The Tridge

Wednesday, May 18 (Day 12)

Distance: 48 miles

Average: 10.5 mph

Max: 18.8 mph

Total: 715 miles

The day started out extraordinarily well. Jerry made breakfast for us and we chatted for a while. At some point he told me "If you were to only read newspapers, you would think there's nothing but bad people in the world. That's what's so great about bike tours." 

Isn't that true! The world seems to be a pretty great place outside of newspapers and cars.

Unfortunately, I made the egregious mistake of failing to get any of Jerry's contact information (Jerry, if you're reading this, please send me a message using the contact form at the bottom of the page!). 

I spent most of the day on a really wonderful rail trail, the Pere Marquette rail trail. The rail trails are old unused railways that have been converted for pedestrian/ bike use, and they are all over the country.

I was having a nice large pear (my new favorite food!) when I was approached by an older man riding an old rusty bicycle.

We talked for a while, and I found out that he had a car, a truck, and "more bicycles than he could count". He collects and refurbishes bicycles and then sells them, though he has no store or online front. He told me he has never had a computer, and never saw the need to get one. 

He also told me this was by no means his favorite bike, but it was the one he had for sale.

I spent my day dawdling in Midland, sitting for hours in the grass and exploring the city a bit. Dow Chemical Company is huge here (it's the headquarters), so it's a pretty wealthy county and they have a very cool "Tridge", or three-way pedestrian/cycling bridge.

My afternoon ride was short and I ended up staying with another couple, Dean and Keri, who I found on warmshowers. Dean works in the auto and bike shop in the town nearby and has never toured, although he has hosted touring cyclists for many years. 

He and Keri made a delicious dinner, then he made some indescribably yummy cookies.

They have been incredible hosts! Dean spent quite some time with me pouring over multiple maps, a computer, and a trail guide, helping me figure out my route for tomorrow.

I am now warm, cozy, and quite ready to sleep-- this is by far the latest I have been awake since I left Ithaca. 11 pm and it feels like 3 am!

I'm looking forward to another day. :)