Today I felt like myself again!

The morning started by waking up a little cold again, with my weather app saying it was in the high 50’s. Wild to this native Floridano because it’s August. It was also super wet this morning. By the time I’d gotten everything packed up and headed to breakfast I was warmed up though. I did manage to get up at 6:30 and was walking in for breakfast at 7. First goal attained!

Kris, Bill, and I had a nice semi-leisurely breakfast, and were rolling by 8:15. Despite the forecast of clouds, today was sunny and in the high 70’s. This was in stark contrast to last year. The 2nd day was the day I hooked up with Cynthia and the Ohio Contingent ( which includes Kris) and it rained all morning. Today was much more enjoyable.

I actually managed to sleep pretty well last night, so riding was good this morning. I felt strong and like myself again. And no flats!

At the first sag stop there was a path that led to our first scenic view of the day of of Lake Michigan, ever beautiful.

The next major event was rolling through Manistee. As we went through the downtown I recalled the rainy, slow day we had last year, and at 10:30 we pulled up right next to the place we’d had lunch at then. It was a late lunch. So we were ahead from then!

Outside of Manistee is a lovely beach and lookout. I’d love to look out at that lake every day!

I’ve really enjoyed riding with Kris and Bill. They both have lots of funny stories, and are good riders. They also always tuck in single file for traffic. Some people don’t and it always makes me enormously nervous and tense. But our little group is good.

The next town up was Onekama, the last civilized stop before the dread hills. There isn’t really much going on there, and the only sit down place was Mexican, which we decided against. We did find some good sandwiches at the Spotted Goat. I asked for something vegetarian and was recommended the blueberry grilled cheese. I had my doubts, but it turned out to be very good.

At Kris’ suggestion we took our snacks and went to the park where the sag stop was. They provided us with chips and water refills, and we had a nice picnic table lunch by a bay.

Then it was time to tackle the much vaunted hills.

Although I am not fast, and always say I’m not a climber, I’ve learned to tackle hills. Lowest gear, down on the drop bars, find a cadence and stick with it. I was strong and steady today and while I was a bit uncomfortable (although not like in Virginia), honestly they were okay.

On this tour they call the second climb Watermelon Hill, as it is custom for the sag stop at the scenic pullout at the top to have cold watermelon for the riders. So we were rewarded for a somewhat sweltering climb (it was the afternoon by now) with our traditional watermelon. And a beautiful view.

After that there was only one more to go. Bill stuck with me on that one, and although it was less of a grade, it felt like it went on forever. It was also very windy this afternoon, blowing like a big hand against me that made it feel like I wasn’t even coasting that well. I did get up to 38.9 mph on one of the descents, crouched down onto the handlebars. I probably could have gone a little faster had I been on my road bike.

At the end of the last descent Bill and I stopped to wait for Kris. I suggested pulling off into the shade on the other side of the road, and we stood at the end of a driveway. After a few minutes of talking, a yellow lab-like dog appeared and ran our way. At first we were a bit alarmed because who knew what kind of dog he was. But before he got to us we saw his whole body was wagging. He was a young guy, and he came up and leaned his whole body against my legs. As I petted him he slid down to the ground and onto his back. A total lover. His mom appeared shortly after and literally had to pick him up and carry him back down the driveway. His name was Jax and he was 8 months old. I was happy to meet him.

Kris had passed us while we petted the dog, but waited for us down the road and we all headed in to Frankfort together. In another change, we couldn’t stay in the school again, so we are at a park right next to the bay. That meant shower trucks again but a really lovely view.

Dinner was really excellent tonight. I had a veggie burger, baked potato, baked beans, quinoa salad, spinach salad, and blueberry crisp to finish. I feel no food guilt on a tour!

After dinner we walked downtown a half mile to Stormcloud Brewing to sample their wares. I had the One String Puppet IPA. It was good.

Now I’m not one for bathroom humor but I did think these signs at the brewery were funny. Stormcloud, get it?

We were back to camp by nine, all of us pretty tired. Now that I’m done with this post, I’m getting into bed, sure to dress warmer as I know it’ll be cool in the morning again.

Tomorrow we head to Traverse City, and I do recall it’ll be a great ride with some elevation gain. So I’d better rest up!