Today we were scheduled to ride 57 miles, so we all thought we would have an easy day. Mentally we weren’t prepared for the 6-mile detour even though it took us through some absolutely gorgeous country and a headwind that hit us in the face and from the side all day. The good news is that the road surface was wonderful. In any case we made it in by 1:00 and immediately stopped for lunch. After getting to the motel and checking in, I made a trip to the laundramat to do the wash. It is Sunday today, so my watch tells me, so I listened to a Sandy Patty CD on my I Pod.

The ride was wonderful. Ever since we reached MN the terrain has been about the same. I know Michigan pretty well and it is similar to that as well. There were beautiful farms and clean little small towns. We missed the Firemen’s Parade by a few hours in one of the towns. As we passed through town there were chairs lined up along the street and blankets laid out on lawns.

We traveled mostly county roads today so there was very little traffic. As we were coming over a hill on county road X, there right in front of us was Lake Michigan. Once again it hit me; I have really ridden by bike from Astoria to Lake Michigan! I still can’t believe it. When we reached the T in the road we turned north for Manitowoc where we catch the ferry. Dan, Steve and I rode together most of the second half of the riding day. Mary rode with Karen a little further back.

So here is the lesson that I learned today. Never expect an easy day no matter what the mileage. It you happen to get one, enjoy it as you would a surprise party! Don’t anticipate anything!

Well, it’s been another great day. I am anxious to get home but I have to tell you that the four of us who have enjoyed each other’s company for the last 35 days are feeling the clock ticking on the time we have left to spend riding together. Isn’t this an interesting phenomenon? Four people who happen to want to ride their bikes across America come together by chance and develop the kind of relationship that some people work a lifetime for or never manage to achieve at all. The four of us were talking the other evening about our favorite places and generally reminiscing. I know from my career in education, what I remember most are all the wonderful people I had the honor of working with. I know that what I will remember most about this adventure is the three people I have ridden with, and the people who made it possible for me to be successful in completing this journey to date.

Well, enough reflection! Have a great evening! I don’t know what you are doing tomorrow, but I am riding across America on my bike and riding across Lake Michigan on a ferryboat. See you tomorrow.

Click here to see more pictures from today!