7/6/2006 YANKEE SPRING S STATE PARK 51.3 11
7/7/2006 MARSHALL(MOTEL) 52.8 10.8
7/8/2006 BROOKLYN (DAD'S HOUSE) 54.2 10.9
7/9/2006 FLAT ROCK (BRIAN'S HOUSE) 71.4 13.4
The total route mileage that I recorded was 1,200.8 miles. The overall mileage that I recorded was 1,238 miles. The difference is because we did not count the miles to go to a restaurant or laundry after we had reached our campsite. I also reached a personal milestone when my recumbent turned over 10,000 miles during the trip.
We camped 12 nights of the 21 nights that we were on the road. The trip took 22 days but we decided to sleep in our own beds on the last day. We stayed in motels for the 5 days (Harrisville through Petoskey) when our wives were traveling with us. One night was spent at a friend’s house in Ludington, one night was spent at my parent’s house, and one night was spent on a boat. The boat story will wait for another entry. It is way too cool to dilute it in this article.
We had rain on many days of the trip but we were fortunate that most of the rain occurred after we had the tents up and before we were ready to ride. There was only one day where we were forced to ride in the rain. Twenty-one days of dry cycling out of twenty-two is pretty good for a trip like this. Brian did learn a valuable lesson about putting the rain fly on his tent before going to do laundry on our second night, but that’s another story.
We had no mechanical problems with the exception of flat tires. Brian had more of an issue with this than I did. He managed to fix all seven with a smile on his face. I, on the other hand, cursed the flat that I got because I caused it by pulling my pump off of the valve at an angle and I ripped the valve. The only other mechanical issue that I faced was how to unlock my bike after I had lost the key (yet another story).
Now that this task is out of the way, I can write some stories and not worry about the facts getting in the way.
Wes
DAY RIDE MILEAGE AVERAGE
6/18/2006 ALGONAC STATE PARK 71.7 12.1
6/19/2006 LAKEPORT STATE PARK 37.7 11.4
6/20/2006 FORESTER COUNTY PARK 30.8 9.9
6/21/2006 LIGHTHOUSE COUNTY PARK 30.9 13.2
6/22/2006 SEBAWAING COUNTY PARK 52.2 10.7
6/23/2006 PINCONNING COUNTY PARK 55.5 11.6
6/24/2006 TAWAS POINT STATE PARK 59.7 12
6/25/2006 HARRISVILLE 51.8 10.9
6/26/2006 ALPENA 45.1 11.9
6/27/2006 ROGERS CITY 47.8 12.5
6/28/2006 MACKINAWCITY 63.9 12.4
6/29/2006 PETOSKEY 57 11
6/30/2006 TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK 70.2 10.6
7/1/2006 LEELANAU STATE PARK 44.5 11.1
7/2/2006 FRANKFORT BETSIE RIVER CAMPSITE 74 11.1
7/3/2006 LUDINGTON (ANN'S HOUSE) 61.2 10.3
7/4/2006 WHITEHALL(LOTZ'S BOAT) 52.4 11.3
7/5/2006 HOLLAND STATE PARK 64.7 10.9
7/6/2006 YANKEE SPRING S STATE PARK 51.3 11
7/7/2006 MARSHALL(MOTEL) 52.8 10.8
7/8/2006 BROOKLYN (DAD'S HOUSE) 54.2 10.9
7/9/2006 FLAT ROCK (BRIAN'S HOUSE) 71.4 13.4
The total route mileage that I recorded was 1,200.8 miles. The overall mileage that I recorded was 1,238 miles. The difference is because we did not count the miles to go to a restaurant or laundry after we had reached our campsite. I also reached a personal milestone when my recumbent turned over 10,000 miles during the trip.
We camped 12 nights of the 21 nights that we were on the road. The trip took 22 days but we decided to sleep in our own beds on the last day. We stayed in motels for the 5 days (Harrisville through Petoskey) when our wives were traveling with us. One night was spent at a friend’s house in Ludington, one night was spent at my parent’s house, and one night was spent on a boat. The boat story will wait for another entry. It is way too cool to dilute it in this article.
We had rain on many days of the trip but we were fortunate that most of the rain occurred after we had the tents up and before we were ready to ride. There was only one day where we were forced to ride in the rain. Twenty-one days of dry cycling out of twenty-two is pretty good for a trip like this. Brian did learn a valuable lesson about putting the rain fly on his tent before going to do laundry on our second night, but that’s another story.
We had no mechanical problems with the exception of flat tires. Brian had more of an issue with this than I did. He managed to fix all seven with a smile on his face. I, on the other hand, cursed the flat that I got because I caused it by pulling my pump off of the valve at an angle and I ripped the valve. The only other mechanical issue that I faced was how to unlock my bike after I had lost the key (yet another story).
Now that this task is out of the way, I can write some stories and not worry about the facts getting in the way.
Wes
Posted at 03:20 PM Read More
Mon - June 26, 2006
Road Report
We had the chance, we thought we would give an
update from the road.
Wes and I have made it to Alpena, Michigan. We are
two days shy of rounding the top of the mitten. We both feel that we have been
very fortunate so far. The one time the sky really opened up, we were in a
restaurant eating. Other times we made it to camp before the rain started. We
did not experience the big storm of last week. The roads have been good. On
days of busy and or fast traffic we have had plenty of shoulder to use. The
state park rule about accommodating bicyclists who roll into a full camp works.
Our wives are with us for this leg of the trip. We had a great send off. We
are truly blessed on this trip, so
far.
We have discovered a little Michigan secret. The thumb is pretty cool! It has nice scenery and nice roads. The state parks and county parks are great. It isn't very crowded. It has been one of many pleasant surprises of the trip.
The last couple of days we have ridden parts of the old Shore Line East route. Very little has really changed. In some parts the road is a little better, others a little worse. Some of the old eating spots are still there and still good. The two big climbs out of Black River are still there and still big.
We are having a great time, and do we have the stories!
bc
Dispatch From the Road
We are on our way! The most difficult aspect of this type of endeavor is to
actually get going. Our first day ended in Algonac State Park. A great tail
wind, the excitement of embarking on the tour, and club members insuring that
we actually left town made the 71 miles seem easier than expected. We
celebrated the end of the first day with a meal in a good restaurant. Camp
cooking would have to wait until tomorrow.
We started out the day with oatmeal and coffee in camp. Coffee was made with
the French Press coffee makers that Brian bought us. These little things make
a really good cup of coffee. A perfectly good tour can be ruined by bad
coffee. That and bad food.
It is surprising to me how quickly Brian and I have resumed the rhythm of our
trip to Maine. We have found that we get up about the same time in the
morning. It takes us about the same amount of time to pack. We ride at the
same pace. We need to take breaks at about the same time. What is really
eerie is that we will end up ordering the same things in a restaurant.
We are following some of the precedents set on our trip to Maine. We have
pledged to avoid factory food. We don't stop at the first restaurant because
there is usually a more interesting place towards the center of town. (We
have already violated this once on the trip and have regretted it.)
We are making an effort to get off of the road relatively early, about 2 or 3
o'clock. This makes every thing easier. We are not rushing to set up camp
and eat before it gets dark. It gives us plenty of time to “"do the numbers"”
and write in our journals. And when we find a good bakery during the day, it
gives us a chance to have a cup of coffee and eat the pastry that we put into
our panniers.
Life is good.
We have discovered a little Michigan secret. The thumb is pretty cool! It has nice scenery and nice roads. The state parks and county parks are great. It isn't very crowded. It has been one of many pleasant surprises of the trip.
The last couple of days we have ridden parts of the old Shore Line East route. Very little has really changed. In some parts the road is a little better, others a little worse. Some of the old eating spots are still there and still good. The two big climbs out of Black River are still there and still big.
We are having a great time, and do we have the stories!
bc
Dispatch From the Road
We are on our way! The most difficult aspect of this type of endeavor is to
actually get going. Our first day ended in Algonac State Park. A great tail
wind, the excitement of embarking on the tour, and club members insuring that
we actually left town made the 71 miles seem easier than expected. We
celebrated the end of the first day with a meal in a good restaurant. Camp
cooking would have to wait until tomorrow.
We started out the day with oatmeal and coffee in camp. Coffee was made with
the French Press coffee makers that Brian bought us. These little things make
a really good cup of coffee. A perfectly good tour can be ruined by bad
coffee. That and bad food.
It is surprising to me how quickly Brian and I have resumed the rhythm of our
trip to Maine. We have found that we get up about the same time in the
morning. It takes us about the same amount of time to pack. We ride at the
same pace. We need to take breaks at about the same time. What is really
eerie is that we will end up ordering the same things in a restaurant.
We are following some of the precedents set on our trip to Maine. We have
pledged to avoid factory food. We don't stop at the first restaurant because
there is usually a more interesting place towards the center of town. (We
have already violated this once on the trip and have regretted it.)
We are making an effort to get off of the road relatively early, about 2 or 3
o'clock. This makes every thing easier. We are not rushing to set up camp
and eat before it gets dark. It gives us plenty of time to “"do the numbers"”
and write in our journals. And when we find a good bakery during the day, it
gives us a chance to have a cup of coffee and eat the pastry that we put into
our panniers.
Life is good.
Posted at 09:25 PM Read More
Sat
- June 17, 2006
Time to go II
bc's version of the big good bye
Obsessing? Wes has the weather covered, I get the
rest! Do I have everything? Do I know where everything is? Journal? Do I take
the iPod?
I have been pretty casual about this trip. We know the area, have ridden most of the roads, we won't be far from home ever, a walk in the park! So why am I so anxious? I hope it is just pre ride jitters.
.
So here is my ride. It is freshly painted. It has new rims (thanks Al). It has new front rack and panniers. It has a new Brooks saddle. It has new lights and a new bell. My bike is officially street legal for the state of Michigan.
Wes has declared we are ready, so we must be.
By the way 70% chance of rain tomorrow.
I have been pretty casual about this trip. We know the area, have ridden most of the roads, we won't be far from home ever, a walk in the park! So why am I so anxious? I hope it is just pre ride jitters.
.
So here is my ride. It is freshly painted. It has new rims (thanks Al). It has new front rack and panniers. It has a new Brooks saddle. It has new lights and a new bell. My bike is officially street legal for the state of Michigan.
Wes has declared we are ready, so we must be.
By the way 70% chance of rain tomorrow.
Posted at 03:55 PM Read More
Time to go
Wes' version of the big good bye
Brian and I start off on the RALPH tour
tomorrow. The excitement of the idea also induces some anxiety. Are we
ready? Am I ready? Why didn’t I loose that extra ten pounds like
Brian did? Will the weather hold for our first day on the
road?
Yesterday Brian and I took our final 20 mile training ride. I had the bike fully loaded. The bike handles well with the load. The low center of gravity because of the under seat panniers makes it very stable. My ability to accelerate quickly is diminished but once the bike is rolling, it wants to keep rolling.
My panniers weighed in at 15 and 16 pounds. The tent and Therma-Rest pad (4 and 2 pounds respectfully) are tied to the top of the rear rack.
My normal rack trunk has been replaced with two small panniers on the rack. These are mostly empty except for my spare tubes, a couple of plastic garbage bags, maps, and journal book. The plan is to use this space for groceries when we shop for our evening meal. My camera is in the handlebar bag. I have slightly expanded my spare parts and tool inventory on the bike for the trip.
Overall, I have approximately 40 pounds of extra gear on the bike. That is about 5 pounds less than on our trip toMaine. Since I have about 10 more pounds on me compared to the Maine trip, the result is a net gain of 5 pounds. The first few days of riding should help remove the difference.
Several DCC members including my daughter Erin have said that they will escort us out of town tomorrow. We are not certain if this is friendly gesture or if the peasants are storming the castle.
I’m ready. I’m ready. Now if I could just stop obsessing about the weather report.
Wes
Yesterday Brian and I took our final 20 mile training ride. I had the bike fully loaded. The bike handles well with the load. The low center of gravity because of the under seat panniers makes it very stable. My ability to accelerate quickly is diminished but once the bike is rolling, it wants to keep rolling.
My panniers weighed in at 15 and 16 pounds. The tent and Therma-Rest pad (4 and 2 pounds respectfully) are tied to the top of the rear rack.
My normal rack trunk has been replaced with two small panniers on the rack. These are mostly empty except for my spare tubes, a couple of plastic garbage bags, maps, and journal book. The plan is to use this space for groceries when we shop for our evening meal. My camera is in the handlebar bag. I have slightly expanded my spare parts and tool inventory on the bike for the trip.
Overall, I have approximately 40 pounds of extra gear on the bike. That is about 5 pounds less than on our trip toMaine. Since I have about 10 more pounds on me compared to the Maine trip, the result is a net gain of 5 pounds. The first few days of riding should help remove the difference.
Several DCC members including my daughter Erin have said that they will escort us out of town tomorrow. We are not certain if this is friendly gesture or if the peasants are storming the castle.
I’m ready. I’m ready. Now if I could just stop obsessing about the weather report.
Wes
Posted at 03:50 PM Read More
Wed - April 19, 2006
Back in the saddle
The weather is getting better and better for
riding. Brian and I are getting serious about putting some miles into our
legs before starting on RALPH. A couple of weeks ago we hosted a 50 mile
club ride in order to try out a new diner. This week we took advantage of
Brian’s Easter break from school to get a 45 mile ride in. Of course,
we did test a restaurant as part of the
ride.
Brian was on his new/old bike for this ride. His trusty Trek has been repainted and carefully reassembled by Al Petri. There is a new Brooks saddle mounted on his bike and apparently new wheels will soon be part of the package. A new cycle computer/heart rate monitor was beeping like crazy throughout the ride.
Clearly this up-grade to his ride has made Brian a much faster rider. He was consistently out in front and seemed to do much better then me as we rode home into the wind. I don’t think that it has anything to do with all the weight he lost on his very successful winter diet. Or that he spent hours on his trainer and at the gym. It is a well know fact that new stuff will make you faster.
A few days ago I was rereading some of the blog entries we made two years ago as we prepared for our trip toMaine. In those entries we obsessed about all kinds of details. We were trying figure out what type of cooking equipment and clothing would be needed. We both spent hours studying the Adventure Cycling maps and worrying about climbing the White and Green Mountains. We discussed strategies for locating camping or motels for the night.
What a difference our Maine trip has made! Over lunch I mentioned that we were not exhibiting the same kind of anxiety about the RALPH tour. We are about two months from the start of our trip. We have a rough draft of our route. We have a short list of specific places to see and things to do on the trip. We each have some ideas for small changes to our packing lists and the way we will carry things on the bike. Neither of us seems particularly concerned about having so many issues up in the air.
We have nailed down our departure date, Sunday June 18. We will be carrying the new French press coffee makers the Brian got us. That’s enough planning for now.
Wes
Brian was on his new/old bike for this ride. His trusty Trek has been repainted and carefully reassembled by Al Petri. There is a new Brooks saddle mounted on his bike and apparently new wheels will soon be part of the package. A new cycle computer/heart rate monitor was beeping like crazy throughout the ride.
Clearly this up-grade to his ride has made Brian a much faster rider. He was consistently out in front and seemed to do much better then me as we rode home into the wind. I don’t think that it has anything to do with all the weight he lost on his very successful winter diet. Or that he spent hours on his trainer and at the gym. It is a well know fact that new stuff will make you faster.
A few days ago I was rereading some of the blog entries we made two years ago as we prepared for our trip toMaine. In those entries we obsessed about all kinds of details. We were trying figure out what type of cooking equipment and clothing would be needed. We both spent hours studying the Adventure Cycling maps and worrying about climbing the White and Green Mountains. We discussed strategies for locating camping or motels for the night.
What a difference our Maine trip has made! Over lunch I mentioned that we were not exhibiting the same kind of anxiety about the RALPH tour. We are about two months from the start of our trip. We have a rough draft of our route. We have a short list of specific places to see and things to do on the trip. We each have some ideas for small changes to our packing lists and the way we will carry things on the bike. Neither of us seems particularly concerned about having so many issues up in the air.
We have nailed down our departure date, Sunday June 18. We will be carrying the new French press coffee makers the Brian got us. That’s enough planning for now.
Wes
Posted at 04:30 PM Read More
Sat
- February 18, 2006
wayfaring
Wes created a cool site
It works - check it
out
the past -
The Maine Trip
and
the future -
RALPH, the trip
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrowmindedness...and many of our people need it solely on these accounts.
- Mark Twain
the past -
The Maine Trip
and
the future -
RALPH, the trip
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrowmindedness...and many of our people need it solely on these accounts.
- Mark Twain
Posted at 03:39 PM Read More
Fri - February 10, 2006
FROG/RALPH Logo????
My riding buddy is putting me through the computer
loops on this one - hope it all works ....
What’s In a Name?
My pal Brian has stated that he is changing the basis for our F.R.O.G. acronym. He wants to substitute “fit” for “fat” so that Fat Riding Old Guy becomes Fit Riding Old Guy. I have no problem with that change. In fact, I am quite willing to allow you, dear reader, to insert whatever “F” word you deem appropriate. (I was thinking “fortunate”, “friendly”, “foolish”, etc. for those of you who were going in another direction.)
What is important to me is that the acronym be preserved as FROG. During a long career as a government bureaucrat, I learned that the success of an endeavor is often determined by the quality of the acronym. The FROG name has worked well and has come to symbolize an attitude about riding that could be summed up in the phrase on a shirt given to me by Brian at the end of our trip to Maine: the journey is the destination. The FROG name also conjures up a nice visual that we can play with.
I would like to introduce the new FROG logo. My wife Barbara had this image created by a graphic artist and gave it to me as a 31st wedding anniversary gift. (Isn’t that just too cool!) This logo is based on actual unretouched photos from the Maine trip.
Any project that has two good acronyms and a cool logo is destined for success.
Wes
PS. The visual suggested by RALPH isn’t as good as FROG. I don’t think that I would care to see a picture of Two FROGS RALPHing.
Posted at 06:06 PM Read More
Tue - January 24, 2006
A new way of looking at things
I won't get this serious again.
I promise ......
I promise ......
It's time for a change, I am tired
of the same old
same.
The same old words, the same old lines,
The same old tricks, the same old rhymes.
Boats to Build
Guy Clark
It is an easy joke that gets an easy laugh. If I meet someone new and want to put a smile on their face, I tell them that, "I am part of an elite cycling team called FROGs, Fat Riding Old Guys." It makes them smile. It works. I am not good at small talk and it gives me a starting point for conversation. From there I can tell them about my biking adventures. I can tell them about where I have been and where I hope to go. The joke gives me an easy way to chat with people. Like I said, it works.
Maybe it works too well. I think of myself as being fat. I am, I know. I have been overweight most of my life. Being fat is such a part of me. I want to be rid of that part. I want to stop looking at pictures of myself and thinking "God, look how thick I am!" I want to be able to look in a mirror and not get grossed out. I want my clothes to fit. I want to stop thinking of myself as being fat.
The Downriver Cycling Club currently has a fitness challenge among its members. Members of the club have weighed themselves. They have stepped on a scale that measures body fat. At the end of this challenge, we will re-weigh our selves, re-measure our body fat, see how much power out put we can generate on a fitness bike at a local gym, and finally race against each other on a Schwinn Velodyne. The winner will get some obscure prize to be determined later.
I have thrown myself into this challenge. I have rejoined Weight Watchers. I am dutifully counting my points and journaling everything I eat. I set my bicycle on an indoor trainer and spin each morning. I am back at the YMCA lifting weights. I am pushing myself like I have never done before. I do not want to win the obscure prize. The prize, what ever it will be, is not the motivation behind all of this blood, sweat, and tears. I no longer want to think of myself as fat. I want to think of myself as FIT!
A Fit Riding Old Guy!
And what a prize that will be.
The same old words, the same old lines,
The same old tricks, the same old rhymes.
Boats to Build
Guy Clark
It is an easy joke that gets an easy laugh. If I meet someone new and want to put a smile on their face, I tell them that, "I am part of an elite cycling team called FROGs, Fat Riding Old Guys." It makes them smile. It works. I am not good at small talk and it gives me a starting point for conversation. From there I can tell them about my biking adventures. I can tell them about where I have been and where I hope to go. The joke gives me an easy way to chat with people. Like I said, it works.
Maybe it works too well. I think of myself as being fat. I am, I know. I have been overweight most of my life. Being fat is such a part of me. I want to be rid of that part. I want to stop looking at pictures of myself and thinking "God, look how thick I am!" I want to be able to look in a mirror and not get grossed out. I want my clothes to fit. I want to stop thinking of myself as being fat.
The Downriver Cycling Club currently has a fitness challenge among its members. Members of the club have weighed themselves. They have stepped on a scale that measures body fat. At the end of this challenge, we will re-weigh our selves, re-measure our body fat, see how much power out put we can generate on a fitness bike at a local gym, and finally race against each other on a Schwinn Velodyne. The winner will get some obscure prize to be determined later.
I have thrown myself into this challenge. I have rejoined Weight Watchers. I am dutifully counting my points and journaling everything I eat. I set my bicycle on an indoor trainer and spin each morning. I am back at the YMCA lifting weights. I am pushing myself like I have never done before. I do not want to win the obscure prize. The prize, what ever it will be, is not the motivation behind all of this blood, sweat, and tears. I no longer want to think of myself as fat. I want to think of myself as FIT!
A Fit Riding Old Guy!
And what a prize that will be.
Posted at 08:51 PM Read More
Planning for RALPH
More Training Rides!
PALM, Critical Mass, Pinconning
PALM
On The Road Again
Wide Waters
A Year Later
A Different Way of Looking at Things
Humbled
Mechanically Impaired Musings about our trip
Prisoners of Gravity, Part B
Prisoners of Gravity. Part 1
Redfield,New York
Crossing the river
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Published On: Oct 18, 2006 07:56 PM
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Published On: Oct 18, 2006 07:56 PM