The plan today was to do a mix of hills and flat, with more flat than hills. 34 miles of flat riding, and 16 miles of hills, the worst being the last 12 miles. We wanted to get a 50 mile ride in. This will give us some idea about how long and average day might be for us in PALM. The 4 miles into LeRoy were hills, and then we got on the trail. Rode past the "Three Billy Goats, Gruff." That's what we call them. They live on a small farm that we ride by on our way into LeRoy, and are often hanging out by the barn. One in particular, he's kind of reddish, likes to hang out by the barn door. The 3 of them are always together.
So nice to see leaves on the trees as we ride, it will be another week or so before the trees are fully leafed. Even more Trillium blooming along the trail than last time, and saw quite a few apple trees in full bloom. The bees were busy, we saw a lot of them flying around, hopefully the apples will be plentiful in the fall. Last year wasn't a very good year for them, because we had a hard frost in the area when the trees were in blossom.
Saw a few bikers and walkers on the trail on the way into Cadillac, but saw more on the way home because it was later in the day, some people were done working for the day and kids were out of school, the trail is busier then. It is such a nice trail. I think sometime this season they are going to pave the section from LeRoy to Reed City, and since Reed City to Big Rapids is already paved, that will give us a total of 45-50 miles of paved trail to ride. So glad to see people out using it. It is already evident that the snowmobiles use it in the winter, of course they are allowed too, but some cyclist, including us, are concerned that the paving on the trail won't hold up to very many years of use by snowmobiles. It's taken so many years to get the White Pine Trail paved, it would be sad to see it ruined in such a short period of time .
Many plowed fields along the roads and trail now, planting will likely start anytime. It's such a contrast to see a plowed field next to a meadow or pastureland. Saw a few farmers out in the fields working. Didn't see any Amish today.
We made sure we had plenty of food and water today, along with the great electrolyte/glucosamine powder we have been using in our water. We both seem to do better on a ride when we use it and the little packets are easier to carry around than bottles of gatorade or something similar. I encouraged Tony to eat something about every hour, and to drink plenty, and I did the same. It made a difference for both of us. I also had some chia gel that I made up and brought along, we drank it when we had about 12 miles to go. I saved it for the end, because we knew we had some tough hill riding ahead, once we got off the trail.
Saw a turtle sunning on a rock in a pond, but by the time I got the camera out, he was in the water, so no turtle pictures today.
Got into Cadillac in about 2 1/2 hours. Stopped for a bathroom break across from the old train depot, and a train went by while we were there. I was too late to get the engine, but I did get a shot of the train. No idea what it was carrying, all the cars on it were the same.
We went to Mancino's for lunch. Didn't have a lock along for the trike, so got our sandwich to go, and ate them in the parking lot. One nice thing about a recumbent trike, is we always have a place to sit when we take a break.
After lunch, we followed the blue footprints on the sidewalk to the Clam River Greenway. It wasn't as clearly marked as I thought it would be, we took a wrong turn once and had to back track to get back on it. Lots of cars along parts of the route, due to the detour around the road work they are doing on Mitchell. The trail went past a school and behind some residential area, part of the time we were riding next to the Clam River, which is more like a creek in that area. Finally the trail crossed a bridge and ended. Kind of an odd way to end a trail, but I suppose it has to end somewhere, a soccer filed is as good of a place as anywhere else.
Since our trike is 10 feet long, sometimes tight turns can necessitate Tony getting off, and swinging the back of the trike around so we can go where we need to go. Turning around requires nearly as much space as turning around a car, although our turning radius is probably a bit tighter. Twice on the Clam River Greenway, Tony had to swing the back around. I was glad there was a parking lot to turn around in by the end of the trail. We get a few odd looks sometimes when we have to stop and have Tony maneuver the back of the trike around so we can make a corner.
Stopped and bought some water at a grocery store, then decided to take a little detour down Chestnut St. and ride past Lake Cadillac. The lake is fed by 2 inlets, a small river flowing from Lake Mitchell and a small canal that connects Lake Cadillac to Lake Mitchell. Lake Cadillac used to be referred to as Little Clam Lake, and Lake Mitchell was big Clam Lake. In 1873 a canal was dug to connect the 2 lakes so the west side of Lake Mitchell could be logged, and the logs floated through the canal to Lake Cadillac. On the east shore of Lake Cadillac, stood lumber Mills, the railroad, and the village of Clam Lake. When the city officially changed it's name to the City of Cadillac in 1882, the lake also became known as Lake Cadillac. At one time the lake was very polluted from all the tannins in the trees, but somewhere along the way it was cleaned up. It is now a shining gem in the community, enjoyed by many. It has a very nice walking trail around part of it, as well as a play ground. There is a parking area at the head of the trail, with a pretty view of the lake. When I worked for World Wide Travel, I used to go there to eat my lunch. Such a pleasant place to pass some time.
Had forgotten about the Sound Garden, until we rode past it. The garden consists of a big wooden sculpture that is the "centerpiece of the garden. All the instruments in the garden are made from local, native woods. These native materials, primarily, beech, silver maple, and ironwood were used to fashion instruments, which emit pure and natural sound when played by someone who has mastered the art of playing them. There are also steel brake drums and other scrap metal that create a range of sounds. It is all a unique combination of nature. sound, and sculpture. . We didn't take the time to stop and play today, since we were doing a trail run of how long it would take us to ride 50 miles, but I promise an in depth report of a visit later on, complete with more pictures. It really is a unique place to go.
Rode through Tustin on the way home. There is an old abandoned grain elevator along the trail, which used to be a railroad track. It is painted, but i have no idea if it is owned by the village of Tustin or by and individual.
Got back home around 6:30 PM, our ride took about 5 1/2 hours. We stopped for several breaks, and to have lunch. So we are thinking the length of our average riding day will be under 7 hours, as there will no doubt be things along the way that we want to stop and see or do.
Tony only had problems with the mountain drive, once. Of course that was in what we call, "Mosquito Alley." When we stopped so I could adjust it and put it in by hand, the mosquito's thought supper had been delivered, and a double portion, no less. I made short work of getting the mountain gear corrected, and we were on our way. We were tired when we got home, but not exhausted. It was a good and pleasant ride. I wonder if we will be able to walk tomorrow?
You got some amazing shots, Pam!!
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