Biking North a bit more

Not much time this morning, lots of work starting early. A good day at the office.

Yesterday afternoon found me pulling into Frankfort Michigan on my bicycle trip. I'd left Manistee early as the sun rose in the Eastern sky. Surprisingly, I was not the only biker going North. Two people passed as I was unloading and waved a friendly hello without slowing down. One on a traditional bike and one on a recumbent. The weather was cool but not frosty, a welcome change from a few short weeks ago with the temperatures in the 90's and flirting with 100*. Onekema was my original objective but with my early start, good weather and pretty good leg strength I met my support guy and decided to go further. The road was very bicycle friendly with wide side paths, I was put at ease with all that room concerning passing vehicles. I did not pass any other bicycles but was overtaken a dozen times by both single riders and groups as well. No stopping for chit chat though. We were all pretty intent on the ride. Probably because of the healthy sized hills with the magnificent views spread out before us. Taking my time and using all the gears properly I felt encouraged by my slow but sure method of grinding up those hills and the suddenly being rewarded by a smooth glide down the other side with little effort. I did stop for a few pictures before the camera batteries died. I took apart my rear tail light and used those batteries for a few more pictures but they also died and some for the most panoramic scenes went unrecorded. I hope to get a few when I ride up to begin again.

It is difficult to ascertain exactly what type of experience I was expecting on this trip. Whatever it was is definitely not what I am getting. My expectations were based upon my walk around the lake almost 50 years ago. I am a different person, subject to totally different perceptive abilities. The ride is not even close to the walking as far as observation and ability to penetrate the surrounding countryside. Especially the lake shore itself. I am still dealing with that. I am still finding the true experience. Hard to describe. I'm working on that skill too. So far by car, on the roads the miles amount to about 188. By wandering bicycle I passed 231 miles yesterday. For a hardened purist bicycle rider that is just about a two day ride. For me it is monumental. A matter of perspective isn't it?..................Later............Joe

Old people and bicycling

Well, another leg of my bicycle trip along Lake Michigan and another lesson learned. A couple weeks ago I pushed myself a little too hard and had a little trouble with my legs for a few days. I swore I would never push myself that hard again. That oath lasted almost a week. Last Saturday, just as my legs showed signs of becoming useful once again for walking halfway normal I set off on another stage heading North from Pentwater towards Ludington and maybe, if I felt OK a little beyond. Everything went well, the weather was perfect, the wind was almost non-existent and I felt pretty good. All was good with the world and my camera was at the ready to record all the beautiful sights on my leisurely ride. Then it happened! I had ridden, perhaps a half mile when off from a side rode came two, young, svelt, slim, sun baked bike riding guys also enjoying the day. As they road alongside a few words of pleasantry were exchanged and they said they were headed up to Manistee to meet some (hopefully bikini clad) girls for a swim. I mentioned my hope of reaching Ludington and they sort of chucked together. " It's nice to see an older guy trying to ride and stay in reasonable shape" one of them said. "Except for your age we'd invite you to tag along" the other said with a smile on his face. "Oh, oh!" I thought. "They'd touched a cord regarding my male pride." I could feel the, "I'll show them" internal, competitive, stupid, get in trouble thing that rears it's ugly head at times like this. "I'll try to keep up for a little while just the same" I said. Dumb, dumb, dumb! In surveying the situation I had observed that they were both riding fat, knobby tired mountain, all terrain, single speed bikes. I, riding my skinny wheel, feather light touring bike just might be able to stay with them for a short distance which would feed my ego at least for the moment. They took the lead and off we went at a faster pace than I had originally intended and also leaving no time for the leisurely picture taking but I was committed and enjoyed the astonished look on their faces as I remained behind them feeling very much like the sneaky guy waiting his chance to pass in a NASCAR race. Up and down those pesky hills, rounding curves, retracing our paths as we mistakenly went down dead end streets. Past cottages and small stores and knick knack shops with narry a passing look. The chit chat was kept to a minimum due to the intensity of the ride. I believe they were bound and determined to see me drop back from "elderly" exhaustion. I didn't! On we went, not even stopping for most cross road stop signs and before I knew it we had passed through Ludington and headed toward Manistee and their feminine beach playmates. My physical ability seemed OK so I just kept going. Finally we ground up the hill going into Manistee from the South and turned onto Main street headed to the beach. I had called ahead and my support ride was waiting, surprised just West of downtown in a Motel parking lot. The young guys congratulated me on my ability to stay with them and off they went to the next part of their day with the ladies. I rode my bike in circles until they were out of sight and stopped my bike next to a post to hold onto. My legs were down there somewhere but I had absolutely no feeling in them. I had to watch where I stepped so I wouldn't fall down. It was arduous and, frankly painful to extract myself from that bike, place it in the back of the truck and finally sit down. It took quite some time to regain my composure and walk in a reasonably straight line. A small snack, another short rest and it was back to good old Wyoming for a long nap. Here it is three full days later and I continue to wobble like a drunken derelict. Did I learn my lesson yet? Yeah, I did. At least until the next young guy challenges me again. I'm riding about 10 miles a day right now to keep the cramps away but I think maybe this will take a while to get over. Dumb, dumb, dumb! I sure showed them though didn't I? Now I have to at least drive through there just to take a few pictures.

Pentwater

Riding up the hill into Pentwater I was greeted by a neat little sign that read: "Welcome to Pentwater." Swell, I thought. This is going to be a real treat riding through yet another quaint little lake shore burg. The streets were lined with nicely manicured lawns with beautifully appointed homes painted in bright, happy colors nested in the middle of them. I was impressed! Rising to the top of the hill I saw on my left a magnificent church, pure white, tall steeple, wide, double door, welcoming entrance atop a dozen steps or so. Must have been a couple generations old but beautifully maintained and with hundreds of stories to tell I am sure. St. Vincents was the name and I snapped several pictures. Then proceeded down the hill. The side of the rode became lined with vehicle towing boats awaiting their turn at the launch site. The view opened up and I was amazed to see so many of those boats already in the water and to my eye leaving very little, if any room for even one more. That was only the beginning. Turning right onto the main downtown street was another enlightening experience, now I didn't think that "quaint" quite properly described this teaming little metropolis of tourist attractions. Store after store lined the street on both sides, car were moving at a snails pace in bumper to bumper fashion, no doubt looking for the next parking space so they too could visit one of those stores and bring home some priceless artifact of memorabilia. People happily scampering across the road back and forth so as not to miss a single retail establishment. I have to admit the excitement was catching and fun although I myself did not enter a shop. Just all this smiling faces and cheerful voices after a long solitary ride seemed a nice contrast. Making my way between the traffic and then going West to the state park and beach I saw car after car lining the street with people lifting the trunks to fetch their chairs for the long walk to the shore. The beach itself was packed to overflowing with those same happy, sun loving folks out for a days enjoyment and perhaps just a touch of a tan. No room for me to stop to relax really so I returned to main street and headed North out of town. It was rather a shock as to how fast the people disappeared behind the very first turn and the vision I had of a quaint little town unfolded before my eyes right down to another park at the Northern border with a sign welcoming everyone to Pentwater. Nothing saying good bye though. I guess they don't want you to leave. Another two miles of smooth riding and I met up with my ride home at the entrance to US 31. Can't wait for the next time, it's been great riding weather lately too......................Joe

Biking towards Mears

Two things today really if you don't mind. First of all a problem arose on Monday afternoon due to someone not hiding my email address when they forwarded some information to another site. My computer received so much spam and other undesirable stuff over the next two days that I had to use another person's computer to get my work done. No time for anything personal. "Bob" the IT guy is working feverishly to flush out the offending electronic matter and we're hoping to have it all fixed by this coming Monday. Of course, "Bob" will walk away with a significant amount of my money. I ask anyone that receives anything from me that can be forwarded for any reason: Please, please use the BCC for multiple mailings. This has not been the first time and it is, quite frankly a pain in the butt.

That brings us to the bike riding I did this weekend past. I was unable to post again on Tuesday as promised so her it goes. Once I get going I am caught in between two goals: riding around Lake Michigan and experiencing what I am riding through. So far I feel I've maintained a reasonable balance. Going North from Montague and through a rather tranquil marshy area the terrain slowly changed around me from flat, sandy, ponds and grassy to somewhat hilly, wooded and enclosed, suddenly opening up onto a flat and spacious series of fertile fields planted with beans, corn straw or hay. Placed strategically amongst the fields were the ages old farm houses, barns and livestock buildings. Single rows of trees every so often to keep the winds in check and differing colorful vegetation arranged in neatly arranged squares took me a little by surprise. During my walk almost 50 years ago I hadn't wandered quite this far from the shoreline. A real treat for the senses. And, of course after the hills and curves of the beginning of the day's ride the flat, smooth and straight roads of this open farm land provided a more relaxing, actually effortless time to simply see, smell and listen to my surroundings. Pleasant to be sure. Cows and a few horses grazed while birds soared above in the blue sky supporting a dozen or so soft, billowing, pure white clouds. As beautiful as this scene was, when I came to a crossroad, I took a hard left back toward the shoreline and the lake itself. The road became narrow and winding in less than a half mile and within a few hundred yards more the hills, curves and overhanging trees returned as I entered the land of vacation cottages and resorts. Once again people were walking and jogging and holding leashes while their pets found interest and relief at the base of trees and bushes. (No hydrants here) The shoulders of the roads were sandy and something to be avoided with my bicycle tires, if I wanted to remain upright that is. Taking a tight curve right placed me onto a sort of causeway between Stony Lake and Lake Michigan. I remembered this place from long ago but the progression of civilization was apparent everywhere. And, boats and slips crowded the shoreline as if a strong wind had blown them together haphazard. Beautiful and busy and packed with humanity. Somehow it all worked out. I road off. Anxious to see around the next turn. Hill, curve, corner, lean left, lean right, another hill, road narrows, ends, another begins and suddenly I am at the base of the sandy hills of Silver Lake sand dunes and the state park nestled in it's shadows. What a magnificent sight those dunes are. Of course, you have to look in between all the tourist attractions and restaurants to get a decent view these days. Everyone I passed seemed to be having a great time. Along the street itself dune buggies and huge off road vehicles were passing, going to or coming from the motor sports part of the park. Lines of vehicles wound towards the center of town. I wondered how they would all fit. Many years ago this was a busy place but far less developed. More like an open free for all, with a cacophony of hand made vehicles that only distantly resembled anything remotely close to what we think of as safe these days. Today everything is roll bars, crash bumpers and seat belts. Almost no one used those things 50 years ago. Using the last vestiges of my strength and stamina from the efforts of the day I road up the winding hill leading away from that magnificent, albeit very touristy and busy area. Looking back over my shoulder often as I went. When will I be here again? What will it look like then? Time will tell. At the top of the hill the road straightened out for a bit dropped to a crossroad and a right turn and I rode up and down hills until my travels ended in quaint, colorful downtown Mears. Very similar in appearance to the town this days ride started in. I was so pooped I was more than ready to go home to the couch and a well deserved nap. Yeah, that nap sounded real good about then. Next time it'll be north towards Ludington if I can make it. My bike riding has taken me 149 mostly shoreline miles so far. Not bad, only about a thousand to go. Sounds more manageable every time I go.

A little farther on the bike trip

Mears! Yup, Mears. That's how far my bicycling has gotten me as of this weekend past. I started at the park between Whitehall and Montegue with the idea that I would take the excellent bike path north. As it was, although the bike path is rather nice in and of itself I chose to ride on the local, shore hugging, sometimes perilously narrow roads instead. My support vehicle closely following behind with flashers going when there was no side area. Traffic was very light so that didn't create any difficulties. My reasoning behind not taking the path was that when I walked around the lake almost 50 years ago I wandered as much as followed any particular path. I can tell you, wander I did on those streets. I think in Montegue I actually went backwards a couple times on the curves, twists and turns. Beautiful little town with flags a flying and flower baskets a hanging and neatly carved bushes and painstakingly manicured lawns. The route I took through town kept me mostly away from the touristy spots and it was nice to meander in the midst of every day life in a lakeside town. I wondered if the inhabitants ever considered just how lucky they were to spend their time only a stone's throw from such a treasure. I passed, perhaps a dozen and a half of them either walking a dog, jogging or passing the time with someone else. Houses were often painted in brightly contrasting colors, evoking a sense of a cheerful, pre-industrial existence. Reminiscent of the homes I saw in the movies while growing up. Trees draped over the roadways as if designed to provide a tunnel of leaves shielding me from the rays of the hot sun. Drifting in and out of the neighborhood I found differing approaches to lakeside life. First a shuttered cape cod somewhat modest in size and decorations and then, right next door a lavish, sprawling, wealth flaunting semi mansion. Quite a contrast but at the same time enlightening. We are all different, even here. After what seemed to be an inexhaustible number of hills and tight curves I rounded a downhill right turn and headed north winding between marshes, white beeches and ponds of varying sizes. That is where I passed my first fellow bicycle rider. Her lack of response to my friendly wave sort of surprised me. Head bent down, legs churning, speeding along as if trying to elude some sort of evil. We all ride for different reasons and she was indeed intent on hers. Just the same, I enjoy a wave of camaraderie. I'm not the French racing type of competitor. I could smell the differing aroma's provided by the landscape. A little more about this trip next time. Too much for today.

Bicycle trip progress report

My bicycle trip around Lake Michugan is such a wonderful experience so far. Although distance is not what I had expected I am pleased with where I am.

First leg-May 6th: 36th and Burlingame along the Kent Trails pathway North to John Ball Park then West up the steepest hill I've ever seen on Lake Michigan drive to Wilson Avenue in Standale. By that time my legs were rubber and I was grateful to see my support vehicle pulling up. It was back home to ther blue room and a nap.

Second leg-May 20th: West on Lake Michigan Drive to the top of the hill and East boundery of Allendale. Winds were 25mph steady and the hills were intimidating. legs getting a bit stronger but still out of shape. I had to laugh at my overconfidence and having to face reality with humility.

Third leg-May 27th: 6:00 am, dissapointed with my progress I made up my mind I would tackle the metropolis of Allendale on my own with no support. An attempt to get over myself. East city limit to West city limit...and back to get my car. Quiet, beautiful sunrise, very little wind. Excellent for contemplation and facing the reality thing. A needed mental adjustment.

Fourth leg June 3rd: West city limit of Allendale to The Yellow Jacket Bar and Grill, about 7 miles. (No, they were closed) Once again the high winds were kicking my butt. 25mph steady, gusting to 45mph. I maintained a steady pace and never stopped my legs from churning those pedals. A victory of sorts. The legs were there for me. I needed that.

Fifth leg-June 17th: Yellow Jacket Bar and Grill West on Lake Michigan Drive to Lakeshore Drive and turned North. Lake Michigan Drive from US 31 to Lakeshore Drive was scary. No shoulder for a bicycle to safely ride. Cars and trucks whizzing by at 55mph. One particular truck went by maybe only a foot from my handle bar. Just as she was passing she laid on the horn to let me know she didn't like a bicycle riding on "her" road I guess. Takes all kinds. lakeshore drive is magnificant! A bike path on the East side is smooth and friendly. Some bikers still road on the street. I didn't understand that. It takes all kinds. I arrived at City Beach in Grand Haven close to noon. The sun was shining, people were beginning to gather for the days activities and as the water evaporated the steam rose from the sand like a fog, giving the elusion, to my mind of zombies walking. Kinda fun. I continued to the Northern edge of Grand Haven and stopped for the day. It was Father's Day and my kids and grandkids came in from out of town. A great way to end that day.

This weekend I plan to go on from Grand Haven North as far as my legs and time slot allow me. I've found that if I ride approximately 5 miles and rest a bit I can go another 5 miles with little difficulty. Now if I can string a few of those together in one day I'll get somewhere. I'm still learning.

One last thing before I go.I can't help but notice how things have changed in 50 years since I walked around the lake. Back then many of the things we did along the shoreline, due to our ignorance were destroying it. We have come to the point of realization and much of what we do now is restoring it. Progress! Yeah, that's a good thing but still a long way to go. Just like my trip.

Have a wonderful day............Joe

Keep on Bicycling

The trip around Lake Michigan continues, albeit very much slower than I had planned. Being flexible and altering expectations is key to ward off disappointment. On my fourth leg I rode into a steady headwind of 20mph, gusting up to 35mph. It seems that when I have time to ride the wind remains a constant. When I walked around the lake almost 50 years ago the wind was not much of a factor. As time goes on it is almost a certainty that the wind will either be coming from the side or my back. That will be a welcome relief. My lower legs and ankles are another issue. I can ride for 10 miles, even into the wind but when I stop standing without wobbling or falling down is a battle of will. I have to admit, if I was watching me walk I'd probably think I had been partaking a bit too much of the demon rum. I am determined though that whatever distance I can go on any given day, be it 2 miles or 100 miles, I will accept what it is. When I first decided to make this trip I planned to do it all at once. That is definitely not even a remote possibility due to time and other restraints. I was inspired by a lady that wrote a book about walking around the lake in short segments as her time allowed. If she could, so could I. I realized that it is either short segment trips or no trip at all. I'm good with that.

Met another cyclist named Gary. Originally from Indiana he fell in love with Michigan, it's cycling trails and just about everything else you can imagine. Interesting guy, works in food quality and testing. He was very encouraging regarding my rubbery legs even though he may have had a bit of a chuckle as I wobbled around in the parking lot at the end of my trip. One thing that got straightened out is the mileage. I've not gone quite as far as I had thought. The odometer I was using on the bike was set for another tire size and we got that adjusted so now it is very accurate. I believed I had gone 34 miles but in actuality it is 29. A little frustrating but then again something to be pleased with at the same time. My stamina and strength are improving with each mile. The next leg should bring me to the lake shore and then it's north to Grand Haven. I hope to do a little book promotion in each town if there is time. Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime is a good, fun, interesting and sometimes life changing book in the opinion of every review I've received.

That's it for right now. Today is decision day for several issues, should be enlightening to say the least.

An author's happy moment

You know what fun is for an author? Going to the UPS store and sending off 17 copies of your book to people all, over the country. I was pleasantly surprised over the past week by that many requests for Joe"s Story: The Book of a Lifetime. The reason behind it I found out was that a visitor that made a book purchase recently is a involved in a reading club of some sort, his opinion got around to the other members and all of a sudden I'm at the UPS store filling orders. I love book clubs! There is a book reviewer named Redfeather that read Joe's Story a few years back and placed a review on the Amazon book store. Within just a few weeks I went through my entire stash here at my office and had to order more to complete the orders. Yeah, I love book clubs! Being an author has some very fun moments. I am looking forward to my book tour and hopefully throw in a few speaking engagements along the way.

In the preperations concerning my trip around Lake Michigan I hope to accumulate individual stories of events involving the lake. Hopefully I can meet many of the people involved too. It's really an awesome lake and the stories about it are too many to count. The oceans are incredible I realize but so is our very own and special mini ocean, Lake Michigan. Less the sharks, seals, urchins and whales of course. But then again that makes it way easier to take the family for a swim on a sunny day. I'd like to collect and catalog some of those family and personal stories so even those that haven't seen Lake Michigan can realize, from family picnics to ship wrecks the beauty and mystery of it. Maybe it will kick someone in the pants that can do something to stop the invasive species that are changing it's wonders. I'm not particularly looking forward to seeing fish flying everywhere and jumping into my boat.

Happy is the day when the mail is opened and another request for Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime greets my wondering eyes. Oh, happy day!.................Joe

Lake Michigan walk and Joe's Story

In "Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" one of the chapters covers my trek around Lake Michigan. It was an adventure of such massive proportions I'll never forget. Loreen Niewenhuis did it too. She has recorded her experience in a book titled: "A 1000 Mile Walk on the Beach" From what I've read in the Grand Rapids Press yesterday it's sure to be a good read. I just finished emailing my congratulations to her on her accomplishments.

I walked around Lake Michigan in 1964. I was just being a young man trying to find himself. I had no intention of writing about it. She and I had completely different reasons and I believe I will learn much about the Lake from her perspective as an adult. I also walked around in one complete event. She broke it up into 10 segments. I road a bus through Chicago and Gary because I didn't want the hassle or the stench of such a congested area. She walked through there too. It is our differences throughout the whole project that interests me. We saw the same Lake. But, at different times, under differing circumstances, with different agendas, at different ages. I want to see the picture she's drawn.

Sometime in the future, depending on responsibilities and life in general, my goal is to ride a bicycle around Lake Michigan. A mishap with my leg and ankle have pretty much eliminated my ability to walk around but I can ride a bike anywhere. I look forward to it and the plans are being formed as I write here.

So I congratulate Loreen and wish her well. Her next goal is to walk around all 5 of the Great Lakes. I say, "Go for it!" I offer my encouragement and good wishes.