SAND DUNES AND A RIDING BUDDY
Doug & I left Ludington about 8. The morning ride was mostly on back roads with some state route riding. The ride took us through Pentwater, which appeared to be an upscale village with much focus on recreation. Sliver Lake State Park is nearby with lots sand dunes, a sand dunes buggy favorite. Generally we followed the east shore of Lake Michigan southward.
We arrived for lunch at at a home owned by Doug’s two nieces Sarah & Amanda. Doug’s sister & brother-in- law, Wendy & Malcom, were there as well many of their grandchildren. We had a very nice time, and the food was great! Meeting someone’s family is always fun as it gives insight to their background.
After lunch we picked up a bike trail and were on it for about 30 miles to near the B&B. The trail was smooth, paved and wonderful!
The ride was longer than anticipated, mostly because I did not review the route and had 55 miles in my head - wrong. Temps in the 80s and a NNE breeze. Our course generally to the south or southeast.
Crops, corn but with an increasing amount of orchards, mostly apple and some cherry.
By the numbers:
Dist - 81.4 miles
Elev gain - 2,406 ft
Elev loss - 2,406 ft (same up and down)
Moving time 6:17
Great couple of days. The 81 miles seems like a surprise, but with the level terrain (I assume) and 30 miles of trail with a BB at the end, one can't complain. And you didn't
ReplyDeleteThe upscale community you rode through reminded me of much of territory from Mackinac City to Ludington. My cell phone screen saver is one of those roads -- quiet, tree-lined and pretty level usually with lots of retirement and second homes that are pretty posh.
The sub tour must have been interesting. I have been on those subs, too. In fact some old WWII vintage diesel boats were still in use in the Med when I was disbursing officer on the supply ship I served aboard out of Naples for two years. They did not have supply officer aboard, so they would bring their payrecords to us when they came into Naples. We would work up a payday for them and then spend a morning paying the crew aboard the sub as well as eating as much of their excellent chow as we could. For several days afterwards, my skin smelled of diesel fuel.
Your comment on the boats built in Michigan brought to mind the very high casualty rate among submariners. If a boat went down it was, as you pointed out on two of these, with all hands. From 1943 the German U-boats had an extremely high death rate. Most never made it home. Ours did better, but it still higher than other ships.
Happy riding in eastern MI. By the way, I meant to ask you if you are carrying spare removable chain links. If not, get a couple. If you break a chain, they can keep you going. Now you just need a ferry to take you across Indiana. Not going to happen.
Thanks Earl. Yup I have a few links, but with a new chain hopefully they will not be needed.
DeleteLooking pretty gnarly Warren. You'll fit right in in downtown Seattle, with your old bike and tent. But you'll need a lot of trash to really fit in.
ReplyDeleteWhen you got to Michigan Nina and I felt you were back in familiar territory, almost home. Only about 1000 miles to go. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
ReplyDeleteYou traveled through fruit country. Just south of there is cherry and apple land. Lake Michigan is gorgeous, isn't it?
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