Day 39: Birch Run to Port Huron,
Michigan
July 29, 2004
Miles: 89
Today was easier than the number of miles might indicate. There
were a few more ups and downs than yesterday's nearly flat route, a
headwind near Lake Huron and some short stretches of road that rattled
my bike pretty good. In a web journal from the first northern
trip, Michigan's roads were called the worst of the states they
visited. Since then, America by Bicycle has re-routed much of it
to smoother, less traveled roads. Today there were still a few
bad stretches, though, including the worst totally cracked up pavement
I've seen on the trip. Ironically, I saw several lawn signs for
candidates for road commissioner in the election on August 3; I don't
think I'd want that job! I shouldn't be too smug, though, as our
roads in California are heading in this direction.
Our first SAG today was at the site of an artesian well. We all
sampled the water and the reviews were uniformly negative. Steve
thought that this might be the Perrier of ten thousand years from
now. Time will tell. For now, we're content to let it age.
On the way to the second SAG, I was passed--while stopped to take a
photo--by this horse drawn buggy. It was moving at a pretty good
clip but I think I could outrun it.
I'll use the second SAG to illustrate for you what is available to us
there. It was located in a city park in Yale.
Bordering the park was a creek:
At the side door of the van is our water jug, flanked by our Gatorade
packets on the left, hand washing wipes and sunscreen on the
right. The sign in sheet, which staff uses to track our progress
and determine if everyone has passed this point, is on top of the jug.
In front of the van is the food table:
My general routine is to sign in, wash my hands, mix some Gatorade in
a cup, have some food, put some more food into my bike bag for eating
on the road, redo my sunscreen, top off my water bottles and leave.
Soon, I'll reveal the mysteries of the Box.
Toward the end of today's ride, I drifted off of the published route to
look at Lake Huron and went a little past the final turn to get a good
look at the bridge we'll cross tomorrow to go into Canada.
I assume the contract for tonight's dinner house will not be
renewed. I don't want to embarrass the establishment by naming it
but it will probably become a punchline for many a joke about food,
replacing the buffet in Wisconsin Dells.
I've neglected to mention that Paul B. had to leave the ride in
Wisconsin Dells after breaking his wrist in a fall after touching
wheels with another rider in a paceline. His helmet was split in
two but saved his noggin. Sorry to see you go Paul. He'll
probably come back next year to complete the route.
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