Memorial Day Ride

May 28, 1012

     High heat and humidity predicted today, so we were up on the road by 8:20 AM.  After our last ride, we wanted to keep things easy, and be back home before the heat of the day arrived.  The decision was to ride into LeRoy, then take the trail to Tustin.

     It was pleasant riding, even though there wasn't much of a breeze.  The cool morning air was welcome, especially since we knew the weather forecast.   Few cars passed us and we had the trail to ourselves.  Folks were probably using the last day of this holiday weekend to sleep in.

   Many places in our nation lay claim to celebrating the first Memorial day.  Memorial day was originally called Decoration Day.  On May 5, 1868, three years after the civil war ended, the head of an orginization of union Veterans, known as the Grand Army of the Republic, (GAR) established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead, with  flowers.  It is believed that May 30th was chosen, because flowers  across the country, would be in bloom at that time.

     The first big observance was held that year, at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremonies centered around the Arlington mansion, once the home of General Robert E. Lee.  The veranda was mourning, draped, for the occasion.  One of the officials presiding was General and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant.  After speeches were made, the members of GAR made their way through the cemetery, reciting prayers and sining hymns  they placed  flowers on both Union and Confederate graves.

     By the end of the nineteenth century,  Memorial Day ceremonies were being held throughout the nation, on May 30th.  State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day as a time to remember.  The Navy and Army adopted regulations for proper observations at their facilities.

     However it was not until after World War I, that the day was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.  In 1971 Congress declared it a national holiday and named it Memorial Day.  My Grandparents, and many others, continued to refer to it as Decoration Day.  Along with the name change, the holiday was placed on the last Monday of May.

     We often ride by the memorial in this yard.  Today I am posting a picture of it to honor those who have fought and those who have died in defending the freedoms, we hold so dear.

Among them, I honor many family members.  My grandfather, who not only fought in World War I, but whose brother Randall, known to all of us as "Rand,"  gave his life there.  My Dad and all of his brothers, marched off to fight in World War II, and by the grace of God, they all returned, alive.  My cousin Timothy, lost his life in Vietnam,  killed by a grenade from one of his own, because Tim was in charge of a drug investigation.  He left behind a wife and a daughter who was about 2 years old.  My cousin Chuck, was a career Marine, fighting in both Vietnam and Desert storm.  My half sister Moranda served in a branch of the service as well.  My family is full of people who  proudly, served this nation, so much so, that I'm sure I must have left someone out, as I listed them.  Regardless, today I honor them all and thank them for the sacrifices they and their families made for me and my family and others, across this great land of ours.

     We saw 2 rabbits on the trail, the first time we have seen any.  Their population has decreased due to the over abundance of coyotes in the country side.  They were hopping far to fast, for me to get a picture.

     Needing a few more miles, when we got to LeRoy, we rode the new section of the trail, happy for the shade.  The heat and humidity were rising as we did our last 4 miles to home.  It would have been like riding in a sauna, were it not for the wind that had begun to blow.  The road that would take us to the turn off to home, was a welcome sight.

      After riding 20 miles, we were glad to get home to a nice cool house.  After a snack and a little rest,  we  managed to find enough energy to do some yard work and get most of the garden planted.

The ride to Sunrise Lake

May 22 2012

     Feeling strong and perhaps overly brave, after our 52 mile ride, we decided to tackle one of our tougher courses today.  Mid 70's for temps,  and a stiff breeze.  It gets tiresome to fight the wind at times, but it does keep us cool while riding, so I guess it's a trade off.   Our mission today, was to ride out past Sunrise Lake.  A course that has some very mean hills.

     First,  into LeRoy to run a few errands, then onto the serious business of tackling the course of the day.   This is Tony's second time riding with his new crank arms, so he's eager to see how they work.   Our feet were solid on the pedals and our legs happily pumping away as we headed East on  15 Mile Rd.  Gave ourselves and each other, a little "rah-rah" talk about how we were ready for this,  Rollin is lighter, so it should be easier,  and we were in this together.  We believed that until about the 3rd climb.  Apparently, we had forgotten how brutal this landscape was.  Hill after hill,  it continued to remind us.

     There are quite a few homes along the way.  This little cabin, had a homey welcoming look to it.  I wonder what they would have done if we had stopped and asked to rent a room for the night.

     It was a relief, when we got past all of that and the road flattened out.  Soon after, we had a long downhill section,  arriving,  in no time.  Sunrise Lake is about 120 acres in size and is an all sports lake.  The swimming area, is to the right of the boat launching area.  Many years ago, a young man,  that went to our church,  drowned in this lake.  I think he was in his teens.  I don't really know details about the incident, but I think he was swimming with friends. We didn't know him, it happened years before we moved up north.  Still,  I think of him with sadness, each time I see this lake or drive by it.  What tragedy,  a simple summer outing, brought to this family.  I prayed for them today, as I looked over the water.

 The lake is owned by the Department of Natural Resources . Osceola County operates it, by special permit.   These waters, are  known for great trout fishing.  Across the road from the shore is a State Forest, where there are 2 beautiful primitive camp sites that over look the lake,  also 17, good sized. primitive campsites, nestled among the pines.  The boat launch  often sees action, and there is a day use facility as well.  (fancy lingo, for an out house and the picnic table, that wasn't there yet.)  Since the park borders the Pere Marquette State Forest, there is an extensive network of ORV trails to enjoy.  The road and the pines keep the noise from being the main event in this peaceful place.  Hand pumped water is available, but we have yet to find it.  We made sure we had our Camleback Unbottles with us, in addition  to our water bottles, with electrolyte in them.

     I think I need to loosen the laces on the back of my seat, to make it easier to get my Camelback in there.   It's a real struggle to get it in and out, now.  Not really any other place to put it, where Tony wouldn't hit it when pedaling.

 I could only fill it about half full of water today, but Tony was glad to share his.  We found a nice shady spot and took a break.  This is the view from the stokers seat.

 

  
     Rest time over, we wanted to ride a few miles past the lake, so we could have 21 and a half, miles in, when we got back home.

   2 miles down the road, we turned around and headed east.  The long, fun down hill section, was now a slow, long, uphill climb.  I didn't look at the odometer, but it felt like the upgrade went on for over  a mile.   Once we were through that, the hills loomed before us.  As we stared up the first giant,  Tony's remark was, "Now the fun begins."   Tired, had a way of making  the hills seem bigger on our return trip.  We didn't go as fast downhill, due to a headwind.  Once we got off of 15 Mile Rd., we still had 5 miles of hills before we got home.  The hills are smaller than the ones we had just ridden, but they didn't feel like it.   Seeing these horses grazing was a welcome distraction, even though it was temporary.

By the time we got home we had ridden 21 and a half,  miles, and met our goal of 90 miles for the week.  We were glad todays ride was over.  Man, were we glad.

   

Long ride

May 20, 2012

     Today was the day for a long ride.  It was sunny and in the low 70's with 20 MPH winds.  Tony wanted to have his 175mm cranks put on, so a ride to Cadillac and the local bike shop , is where we were headed.

     We rode through Dighton, stopping at church to refill our water bottles and take a break.  I noticed that the cleats on one of Tony's shoes was loose.  Not sure how that happened, but one of the screws was almost all the way out.  My trusty allen wrench and I took care of that problem.  

     Michigan is a state that was formed by glaciers.  The glaciers came from Canada and as they moved, they carved out our great lakes, our flat farmland, and the hills that surround the area where we live.  The highest place in the lower peninsula of MI is about 10 miles from where we live.  It is known by the locals, as TV tower hill, because it is where TV 9 &10 is located.  It is officially known as Briar Hill, elevation of 1706 feet.

     We try to ride this hill several times each year, and we decided today was a good day to take it on.  About half way up, I had to stop and tighten the cleats on one of Tony's sandals.  Apparently I hadn't gotten it tight enough, when we were at church.  This time I used my Park Allen wrench and made sure it was good and tight.  Wouldn't be good to come unclipped, going down Briar Hill.

     Our journey to the top,  took us about 32 minutes.  Our best time on Rosie was 37 minutes. the improvement  was probably because Rollin id 4 pounds lighter than Rosie.  Sure wouldn't want to try this hill without mountain drive.  Our high speed going down the other side, , was 34 MPH, then I had to brake because a curve was coming up.  For the next 2 miles, we only had to pedal once, and that was brief.

     Came into Cadillac on the business 131, a busy street.  I watched closely as we rode along, especially the cars that were parallel parked.  I was looking for people in the drivers seat or the back seat, on the drivers side.  As low as we are, they wouldn't see us approaching and I didn't want either of us to be decapitated by a car door opening.

     When we got into town we dropped Rollin off at bike shop and had lunch at Herman's deli.  Didn't take us long to eat our  roasted veggie sandwich and crab salad.

     After lunch Tony parked himself on a bench and talked  a guy with a boxer named Neuters, while I ran a few errands.  Neuters was a white boxer, friendly and about 9 months old.  Not something that I would name my dog, but to each his own.

     Once agin, we braved the traffic, but only for 2 blocks.  Then we turned off and pedaled towards where we work.  Most of the "gang," ventured out  to  meet Rollin, and a few people even sat  in the stoker s seat.  After a nice little chat, we pedaled toward Lake Cadillac.  Rode part way around.

     Our ride along the shores was peppered by gulls crying, a breeze blowing and a blue sky.  2  pontoon boats were cruising the lake, the picnic are by Kenmore park was beginning to fill up with SUV's, Vans, picnic baskets and people.   We decided we would try and ride all the way around the lake next time.  The breeze was welcome and the sights were pleasant.

     We turned around at the canal that connects Lake Mitchell to Lake Cadillac.  This canal was constructed many years ago to get logs from Lake Mitchell to Lake Cadillac, then known as Clam Lake.  There was a sawmill on the shores of Clam Lake and a railroad to transport the lumber.

     We took the White Pine Trail towards Tustin.  Wildflowers are beginning to lend their beauty to the trail.

     As we got closer to home, we could see that we were going to be a few miles short of our 50 mile goal, so we explored the newly paved section of the trail from LeRoy to McKinley road.  Nice shade to ride in and the trail looked so nice. It is paved about 1 mile past the tunnel.  Made us wish it was paved all the way to Reed City, but  for the time being, we'll settle for this.  Saw people out walking their dogs and walking themselves, and of course we saw some cyclist.  Had a nice visit with a fellow that lives on the edge of town.  He had many questions about Rollin.

   
     We made one last stop before getting off the trail and heading home.  We rode 52  and a half miles today.  Our longest ride this season.

   
     Our legs could feel it, but we weren't exhausted.  Treated ourselves to a piece of rhubarb pie after we put Rollin away.

   

     On Sunday May 18, 2012

  Temps were about 70 degrees, and it winds were between 20 and 30 MPH.  Blue skies overhead.  Our mission;  ride to church.
   
     Kind of sad to see the lumbering that has been taking place, but it happens.  This piece of equipment seemed to be multipurpose, complete, with a huge saw blade.  Many trees had already been cut.  In time new trees will replace them, but until then we will ride past a big empty place, where they used to be.  It makes me glad I didn't live during the lumbering era, when so many forests were decimated.

  As we rode by, I  wondered how many men once filled the woods in this area.  Lumbering is part of the history of Michigan, and lives on today, although not even close to what it was in the past.

     White pine was  abundant in Michigan and as it was converted to dollars, it provided many jobs.  Some men became wealthy lumber barons, but most who worked in the woods were paid between $20.00 to $26.00 per month.   Some times towns grew up around lumbering, other times, if the location was remote, lumbering camps would be built.  These camps were occupied and run by a diverse population.  Many Scandinavians, Canadians, and Swedish immigrants spent long days harvesting trees.

     Lumbering is part of our family history.  Tony's Grandfather was a lumberjack in the area around Rex MI,  in the upper peninsula.  Tony's Grandma was a cook in the lumber camp.  Their first child was born there, prematurely.  She was so small that she fit in a bread pan, which was put on the open oven door, to keep her warm.
   
     A cook was an integral part of the camp.  The hard working loggers needed to be fed, and food was usually plentiful, offering the men all they could eat.  The only day off was Sunday, and a huge meal was served, the men would eat, then trudge back to the bunkhouse to sleep, play cards,  or write letters home.


     The bunkhouse wasn't such a pleasant place to be.  The lumbermen worked long. hard hours and could not afford such luxuries as having their  laundry done, or taking baths.  Old clothes were patched, until they fell apart, unable to hold anymore patches.  On winter nights, the pot bellied stove not only kept the men warm, but provided heat to dry wet clothes and socks.  Quarters were close in bunkhouses.  TB was easily spread.  It claimed Tony's Grandfather was in his 30's when he died, leaving behind a widow and 7 children.  Tony's Mom was the youngest,  18 months old, too young to have any memories of her Dad.

     From the close contact of caring for her husband, Tony's Grandma also contracted the disease.  She had to go to a TB sanitarium for almost a year.  The children were taken in by friends and family.  It was a relief to the family, when they could all finally be together again.  Even after Grandma returned home, she continued to go for outpatient treatments at the "San," for another year.  None of the children  got TB, but  from the exposure , several of them test positive for it, to this day.

     For many years logging was done in the winter months, because the snow made it easier to haul the logs.  Then came the invention of the "Big Wheel," which was 2 huge wheels, that was pulled by horses or mules.  Logs would be fastened in between the wheels and dragged out of the woods.  I tried to get this picture on the blog, but the best I could do was post a link to a picture of the "Big Wheel."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/smartee_martee/1867935286/

     The old equipment was sure different from what our modern lumberjacks use.

     On the way home,  we came upon a young squirrel sitting  in the road.  He wasn't sure what to do when he saw us, so he started running in front of us.  Only when we pulled along side of him, to pass, did he dash into the tall grass next to the road.  I bet his heart was racing as fast as his feet had been.

     Rode 16 miles today.


   

Combo package

May 15 and May 17, 2012  

 I will be doing 2 rides in this posting, in an attempt to not get behind in my entries, plus the last 2 rides haven't given me many new things to write about.  

     On our way to work this morning,  the road in front of the self milking barn was lined with cars, vans and pickups.  2 Pine River school buses were pulled up in front of the barn.  Children in pink, blue, black, orange, and many other colored jackets,  milled around in the morning air.   Parents stood nearby in a cluster. A porta-potty had been moved next to the building.  Tour day, had arrived.   The students of the area usually do a tour of Gingrich Meadows Dairy farm, the same farm that owns the new self  milking facility.  These kids were going to learn about the self milking barn.  I couldn't help but wonder if any would ask, when the cows got to go outside.

   This week is when we increase our total training miles to 75,   so our plan today is to get in a ride after work.  We grabbed a bite to eat before heading home and getting ready.  It was cool enough that we needed tights and a jacket.  No exciting new route to do, but we needed something around 2 hours or under, so once more, we headed to Dighton.

     The small, small, town of Dighton, population 50, or less,  is not in it's original location.  it used to be 1 mile north and east of the current town.  Just East of the Osceola County Road Commission's barn, and visible from 20 Mile Rd.,  the remains of an old building foundation, mark the former location of the town.   Named after one of it's first residents, Marvin Dighton  was locally known as "Dight."  it was a lumbering town, and  things were pretty wild there.  The dance hall was burned down by a man that was thrown out of it's second story window.  In 1868, Daniel White, a black man  was murdered because of his race.

     In 1901 Dighton boasted of a population of 1000 and moved to it's current location to be near the railroad tracks.   With 3 privately owned lumber mills in the area,  1 dedicated to just flooring, The Manistee Grand Rapids Railroad put  the tracks in to ship maple and beech to Grand Rapids for furniture.   Grand Rapids was the furniture capital of the world.  Our home has reclaimed flooring that was milled by Curtis milling, in Dighton in 1906. The community had 3 stores and a telephone exchange.  In years gone by, a stage coach connected the town and the nearby village of Tustin.

 In 1914 tragedy came in the form of a fire that burned the flooring mill down.  It was never rebuilt,  the railroad abandoned the line and  in 1920 took the tracks up. With no jobs, it didn't take the town long to dry up.   The Davis Family store, still remains, and is know as the Dighton General Store.  The remains of the Victor Rolfe General Store, are across the street.  About 13 years ago, our church that once  stood on the corner of town,  was moved to the  former site of the old 2 story school house.  This is where the flooring in our home came from. Tony and I spent 2 hot, July days, tearing out as much as we could, before the building was razed.  It is an honor to have a some local history under our feet.

     Our ride took just under 2 hours, which sounds pretty slow for 16 miles, but in those roundtrip miles, there are at least 34 hills.  We consider the route to be among our easy rides.

     On Friday, May 17,  we rode to Tustin and back.  4 miles of hills from our house to the trail, then flat, easy  riding, except for a few small rises.  This week was about mileage, and it's not like we lack hill riding as part of our training.  Weather was good, 82 degrees, but it didn't feel like it, thanks to a nice breeze.

     The trail is scented with the blooms of the Russian Olive tree which is considered an invasive species in the US.

The shrub, which can range in size from a bush to  a small apple tree, grows along many road ways in our state and other states across our nation.  It is unclear when it came to the US, although it was introduced intentionally.  The US forest  service planted it as a way to control erosion and as a source of food for the birds.  In the early 1900's  plains states, welcomed it   The farmers cultivated as hedges, for shade, wind and snow breaks, and to provide pollen for honey bee The  tree produces small red berries, which can be made into a delicious jelly.  The birds ate the berries, which  played a big role in the spread of this silver leafed plant.

     Many pine trees grow beside the trail.  They are busy making their pine cones.   Pinecones are a cluster of woody scales, tightly packed together to protect the developing seeds of the conifer. Deep within the cone, and protected by the woody scales, lie the seeds for new trees.

     On our way back from Tustin I spotted a garage sale, and of course we had to stop.  Tony waited patiently in the shade, probably wondering what he would end up carrying  home on his lap, while I shopped.

Thee were abundant craft supplies on the tables, I managed to fins a great little bag that straps to my waist.  It will be good for cycling, it will hold just a little more than my fanny pack.   My next find, a cell phone case, with a zipper compartment will be ideal to put my ID and money in when we ride PALM, and it fits right in the waist purse.  I happily paid for these things, plus some dinosaurs and pirates for the treasure box.

     The treasure box came about shortly after we had our first grand child, who unfortunately lives clear across the country.  When we would go to visit, I would pack a surprise for each day we were there, and after breakfast, Willow would come in our room and ask if I had any surprises for her, knowing of course, that she got one each day.   Willow now has 2 sisters, and is nearly 13, the surprises still go with us when we visit, but I also have an old trunk in the living room of our house.  All the grandkids know that when they come and spend the night, that the next morning after breakfast, they get to pick a treasure.  I am always on the look out for cool things to add to the box.

     We stopped and refilled our water in LeRoy, then rode home.  Our total  miles ridden today, were 18, which puts our total for the week, right on target.

   

Mothers day ride

May 13 2012

     We couldn't have ordered better weather than we had today, sunny and 70 degrees.   A blessing for Mother's Day. After  church, a quick lunch, and we got ready to ride.  Having enjoyed our roller coaster ride on 20 Mile Rd. last week, we decided to do a repeat.

     As I often do, I was thinking about my Mom, who passed away 20 years ago.  She was a NW Ia  farm girl.  Growing up, she had a bike, but never learned to ride it.  As a child, I don't know which was harder for me to grasp, the fact that my mother didn't know how to ride a bike, or that as a little girl, she had a bike to look at and to walk around,  but she was unable to ride it.  She said she tried a few times,  but eventually gave up.  The irony of it all, is that her Dad, my Grandpa, is the one that taught me to ride.

     I was about 6 years old,  and my bike was too big for me.  My Dad put wooden blocks on the pedals,  so I could reach, but in order to stop, I still had to stand up on the bike.  I remember wobbling back and forth wildly, trying to keep my balance, as I careened down the hill, near where we lived. My 5 foot 4 inch Grandpa, would be standing at the bottom of the hill.  "Grandpa, Grandpa, I can't stop!"  I would shout, and he would run out in the road and grab my bike.  Often we would both end up in a heap on the ground,  and he would say, "Well, your stopped, now."

     After I got married, from time to time, my Mom would say, "I wish I had one of those grown up trikes., then I could ride around town."   Sometimes when Tony and I  are pedaling along, I mention how fun it would be to put my Mom on the back of our trike and take her for a ride, or better yet, let her be the captain, although I seriously doubt that I could have talked her into that.  She would have thought it was a daring thing, to ride on the back.  If I ever took her down a hill and hit 30 MPH, she would probably fall off,  in a dead faint.   Sometimes Tony and I laugh about it, and say, "Man, what would Mom have thought about this?"  Even after all this time, I still miss her.

     Most Mom's were probably enjoying a dinner someone else cooked, so even on our country roads, there were few cars.  We laughed as we were going up a big hill on 20 Mile Rd, and saw a sign that said "Slow", as big as the hill was we had little choice in the matter.

The ride down the hills wasn't  as fast as last time, because of a headwind, but it was still fun.

     Made our usual stop in Tustin, had a snack and rode on.

   

        We were about a mile from home when we saw a blue racer sunning itself on the road.  It's flat blue scales shining, in the sunlight.

  Although I am not a fan of snakes,  I  admired it's beauty.  We rode up to it slowly,  thinking it might slither off,   but the warm pavement was appealing, so it stayed.  This snake is  active during the day and even though it can climb trees, it spends most of it's time on the ground.  It's range is  NW Ontario Canada,  northwest OH, southeast MN, WI  and MI.

      It's name likely comes from it's color and method of hunting.  When searching for food, it usually holds it's head up, above the ground and moves rapidly through the undergrowth, giving an appearance of racing along.

     When threatened,  it will usually move into the bushes or up a small tree.  It can become aggressive when annoyed by people and will strike out rapidly, and bite.  It is not venomous,  but the bite can be painful.   Makes me glad we didn't tick this one off, especially since we were within striking range.  When threatened, the blue racer will vibrate it's tail rapidly, making a buzzing sound that can be mistaken for a rattlesnake.  All we saw was a sleepy blue snake, and I'm happy to say, that's the way the encounter ended.

     Total miles pedaled today, 22. 

Ride into Cadillac

May 11, 2012

     Wonderful weather to ride, sunny and 66 degrees.  Long one ahead of us today, we needed to go to Cadillac to have Rollin tweaked a little.  Hoping to get the odometer working right, or get the new one put on, also wanted to have the guards taken off of the mountain drive, so it will be easier for Tony to kick it back in, after a hill.

     I apologize for the conflicting dates at the top of the page and the beginning of each blog entry.  The blogspot has changed it's format a bit, and I haven't figured out how to adjust the dates yet.  I might have to enlist my daughters help with that.   Until then, you'll have to bear with me.  The date on the top of the page, is the date of the ride.

     The trillium is finally in bloom, patches of them carpet the forest floor.

     Also saw bunches of violets skirting the edges of the asphalt.

   
     Bears sometimes show up in areas of the trail, so we were certain to talk a lot in that section, and  as an insurance policy,  Tony did his Tarzan call as we went through the tunnel.

     Upon arriving in town, we took the Rollin to the bike shop, and while he was getting worked on  we crossed the street and had lunch at the Blue Heron.   Portabello mushrooms on grilled sourdough bread was our choice.  The plate was graced with a wedge of pineapple and honeydew melons, with some chips on the side.  As pretty as it was, it didn't take it long to disappear.  Fuel for the ride home.

     Got a refill for our water, and saw Mary Ann, who we had seen on near Tustin on one of our rides.  She and her friend Sue had just ridden around Lake Cadillac.  It was nice to see a face we had seen on the trail.
   
When we went back to get Rollin, we crossed paths with  a friend of our and  had a little chat with her.  The new wried computer couldn't be put on Rollin, the cadence cable was to short.  The wireless computer was calibrated for a 26 inch wheel and ours is a 20 inch wheel.  No wonder, it was off.  I like the features of the wired computer better than the one we have on.  I'll be looking for some cable extenders for it.

     A friend from my writers group works at the library.  She and the others writers, have critiqued some of my blog entries,  hearing about the adventures of triking, but have never met Rollin.  We decided to stop by and introduce him.  The lady at the desk said Tracy was at lunch, another said she was back.  After some searching they located her.  She was especially happy to meet our mountain drive, invented and designed by Florian Schlumpf.   She took  a picture of us on Rollin.

   


     Refreshed from our lunch and social time, we started our journey home, marveling over the great weather.  After so many cold, windy rides, it is wonderful to ride with the warmth of the sun and blue skies.  With green leaves dancing along the sides, the trail really looks like summer now.

     One of  beaver ponds, along the trail was a sunning haven for turtles, but when we stopped to get some pictures, the sound of them kerplunking into the water filled the air.  I managed to get a distance picture, but that was about it.  They were not in a mood to have close ups taken today.

     It was a nice place to enjoy the sounds of the red winged black birds and the ping pong call of the meadow lark from the field beyond the pond.  Serenades of nature, another  benefit of cycling.

     What a difference to have the guard off of the mountain drive. As far as I can tell, the purpose of the guard on the mountain drive, is cosmetic, and perhaps to protect the pants legs from grease, which isn't an issue for us, since we bike in tights or shorts.  Tony hits the mountain drive in or out button with his heel on his upstroke, and we are set to rock and roll.

     We could tell when we got past the 32 mile point,  our legs got heavy and objected to pedaling further,  the  20 MPH headwind was bringing complaints, but we kept on.   Our next stop in Tustin was welcome, and while were there, I saw a toy poodle in a truck.  From the back it looked just like Button, so I went over to take a closer look.  One of the owners was in the truck and introduced me to Teddy,  short for Teddy-Bear.  He is 7 years old, and could likely have charmed a snake, although he would have barked at it first.

 Such a cute and friendly little guy. We shared the joys of having a toy  poodle and what a good natured dog they are.  I commented on how he shared similar looks and traits of  our dog.  It turns out that  Teddy came  from the same place Button came from. He and Button are cousins.  Teddy had an exuberant greeting when his "guy," returned to the truck.  After answering some questions about Rollin, I got one more picture,  and we parted ways.

     Ice cream at Pibbs  hit the spot and gave us a rest before riding the last 4 miles, home.  Our total mileage today was 44.

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Roller coaster ride

May 7, 2012


Clouds hung in the sky as we began our ride in 50  degree temperatures today.   A cool wind accompanied us as we headed out  of the woods and towards Dighton.   The red winged black birds sang their "conk-a ree,"  as we rode past the marsh,  2 canadian geese fed by the side of a small pond and cows stared at us as we passed by.

The self milking barn is mostly done. Like hay stacks,  big piles of dirt line the area around the barn and on any day, but Sunday, there is still many cars and trucks parked across the road .  Not sure when it will be completely done and free of workmen.

      A few weeks ago a cattle drive took place and 200 cows were herded from their home at Gingrich Meadows, to the new barn,  about a mile down the road.  There are no pastures surrounding the fancy, new, self milking,  barn, which leads me to believe it is going to be a zero grazing facility.  Perhaps the cows are used to zero grazing,  up until now, I had never heard of such a thing.   Zero grazing is just a polite way to say the cows are confined to the barn, for life.  This is not due to some crime they committed, but simply to make life easier for the dairy farmer.  To me it seems equal to a sentence of  life in prison.   Some would probably say it is actually better for the animal, etc, and maybe it is.  I am not well informed on the subject,  but my soft heart, says it seems cruel to deprive the cows of sunshine and the pleasure of grazing.  It will bother every time I go past that barn, and it makes me glad that we have very limited dairy products in our diet.  I don't want to financially support such  confinement of cows.  If things change down the road, and I hope they do,  I long to see cows grazing around the barn, I will update this blog, so you can all celebrate the freedom of these animals, with me.

       We went through Dighton, stopping at the church for a break, then it was onto 20 Mile Rd., which is 6 miles of  roller coaster hills.  Our top speed down hill was 43 MPH,   I'm not sure how accurate it was, since our computer isn't working right, but I know it was faster than we have ever gone before.  Rollin was steady to the task, not wavering to the right or the left.

   
Rode past Center Lake Bible Camp, a beautiful christian camp on Center Lake.  We are blessed to have so much beauty in the area we live in and blessed again to see it used to bring people to the Lord and to help them grow spiritually.

 
     And of course, we pedaled past a barn,  my camera, jumped out and took this picture.  It knows what happens when we pass a barn.

   Going through Tustin, we picked up the trail and headed onto LeRoy, stopping for a break at Pibbs.

  When we rode past the Amish farm, there was an Amish girl, in her brown dress, white apron, and white hat.  She was probably about 8.  By her side was her brother, in his blue suspender pants, and light blue shirt.  Together they were pushing the lawn mower up a hill.  Lying behind the apple tree, in hiding, was the older brother, his straw hat, in the grass.  This boy wasn't the least bit interested in helping with the task.

     A new brown pony was tied up by the oblong building on the Amish property.  He looked us over as we went by.  The roosters and chickens were in the bushes, but gave us no greeting.

     We rode 22 miles today, all but  5 of them were hills.  Our legs will thank us later.

Ride to Diamond Lake

May 4, 2012
As much as my heart is yearning for a sunny day ride, clouds accompanied us on today's ride.  Temps were in the mid 50's, with another cool wind.  My unlined windbreaker, was  too cool,  I put on my new rain jacket that is supposed to be windproof.  It is windproof, but since it has no lining it isn't a very warm.   I'll be wearing another layer, next time.
   
    Tony decided a ride to Diamond Lake would be fun On our way into town, we were passed by a pickup that had a dog leaning out the window on the passenger side.  His ears were flying behind his head, and I'm pretty sure he had a grin on his face.  He was one happy dog.  I didn't have my camera out, but later when we were at the bank, in pulled the truck with the dog in it.  I couldn't resist a picture, even though the dog was clearly in wait mode, for it's master to return.

   
We stopped at our local bank first, then headed east out of town on Gilbert Rd.  There was some event going on at the LeRoy Elementary School.  We slowed down to let a couple of people cross the road, and some waited for us to pass, before heading for the school.  Whatever was going on, plenty of people were attending.

    Equipment sat on the White Pine  trail, giving evidence that the work on the small section from town to the tunnel that goes under the highway, has begun.  This will add about a half mile of paving to the south.   Not sure when it will be completed, we have yet to see them actually doing any work on it, but the equipment and the restricted entry to the trail, are good signs.

     The change of scenery was a welcome, even though it wasn't a brand new course.

         Diamond Lake is a small 61 acre Lake about 3 or 4 miles from Tustin.

Homes and cottages line the shore, but they aren't as densely packed along it's edges as I have seen on other lakes.  A few places were for sale.  Passed a man in blue fishing hat, mowing his lawn and another was raking leaves from a garden spot.


     An old windmill saluted us, just before we got to 20 Mile Rd.,

and across the way, a green meadow spread out, trees standing tall in the background.

Farmers have disked some of the fields, but  not sure where they are on planting, I'm thinking it might be a little early for that.  At church last week, someone told me their snow peas were coming up.  I don't have anything planted yet, we've been too busy riding.

     Tustin was again. a good place for a rest and an apple.  2 women stood by the trail, talking.  I asked them to please take our picture, which they happily did.  I guess  I am as vain as any woman, it wasn't a flattering picture of me, so you won't be seeing it on this blog.


   Mary Ann  and Sue had ridden from Cadillac.

It was nice to talk riding with other cyclers. Where we all  had ridden,  and wanted to ride,  how many miles to train for different tours, the weather, and riding in wind and rain.  Of course there were the usual questions about Rollin.

     Feeling refreshed,  it was time to ride the last 9 miles of our day, back to home territory.  The rooster at the Amish farm, crowed  a greeting from the bushes along the road.  We have been wondering about the 3rd dog, on 3 dog hill  The past few times we have gone by, only the 2 little fellows have been on barking patrol.   I miss seeing the big one sit on the porch bench, surveying his fenced in kingdom.  If he doesn't reappear soon ,we will have to rename the hill.

     The wind once again reminded me that I needed another layer, as we did our final push towards home.  After 22 miles, we were glad to see home.

   

   

   

   

   

First ride over 30 miles.

     May 1, 2012

   What a wonderful day to ride.  Clouds and sunshine mixed, and only a little wind, got us off to a good start.  We needed to do a long ride today.  We are pretty bored with doing the same routes, but really needed a mix of hills and flat today, so once again,  we pedaled to the White Pine Trail.
   
     No turtles schlepping across the road, but  in a pond, I saw a cluster of them, gathered, like knots on a log, soaking up the sun.  They were to distant to see what kind of turtles they were, or to get a picture, but close enough to enjoy.  So many things to see, hear and smell on our rides.  I never tire of what the Lord has in store for us.

      Seeing the turtles,  reminded me of last weeks lunch time experience.  We were sitting at the kitchen table, having tuna sandwich's.  I glanced out the french doors, to the lake, which is about 300 ft from our house.  A BIG bird swooped down, about 10 feet from the waters edge, and flew up with a fish, dangling from it's claws.  The fish was good sized, perhaps a pike, feeding on minnows, in the shallows.  I couldn't see what kind of bird had caught it, until the hunter landed on the shore with it's prize.  As I watched the scene play out, I described it to Tony. The  bird's white head, clearly told me,  it was a bald eagle.  No docks or boats are in yet,  to block my view, so I could see the fish flopping around on the shore, the sun glinting of it's scales.  Once again the eagle pounced on it's prey.  The binoculars were in our camping trailer, so I couldn't get a close up view, but I could see, from the motion of the birds head, that it was ripping off,  pieces of the fish and eating them, while holding the fish down with it's claws.    This went on for about 10 minutes.  Then the eagle flew into a tree, leaving the remains of it's meal to the raven scavengers, that had begun to gather.   Our lunchtime, nature show, was over.  It was the best dessert we had all week.


     3 dog hill  had no barks to greet us today, and the 3 billy goats were in the fenced in area beside the barn. A little ways up the road, there is a new building on our route.  It is a nice looking pole barn.

 As we watched it being built last fall, we wondered if someone was going to live there, but as far as we can tell it, is a business that sells outdoor, wood burning furnaces.  A well trained dog lay in front of the building, watching us ride past.   The owner even came out to make sure, the dog was staying, put.  A cyclers, dream.

     Our wireless cycling compute/odometer is very erratic.  Sometimes the mileage is accurate, other times it isn't. It seems to add mileage, when we ride longer distances.  There are times, when a 20 mile ride, feels like a 27 mile ride, but the truth, is the truth, and an erratic odometer doesn't change a thing.    We have been riding familiar courses, where we know the mileage, but not knowing our true speed, drives me nuts.    As far as we can figure, it clocks us at about 3MPH faster than we usually ride.   We have a Bontrager, trip 3, wired computer, but haven't had time to get it put on yet.

     At times,  Rollin has been throwing a  chain when he is in low gear, so I have been avoiding using low gear.  I finally  I ordered a jump stop,  which goes on by the front deraileur, and keeps the chain where it should be.  We have one on Rosie, and it works great.  Tony's new crank arms should be here next week, will try to find a week day to ride into the bike shop, and have the cranks arms, the odometer and the jump stop all put on at once.

     Last week, our new Luxry-Lite cot came and we got it assembled easily.  The company upgraded the cot we returned, to the deluxe version, but really, we couldn't tell much difference.  The cot is light weight and comfortable to lie on.  Tony pulled to hard on one of the rings ,it released suddenly, hitting him in the chin.  Later, we saw that the ring was cracked.  Guess we'll be finding out how good the lifetime warranty on the cot is, the part has been returned.

   

     Plowed fields,  hills,  pine forests, marshlands, full  croaking of frogs, and sunning turtles, kept us company as we pedaled along. Trees on the verge of leafing lined the trail as we made our way to the beaver pond, where we stopped for a snack.  Trillium is on almost flowering.   The trail is ready to  burst into summer, even though parts of it are still brown.

   
     Our legs are telling us the training is paying off.  The hills don't seem quite as steep,  and on the flats we have more wind in our sails.  Each ride, seems a little better than the last.  Mixing hill riding with the trail,  gives us the chance to build muscle and endurance, while doing some speed work too.  Today, we rode 32 miles., our longest ride this season.