Day 38 - Michigan Bonus - Flat Roads and Gracious People

Today was a day of about 80 miles if you throw in the extra miles we took for an impassable bridge, but the roads were flat, the winds not too unfriendly, and the folks we met along the way were very friendly.

From Mt. Pleasant we set out toward Birch Run, MI at a late start, 8:30 am, after a farmer's breakfast served at Bob Evan's (thank you, Bob!).  We begin by chronicling fellow rider from Texas, "Mitch", who had the unfortunate experience of having all of his biking clothes except one jersey and one pair of shorts stolen from a laundromat in Wisconsin when his cousins took him out to dinner.  This morning, Mitch wore a brand new jersey and pair of shorts (they are $$$$$) sent by his biking buddies back in Texas.  He looks positively glowing!

We saw a large number of wind turbines today in action, probably the most yet of the trip.  Here's a shot of Greg and fellow rider Katie as they came into the SAG stop this morning.  The propeller is ever so artfully arranged in this shot that it almost looks like an optical illusion, yes?

We written often about the SAG stops, where our crew from America by Bike give us opportunity to freshen our water bottles, get snacks, and get off our bikes for a bit.  Here's first a candid shot of a morning SAG, tables set up with snacks and water.

Here's another shot of a special SAG stop this morning, at the Reeves Farm.  Here I am with Mrs. Reeve, who lent her farm front yard and house for our stop today.  Years ago, Mr. Reeve and an ABB leader met when the leader asked if he could take a picture of his tractor in the front yard.  Mr. Reeve replied not only could he photograph this tractor, but also the dozens of tractors which he had refurbished and kept in his barn for tractor pulls and various functions.  A long friendship ensued.  Though Mr. Reeve is no longer with us, Mrs. Reeve carries on the tradition of wonderful Michigan hospitality.

Lastly, another gracious group along the road are our group leaders and bicycle mechanics.  When Don got a flat tire early this morning, he changed it and pumped it up with his small bicycle mounted pump.  When we passed "Silver", the silver van that held mechanic Mike today, we stopped for Mike to take out his industrial strength pump to make sure the tire pressure was enough for a long, smooth ride the rest of the day.

Also, ride leaders from ABB were the first to inform us that a bridge was out up ahead, that a detour was imminent, and then placed chalk ABB's with directional arrows along the roads that we should take to get to our final destination.  They were too busy out and about on the road to get a picture, but hopefully we will have a chance to give them kudos in a later blog.

Tomorrow - 87 miles from Birch Run to Port Huron, MI