A day off the bike and out of the routine was enough to set our departure back to 8:37 this morning. Would make you think we didn’t have 70 miles ahead of us.

The day was very lovely. The high was only in the low 70’s, so even as the afternoon wore on it never felt hot or unpleasant. It was also very windy. Whether that is a daily thing around here or not, I don’t know, but the effect was the same.

I could describe today as uphill in a headwind, but that’s not fair. The scenery was beautiful, and most of the roads had light traffic. The notable exception was US 31, which we had to ride for a few miles a couple of times. Busy and fast traffic was not relaxing, but the shoulder was wide. That headwind though…

We were able to leave Traverse City riding on the TART trail again, which was easy and quiet, with nice scenery.

Most of the day was rolling hills through farmland, with fruit trees and some sunflowers.

The terrain was rolling hills today, with just a couple of what others define as climbs (if I’m climbing, in my opinion, it’s a climb). I’m getting used to them though.

We also rode by some amazing lakes, most notably Torch Lake, where I now plan to retire once I make a few million dollars. It is just incredible.

Outside of Elk Rapids I was compelled to take these shots of the East Arm Grand Traverse Bay.

I also got to Ride the Breezeway today, a long, straight stretch of new asphalt where the hills roll and the breeze blows.

I’m telling you, it was windy. 

East Jordan had some fun stuff to see…

East Jordan is also home to a hill called The Wall, named for good reason.

Note how late in the ride it is. The average for that climb is a grade of 10.8%, but word on the street is that the grade is up between 16% and 17% near the top.

A lot of people walked it. I was not one of them. I kept pedaling, uncomfortable but strong and steady, until I reached the top. Then I cheered out pound and enjoyed the descent.

I’m super proud of myself. I never considered giving up and walking. I was determined, and it worked!

It was only a few more miles until we hit Boyne City around 4pm. We’re camping at the high school on the softest baseball field grass ever. It’s like a carpet.

Cynthia and I had dinner, got cleaned up, and walked about a mile into town, where we got some snacks and a couple of beers to take back to camp. We walked down to the waterfront while we were there. I was also pulled into an ice cream shop by the mysterious magnetism that ice cream has. ‘Twas yummy and a good reward.

Tomorrow seems like it will be incredibly easy, only 46 miles and a pretty tame topography profile. We should get in early!

I’m glad to have the longest day behind me; I was kind of dreading it. But I’m also a bit sad because we’ve only got two days left. As Cynthia pointed out, this is like summer camp for adults. I’ve been laughing and joking so much with her and the Ohio Contingent (Jeff and Michael), and having such a good time. I haven’t worried about anything, I haven’t been checking emails or getting Teams notifications, and I’m getting a golden brown tan (on select areas of my arms and legs).

It’s been great.