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.
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.
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