Day 44. Tuesday, July 30. Niagara Falls to Henrietta (Rochester) NY. 85 miles
Today was another beautiful day to be on a bicycle. Temperatures began in the 60s and got to the mid 70s. The roads were in very good shape. The first 30 miles of the ride were pretty flat, so we were able to keep a nice pace. Because I had been feeling like I'd been pushing a bit hard lately, I hung back and rode mostly by myself, still keeping up a decent 17 to 19 mph pace. The last 50 miles were more rolling hill and farm fields. Nothing too difficult, very pretty and fun to ride. I pulled into the LaQuinta hotel and ended the ride about 1:30 this afternoon.
I met some pretty incredible people today, but let me explain how that came about. For the past few days, I have had some swelling in my lower legs. I have tried a number of things to reduce that, but it was not going down, even over night. Not painful, just a very full feeling in my legs. Today it was a bit worse. Our group leader, Jeff, had a compression stocking that I used. It helped a little, but not totally.
So when we finished the ride today into Rochester, we thought it might be best to have some folks check it out. Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the University of Rochester medical system was close by, so I went for some tests.
As you might imagine, everyone was interested in what I've been doing the last six weeks, that I've ridden 3,200 miles. they thought these funny tan lines were a bit fun. I had a real fan club forming here at the hospital.
They did a Doppler ultrasound on my legs to see if there were any clots forming. That was clear. They also did an EKG and an x-ray of my heart to see that everything was in order. One problem- a little - stressing little- fluid build up in my lungs. There were some concerns that my heart may not be working properly, so the recommendation was to stay the night for observation and have an echo-cardiogram in the morning. Dr. Adler and his PA were terrific in explaining the potential problems to me, even though they knew I was anxious to be on the road to the next stop and finish the ride.
I also met Rosa, an LPN who initially took my history, drew some blood samples and tried to prepare me for some possible bad news. Rosa is the mother of 4 kids, ranging from early 30s to a 12 year old son still at home. She began to tell me of her interest (and talent) in art - drawing, painting and sculpting. She just completed her bachelor's degree in art. Along the way, she has won some exhibitions. She recently entered a juried paint show, winning a second and third place. What's amazing is that she had broken her right hand and had to do this all with her left! Some of her instructors have told her she will go a long way with her talent. She certainly has the drive! When Rosa was 5 years old, in Spain, she was involved in a fiery car accident. Her mother and another passenger were killed. She was the only survivor. Her father was following in the car behind. A few years later, a brother drowned while saving her from an undertow while swimming in the Carribean. So much adversity. She has adopted the name "Phoenix Rose," to signify her rising from the fire and ashes. How appropriate. Rose, you are an inspiration. I wish you lots and lots of success.
My nurses, Cheryl, Melinda and Chadwick have been terrific as has the entire staff, including Jerry who did the echocardiogram. And the docs are beyond spectacular! Dr. Gasser, the cardiologist and Dr. Sarnoski, the internist in charge of my care, were very thorough, answering all my questions. The results of all the tests (I hope I'm relating this fairly accurately, Doc) is that there is no evidence of a clot, the ECG was normal, but there is a bit of an enlargement of all four chambers of the heart. The question is whether it's intrinsic, or related to all the strain and exercise I've been doing these past few weeks. So, as we are so close to the end, I will be able to finish the ride, but I have to take it easy, slow down a bit (Amy, Yuval, Anne, Gail, Jane, Katie and Gary, I won't be able to keep your pace. Ride on!), and make sure that someone is with me. And I will follow up about my heart in Columbus. I missed one day.
If you're ever sick in Rochester, Strong Memorial is the place to come. They have just earned their second magnet designation and the staff is outstanding!!!
On Tuesday night, I also met a woman here with her adult son who was in for some testing. She should be on the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. She transplanted here 30 years ago, but loves the area and really sells it. We are in The Finger Lakes region, so there are lots of recreational opportunities in the area. Of course there are local wineries to visit, as it is a great grape growing area. In 2007, Rochester was ranked first in "most livable city." Rochester is home to Kodak, Bausch and Lomb and Xerox. Rochester is also the home of Frederick Douglas, so lots of things named "North Star," the name of his paper. Susan B. Anthony was also from Rochester. Harriet Tubman
lived nearby in Auburn, NY. Rochester is also home to a huge toy museum. Seems like a lot to do and see here in this area and its an area I hope to spend more time in - just not right now.
As you might imagine, I am disappointed not to be riding today (Wednesday), or complete the entire ride but it seemed like a choice between being smart and being foolish. And I will be pedaling on to Portsmouth!
Be well. Do good.
Don
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Day 42. Sunday, July 28
Day 42. Sunday, July 28. Brantford to Niagara Falls, NY. 75 miles
What a day for a bike ride! The temperature was in the70s. The roads, for the most part, were in excellent condition and largely straight and flat with a few hills and rills, just for thrills (sorry for that). And a nice wind at our back. All that added up to a great day on the bike. For much of the day, I rode by myself, not trying to push too hard, but with the conditions, I often found myself just cruising along at 20 to 22 mph.
At the Falls, a couple stopped to ask about our ride. We were all wearing our orange America by Bicycle shirts. Most folks get rather impressed about our adventure, especially now that we are so close to the end. I learned that Bob and Dorothy are from Connecticut, but stopped by the Falls on their way home from Cleveland where Bob just finished competing in the senior Olympics! He competed in the triathlon and finished 13th out of 19 in his age category (I would guess late 60s or early 70s. He certainly looked trim and fit. Good for you Bob. Together they have two adult children. They related they tried to teach them the virtues of honesty and hard work. They have been married 43 years and have never been to the Falls, so they plan to take three days and take it all in.
Then we lined up to cross the Rainbow Bridge and enter the U.S. we simply got in line behind the cars. Traffic was moving so slowly, we walked the bikes across the.bridge. A nice photo in coming
into New York, half a mile ride to the hotel and we're in. One of the riders, Rick, is from the Finger Lakes region. His wife, Cindy, was there with champagne! What a way to celebrate the end of the ride!
What a day for a bike ride! The temperature was in the70s. The roads, for the most part, were in excellent condition and largely straight and flat with a few hills and rills, just for thrills (sorry for that). And a nice wind at our back. All that added up to a great day on the bike. For much of the day, I rode by myself, not trying to push too hard, but with the conditions, I often found myself just cruising along at 20 to 22 mph.
At one point, I rode up to someone not in our group and rode with her for a mile or so before she turned off. Angie related that that she was out for a 90 minute ride. She is the manager at a blood testing service and likes to ride on the weekends, having just started cycling last year. She said she ran a marathon last year and now has her goal of riding in the Gran Fondo (Big Ride) of Niagara in September, where several hundred riders, perhaps thousands, will come together to challenge themselves to an 80 mile ride. It's not a race; the pace is whatever the rider sets it to be. You can stop and get a sandwich along the way or charge through. Just a nice time to be on a bike
Toward the end of the ride, I joined up with Ann, Gail, Gary and Yuval and we came into the Niagara Falls area together. We came right to the Falls, got off the bikes and walked around a bit, taking in the sights, dodging as many of the other tourists as we could.
Then we lined up to cross the Rainbow Bridge and enter the U.S. we simply got in line behind the cars. Traffic was moving so slowly, we walked the bikes across the.bridge. A nice photo in coming into New York, half a mile ride to the hotel and we're in. One of the riders, Rick, is from the Finger Lakes region. His wife, Cindy, was there with champagne! What a way to celebrate the end of the ride!
Sunday night I was joined by former colleagues at Catholic Social Services - Karen Washbush, director of development and marketing, and Nazree Gore, controller. We had an enjoyable supper catching up on what is happening at CSS. We had a lovely day together on Monday, driving up to Niagara in the Lake, a nice little tourist town on the Canadian side. had a great lunch at an Irish pub and then a fabulous ice cream cone. we topped it off by stopping by one of the local wineries. Karen and Nazree sampled; I napped. While there we ran into Todd and Kim, a couple from Ohio celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Kim won over $500 last night playing the slots. Congratulations, Kim and Todd. Thanks for making the trip, Nazree and Karen! I enjoyed it.
Be well. Do good.
Don
 |
| Don with Karen and Nazree |
Be well. Do good.
Don
Friday, July 26, 2013
Day 40 Friday, July 26
Day 40 Friday, July 26. Port Huron, MI to London, Onyario, Canada. 82 miles
We were "up and at 'em" early this morning with breakfast at 5:30 and mandatory load by 6:30. With passports at the ready, I said good-bye to Mandy, Vaughn, Sophia and Cate and we set off promptly at 6:45 as a group to cross the Blue Water Bridge, over the St. Clair River and into Sarnia, Ontario. The US department of Transportation halted east bound traffic into Canada and provided an escort for our group over the bridge to the Canadian Customs Office. Twice we had to dismount our bicycles due to the expansion joints in the bridge, but all made it safely across and cleared customs. Well, almost all cleared customs. One of our riders, Mark, originally from Bath, Ohio, and a proud alumnus of the Ohio State University, now living outside Dallas, learned two days ago that, due to an old traffic issue in Canada from several years ago, he would not be allowed passage. He took off yesterday to ride solo around the south side of Lake Erie, adding another 180 miles to his trip. He plans to meet us in Niagara Falls. Godspeed, Mark. You've got some very long days in the saddle. I think I may have just ridden down to Bryan and called Tam!
It was a pleasant day, except for the 10 mph headwinds we battled much of the day. I guess that's part of the price you pay for high pressure systems sitting off to the east, creating blue skies and comfortable temperatures. There is a 50% chance of rain tomorrow, so I'll probably be cursing the weather again, wishing for wind! Thankfully, Yuval, Amy, Katie, Jane and Fred formed a line and it made it a lot easier.
At mile 11.3 on our ride sheet, we were cautioned about the railroad tracks. It didn't say anything about a train, but just as we were approaching the tracks, the gate swung down and the bells started clanging. I thought we could have beat the train, but the group was wise to stop and wait...and wait...and wait. Although I didn't count cars, this was a long train. A second came by going the other way and the first pulled to a stop...and wait...and wait. We waited 20 minutes or so to get back on the road. Amy estimated that we've crossed well over 100 railroad tracks on the ride so far, but this is the first delay we've had due to a train. In the grand scheme of things, nothing to complain about.
We arrived safely in London just before 2:00. Yuval and I did laundry to get us through the next few days as we start to think about winding down. There is still a lot of riding left, although we have now completed just under 3,000 miles. The ride sheets say 2,984, but with the detours we've encountered along the way, we have probably ridden right about 3,000 miles. Tomorrow we officially pass that milestone. Holy mackerel, we've come a long way.
So now it's off to bed, as it's off to Brantford, Ontario tomorrow and Niagara Falls on Sunday.
Be well. Do good.
Don
We were "up and at 'em" early this morning with breakfast at 5:30 and mandatory load by 6:30. With passports at the ready, I said good-bye to Mandy, Vaughn, Sophia and Cate and we set off promptly at 6:45 as a group to cross the Blue Water Bridge, over the St. Clair River and into Sarnia, Ontario. The US department of Transportation halted east bound traffic into Canada and provided an escort for our group over the bridge to the Canadian Customs Office. Twice we had to dismount our bicycles due to the expansion joints in the bridge, but all made it safely across and cleared customs. Well, almost all cleared customs. One of our riders, Mark, originally from Bath, Ohio, and a proud alumnus of the Ohio State University, now living outside Dallas, learned two days ago that, due to an old traffic issue in Canada from several years ago, he would not be allowed passage. He took off yesterday to ride solo around the south side of Lake Erie, adding another 180 miles to his trip. He plans to meet us in Niagara Falls. Godspeed, Mark. You've got some very long days in the saddle. I think I may have just ridden down to Bryan and called Tam!
It was a pleasant day, except for the 10 mph headwinds we battled much of the day. I guess that's part of the price you pay for high pressure systems sitting off to the east, creating blue skies and comfortable temperatures. There is a 50% chance of rain tomorrow, so I'll probably be cursing the weather again, wishing for wind! Thankfully, Yuval, Amy, Katie, Jane and Fred formed a line and it made it a lot easier.
At mile 11.3 on our ride sheet, we were cautioned about the railroad tracks. It didn't say anything about a train, but just as we were approaching the tracks, the gate swung down and the bells started clanging. I thought we could have beat the train, but the group was wise to stop and wait...and wait...and wait. Although I didn't count cars, this was a long train. A second came by going the other way and the first pulled to a stop...and wait...and wait. We waited 20 minutes or so to get back on the road. Amy estimated that we've crossed well over 100 railroad tracks on the ride so far, but this is the first delay we've had due to a train. In the grand scheme of things, nothing to complain about.
We arrived safely in London just before 2:00. Yuval and I did laundry to get us through the next few days as we start to think about winding down. There is still a lot of riding left, although we have now completed just under 3,000 miles. The ride sheets say 2,984, but with the detours we've encountered along the way, we have probably ridden right about 3,000 miles. Tomorrow we officially pass that milestone. Holy mackerel, we've come a long way.
So now it's off to bed, as it's off to Brantford, Ontario tomorrow and Niagara Falls on Sunday.
Be well. Do good.
Don
Day 39. Thursday, July 25
Day 39. Thursday, July 25. Birch Run to Port Huron, MI. 87 miles
Outside, one of the other patrons was telling the group of a park in town dedicated to the memory of the fire fighters who lost their lives on September 11. We rode to the park and were amazed at how this little town had cared for this memorial. A guy next door came over and started telling us more and how motorcyclists and fire fighters helped escort a beam from the trade center back to their town. He was ready to tell us much more, but it was time to get back on the road. If you search YouTube, there is a video, showing hundreds of motorcycles escorting this beam (update: It's here).
Got to the hotel and had a chance to clean up before Mandy and Vaughn arrived. When they got their, the girls pulled their bicycles out of the trunk, we strapped on helmets and went for a ride (twice around the hotel). Sophia and Cate have now ridden part way across America with me!
 |
| Riding around the hotel with Sophia and Cate |
Sorry I didn't post anything last night. Our daughter Mandy and her family were in town and I was having too good of a time to stop and write anything. By the time we got back (almost 8:30), it was practically bed time.
The day was a beautiful day for biking. The temperature started in the 50s, calling for arm warmers and a light vest, but then rose into the 70s with only a slight breeze. The route has been relatively flat of late, making this guy from central Ohio feel at home. I still lag a bit behind on the rollers.
We stopped in the town of Brown City, MI to give the ladies a chance to use the rest room. While there, we had a glass of chocolate milk, although Yuval skipped the milk and went straight for a piece of blueberry pie. While there, I talked with John, an older, retired gentleman who was sitting by himself but who was definitely intrigued by this funny group of folks dressed in spandex. I learned that he owned a farm with two houses on it, not far from the store. He does not farm them, but, rather, rents them out. He has some family down in Monroe (southeast corner of Michigan where we lived in the late 1980s), but I didn't recognize any of the names. I asked about his wife and he paused. A tear came to his eye and, with a catch in his throat, he told me his wife had passed eight years ago, after 45 years of marriage. They never had children, although she lost two from a previous marriage. He came to this little restaurant fairly regularly, I suspect for the company of the other patrons. I would have liked to stay and talk, but the other riders were leaving. As I was leaving, I told him my name and he introduced himself as John. He then added, "Every house needs a John." I wonder how many times he's told that one.
We finished the ride into Port Huron by coming up Lakeshore Drive with some huge mansions and very nice lake cottages. We then rode down to the St. Clair River at connects Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair ( a lake between Huron and Erie). The Blue Water Bridge rises high over the water to carry cars to and from Canada at Sarnia. Tomorrow we will be riding over this bridge. Awesome!
Got to the hotel and had a chance to clean up before Mandy and Vaughn arrived. When they got their, the girls pulled their bicycles out of the trunk, we strapped on helmets and went for a ride (twice around the hotel). Sophia and Cate have now ridden part way across America with me!
After a nice dinner at the Quay Street Bistro, I returned to my room to get ready for bed and get prepared for the next day. When I pulled the sheets back, I found a friendly alligator, compliments of the girls. Sophia, Cate, and I have been putting this in each other's bed for 3+ years. It made me laugh hard. A great ending to a very good day.
Be well. Do good.
Don
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Day 38. Wednesday, July 24.
Day 38. Wednesday, July 24. Mount Pleasant to Birch Run, MI 74 miles
Well, it would have been close to 74 miles had we not had a bit of a detour. My odometer read 81 miles by the time we pulled into the hotel this afternoon. Again I learned to never assume a day will be easy.
We got a late start this morning - a little after 8:15, as we had our "rap" meeting this morning rather than last night because of the long day yesterday. It was nice to have Bill Drake ride with us is morning. Amy, Yuval, Terry, Gary, Ann and Gail, Bill and I headed off together, hoping to lessen the impact of the east and north east winds today by riding in a pace line. I'd say it helped quite a bit, but the day was still a lot of work at times. It was nice when we had to go south. Bill is still riding strong at 70 years old. There were a few times we had to tell him to slow it a bit. As I mentioned yesterday, Bill was one of two that got me into riding 12 or 13 years ago when we lived in Sylvania, just outsideToledo. I remember Bill came riding by the house one day while I was standing outside. I asked him how far he went and he yelled back over his shoulder, "35 miles." I went into the house and commented to Tam, "Who in the heck would ever ride a bike 35 miles?" I asked her that last night as well!!
The day was fairly uneventful with only one SAG stop at the Reeves farm. I guess the story is that several years ago, one of the ride leaders stopped at this farm to take a picture of a tractor and the owner showed him a barnful of refurbished tractors in pristine condition. They stopped again the next year to say hi and the friendship was born. It's now a regular stop, even though Mr. Reeves has passed on.
With today's ride, we've officially ridden 3/4 of the route. We've now completed just over 2800 miles. But there's still a lot of riding to do with over 850 or so miles to go. The next few days are relatively flat, but there will be some roll when we get to the Finger Lakes region in New York, and Vermont and New Hampshire will have some tough climbs. We all know the end is not too far away, but I just have to keep in mind that there are still 11 riding days left. Now is not the time to ease up.
I'm looking forward to seeing Mandy, Vaughn, Sophia and Cate tomorrow in Port Huron.
Again, Bill, thanks for coming up for the ride today. I looked for you after my shower, but you were gone. Thanks, too, for the pictures.
Be well. Do good.
Don
Day 37, July 23
Day 37, July 23. Ludington to Mount Pleasant, MI. 115 miles
After a quick night, we ate about 5:30 this morning and loaded at 6:30 for an early start, as we had a long day ahead of us. The weather was a bit cool and breezy, with winds out if the NNWat 10 to 15 mph. We should get a little push today from the wind, but it felt a lot like a strong cross wind much of the day. Lots of rolling hills which generally cause me to fall behind a bit. After all the ups and downs we have done, you'd think this flat lander would do a bit better on the rolling terrain. I think I'm going to have to learn to spin faster at less of a gear. Once I caught back up, I'm generally able to stay up, but it's still work.
Just before one of our SAG stops, we saw a mouse dart across the road just ahead of us. A few miles later, we saw a bald eagle come out of one of the trees just ahead of us, then flew directly overhead. very cool, but I think he missed his chance for that little mouse.
Our third SAG stop this afternoon was at mile 84 and was at a senior center about half way between Big Rapids and the Village of Lake Isabella. When we pulled up, Harold was sitting in his electric wheel chair waiting to talk with the riders. He told me he used to ride bicycle when he lived in Toledo, but that he was hit by a car in 1988. The wreck broke his arm and caused some other problems as well. He was hospitalized for several weeks. He's been up here in Michigan since 1989 to be near his mother. He said he owned a little house a few miles away but that he came to the nursing home every Tuesday and Friday for arts and crafts and to flirt with the ladies. He said he had never married, but worked for a number of years as a brickmason's assistant, hauling bricks and blocks at work sites. I then went in to use the rest room and saw John sitting by himself eating lunch. John appeared to be maybe early 50s with shoulder length hair and his left eye permanently shut - and no teeth. When I greeted him, he said, "I thought I recognized you." He proceeded to tell me that his teeth hadn't been able to stay in lately and that made it difficult to eat. My hat is always off to those who work and volunteer in these types of facilities. It is important, yet hard and low-paying work. They deserve all our thanks for caring for people like Harold and John.
At mile 99, we felt obligated to stop for ice cream. Yeah, I can hear your comments, but this lady normally doesn't open her store until 4pm. She opened a few hours early today just because she knew our group was coming through. It was the right thing to do! For her and for us.
Finally, we arrived in Mount Pleasant, home to Central Michigan University. This was our last 100 + mile of the trip. Tomorrow should be a bit easier at only 75 miles - and pretty flat.
I cleaned my bike tonight after getting in and changed brakes as well. After taking a shower and getting ready to go to supper, I was down in the parking lot and got a huge surprise. An old friend, Bill Drake, from Sylvania, OH, was standing there with a big grin on his face. He had driven up from Toledo this afternoon and plans to ride to Birch Run with us tomorrow. Bill was one of the guys I used to ride with before we moved to Columbus and was one of the early ones (along with Chuck Van Rens) to encourage me to get on a bicycle 11 or 12 years ago. Even though he's older, I expect that he is still faster than I. Thanks for the surprise, Bill.
Be well. Do good.
Don
After a quick night, we ate about 5:30 this morning and loaded at 6:30 for an early start, as we had a long day ahead of us. The weather was a bit cool and breezy, with winds out if the NNWat 10 to 15 mph. We should get a little push today from the wind, but it felt a lot like a strong cross wind much of the day. Lots of rolling hills which generally cause me to fall behind a bit. After all the ups and downs we have done, you'd think this flat lander would do a bit better on the rolling terrain. I think I'm going to have to learn to spin faster at less of a gear. Once I caught back up, I'm generally able to stay up, but it's still work.
Just before one of our SAG stops, we saw a mouse dart across the road just ahead of us. A few miles later, we saw a bald eagle come out of one of the trees just ahead of us, then flew directly overhead. very cool, but I think he missed his chance for that little mouse.
Our third SAG stop this afternoon was at mile 84 and was at a senior center about half way between Big Rapids and the Village of Lake Isabella. When we pulled up, Harold was sitting in his electric wheel chair waiting to talk with the riders. He told me he used to ride bicycle when he lived in Toledo, but that he was hit by a car in 1988. The wreck broke his arm and caused some other problems as well. He was hospitalized for several weeks. He's been up here in Michigan since 1989 to be near his mother. He said he owned a little house a few miles away but that he came to the nursing home every Tuesday and Friday for arts and crafts and to flirt with the ladies. He said he had never married, but worked for a number of years as a brickmason's assistant, hauling bricks and blocks at work sites. I then went in to use the rest room and saw John sitting by himself eating lunch. John appeared to be maybe early 50s with shoulder length hair and his left eye permanently shut - and no teeth. When I greeted him, he said, "I thought I recognized you." He proceeded to tell me that his teeth hadn't been able to stay in lately and that made it difficult to eat. My hat is always off to those who work and volunteer in these types of facilities. It is important, yet hard and low-paying work. They deserve all our thanks for caring for people like Harold and John.
At mile 99, we felt obligated to stop for ice cream. Yeah, I can hear your comments, but this lady normally doesn't open her store until 4pm. She opened a few hours early today just because she knew our group was coming through. It was the right thing to do! For her and for us.
Finally, we arrived in Mount Pleasant, home to Central Michigan University. This was our last 100 + mile of the trip. Tomorrow should be a bit easier at only 75 miles - and pretty flat.
I cleaned my bike tonight after getting in and changed brakes as well. After taking a shower and getting ready to go to supper, I was down in the parking lot and got a huge surprise. An old friend, Bill Drake, from Sylvania, OH, was standing there with a big grin on his face. He had driven up from Toledo this afternoon and plans to ride to Birch Run with us tomorrow. Bill was one of the guys I used to ride with before we moved to Columbus and was one of the early ones (along with Chuck Van Rens) to encourage me to get on a bicycle 11 or 12 years ago. Even though he's older, I expect that he is still faster than I. Thanks for the surprise, Bill.
Be well. Do good.
Don
Day 36. Monday, July 22
Today is rest day, even though we will be traveling about 115 miles to the east. Today we cross Lake Michigan, from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI. and enter the eastern time zone. I feel decadent sleeping in to 6:45. Yuval, my roommate, made me a cup of coffee and brought me the paper before I got up. What a guy! I wonder how I can arrange for this when I get home.
We slowly got ready this morning as we had to load bags by 10:00, but not get on the boat until about 1:30. Of course we had a three mile bike ride to negotiate and find a nice place for breakfast. We were greeted at the dock by an ABB alumnus from 2011, Gary Butters. he served us crackers and cheese and says "Hi!" to Dan Schoedinger who was also on that ride. Dan, he added a "go, Blue!" just for you!
Did you know that Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes that is entirely within the U.S. and not shared with Canada? It has a surface area of 22,400 square miles, making it the largest lake , by surface area within e borders of one country. It has an average depth of 279 feet, and, at its deepest, it is over 900 feet deep. You cannot see anything but water when out on the middle of it.
Once in Ludington, we had another three mile ride to the hotel of a quick night sleep. We leave at 6:30 in the morning for Mount Pleasant, MI, about 115 miles away. Hard to believe, but this will be the final century ride of the trip.
Be well. Do good.
Don
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