Although the staff at the lodge graciously accommodated our request for an early breakfast (7:15), we abashedly lingered at the table waiting for the temperature to climb up into the 50s before we set out. In the end, my rain jacket proved suitable especially as it was sunnier and less breezy than yesterday.
We had good country roads for our ride down to Reed City, which was good as the bike trail was unpaved and we chose not to take it. Along the way, we stopped to take in this monument to the local reverend who penned “This Old Rugged Cross”:
I liked this old green barn:
and this bit of “found” natural art:
There was a muscle car show in Reed City:
and a very nice couple at the farmers’ market gave me a peach and an apple (noticing my hesitation before picking out a small apple from the box, the woman encouraged me to “go ahead, don’t be afraid to take a big one,” so I did! Thanks lovely farmer lady!)
And then we were out of town on the smoothest surfaced bike trail I’ve ever been on. Even Roger, who quickly gets bored on bike trails, enjoyed himself; here he is on a breakaway:
I am not amused:
There was some good scenery:
and ice cream:
a crazy homemade Amish buggy:
and a store sign that made me laugh:
The bike trail, the Pere Marquette Trail (dig deep in your dim memory of learning about who was exploring where and when in this country; no, not La Salle; the other one – got it?) was a real delight to ride on. Every so often, we came across one of these:
which, according to something Roger read, was an indicator for the train engineer to blow his whistle as the train was approaching a crossing.
The trail was full of wonderful oddities such as this:
and of course it had a picturesque bridge:
and even a couple tunnel-like features:
All-in-all, it was a great 64-mile ride (that’s for you Jeanne!); tomorrow we are off to Bay City.
Born in Baltimore and raised in Cincinnati, I have lived on both coasts and driven back and forth across the country a number of times. I now have the "midlife opportunity" to do so on two wheels.
although it is hard to choose a favorite, this is nearing #1 on my blog pic for bobsarc. cannot believe that you are in MI already. go bob go.
Kath,
I’ll be in Cleveland on Saturday!
btw, that last ‘reply’ without a name was mine.
Bob, I am loving this blog! Keep having fun!
It’s been great fun alright but the end is already too near!