Tony’s blog

I am now back in Chicago. The trip has been one of a lifetime, and it is a relief to be back and sleeping in my bed. I have alot of thoughts from the trip, which I am still collecting and will post on here for anyone who cares to read it. For now, the trip total.

989.7 Miles. Shooo.

Thats alot of miles. That is enough to go to bike from Chicago to Dallas. Or Chicago to New Orleans. Or Chicago to Boston. Or Chicago to Mt. Rushmore. But I went around the Lake. Yeah, full circle. There is something triumphant about a trip like that. But, I'll return with more humbled thoughts later. For now, I'm gonna nap and catch up on sleep. Good to be home.

So I am rocked right now. This post will probably suffer in quality, but I need to document what went on today. Just for the record, yesterdays mileage total was 741.9. Today's total is 904.9. Yeah, thats right, do your math. I rode exactly 163 miles today, from a little town called Pensaukee, WI, to Oak Creek, WI, just south of Milwaukee. I'm beat. But, this means I am returning to Chicago tomorrow. And that puts a smile to my face.

I've seen alot on this trip. What I have not seen is alot of sleep. SO more details later, more sleep now. Good night.

Sorry for the delayed post. I enjoyed thinking that maybe some of you were biting your nails in anticipation of another post. Chew your nails no longer.

So last you heard, I was pretty upset with day 6. Day 6 was bogus. But, my spirits have been lifted, for day 7 and 8 have gone great. I stayed at Big Manistique Lake on Monday night and rode to Gladsone, MI Tuesday, where I met a college friend and stayed with his family for the night. He treated me to a sizable breakfast this morning, which more than prepared me for today's ride.

I then took off through Escanaba, MI, and arrived at Menominee, about 70 or so miles away. Now, I was anticipating taking a passenger ferry from Menominee to Sturgeon Bay. But when I inquired about it with several people, nobody knew what I was talking about. And its not like I made this boat up. I read about from other people who had done similar tours, and found the ferry route on a map as well. Finally, I popped in at a traveler center, and asked these two ladies if they knew what was up. They filled me in. The ferry I was chasing ran for one year, and then decided to stop it. That explains all the mystery. So now, instead of seeing some scenic peninsula, its off to Cheeseland--Green Bay. I've always been curious about that town, so I'm semi-looking forward to it. But I mean, Brett Favre is in New York, so what's the use?

I have also had the privilege of eating a couple of pasties (pronounced Pass-tees) on this trip. They are similar to a pot pie, except you eat 'em with your hands. They're pretty great.

And now, I am put up for the night. I found a great spot just off the rode I need to ride in the morning. I'm about 2 miles south of Oconto, WI (thats right, I passed into WI). I made some soup tonight, and tonight I brewed some tea to help wisk me to sleep. All has been fun. I rode about 85 miles today. Total mileage of trip thus far is 741.9. Tomorrow is a big ride, and I think I going to get up early for it.

One last thing. Wear sunblock when you go on a bike ride. I've been rotisseried.

8/20/08 Day 7 & 8 Yoopers, Imaginary Ferries, and Just Plain Good Camping

Today was really frustrating. Easily the roughest day yet. I hardly enjoyed the scenery.

The day started from Mackinaw City. I crossed the might Mac via truck (they won't let you bike across, nor would you want with the room that's provided) and started from the other side. I was on highway 2, which is scenic and pleasant. But, there was a headwind blowing all day, so I was working harder to keep going.
I then started to head north for the place I was staying at, and again, the wind was coming from the north so still rough. I called the folks I was to stay with to confirm where they were at and how to get there. And I ended up lost. Semi-lost, that is. I discovered where I ended up, and it tacked on ALOT of unnecessary miles. About 15. The people I was staying with were kind enough to come pick me up with a truck, otherwise, it was 10:00 PM and I still had a half hour of biking. So I didn't roll in till about 10:00, but I was so thankful when I did. I've been fed well, and can only laugh at my frustrations. Those moments are tough. I was angry; at myself, any close passerby, the wind. It can make you bitter. I just prayed and asked to bounce back.
I'm going about 80 miles today. Good weather, should be a good ride. Thank you to everyone who has commented, I see and read them, and appreciate your enthusiasm in this trip and the blog.

8/18/08 Day 6 The Gift of Giving, Ironies, and Straits

Right now I am in the back room of a gift shop in Mackinaw City, using their computer. How'd I shake that, you ask? This kind family that put me up for the night owns a shop here downtown, and were able to let me use their internet for a bit. Its encouraging to see the kindness and hospitality in people.

Yesterday was a fun day. I rode about 82 miles, putting my trip total at 468 or somewhere around there. If I am off on my numbers, its because I don't have the cyclometer on me at the moment. Anyways, beautiful ride. I took highway 31 most of the way, but in this little stretch of 15 miles between Charlevoix and Petoskey, I was able to hop on a paved trail and see the lake front. It was rewarding, refreshing, and one of the best stretches of the trip so far.

I decided to ride with my shirt off for a bit yesterday. Somewhere in Petoskey, I realized what a bad idea that was. I stopped to put air in my tires at a bike shop (who by the way, were able to lend me a pump and give me a rag to clean my chain). I was toasted. Radiated heat. Popping popcorn. I just hope it doesn't make these next few days hard.

Few things I thought were funny yesterday. First, I stopped in a gas station to get water, and saw behind the counter these cigarrettes. Now, I don't know if you are familiar with the company Davidoff, but they make cologne and are most known for Coolwater cologne. They are all frenchy and cool, I think. Anyhow, Davidoff just so happens to have gotten their hand in the cigarrette biz, which to me was a bit ironic. You can smoke their cigarettes and stink yourself up; but don't worry, you can just spray on some of their cologne and you're ready to go. You'd be a fool to buy into that scheme. But hey, maybe they are just trying to be cool. Heh.

The other thing that made me laugh outloud was reading a church name while riding past in Mackinaw City yesterday. It said, "Church of the Straits." Heh. And they're Methodist. Perfect.

I have about 70 miles today. Not bad. Until then, enjoy the last slipping days of summer--its running from us!

I've made it to Mackinaw City. Got here around 7:30 PM--however...its 1:45 AM and I need some sleep. For now, here is a cool shot I came across today.

8/18/08 Day 5 Mackinaw or Bust

Ahhhhhhhhh....I am all showered up and pecking away at a normal sized keyboard on a laptop.  A really cool family, friends of a friend, were willing to put me up for the night. And my gratefulness in this situation has been magnified 10x. Such a rewarding way to end the day.

I stopped last night just 5 miles souths of Brohman, MI (268.2 miles), and went 102.3 miles for a grand total of 370.5 miles. Another century. Aren't I cool? I call a 100 miles a century, just like all the crazy hard core bikers.

Camping spot was perfect last night. Very close to the road I was using (State Route 37), and discreetly hidden from the passerby. There was the occasional train. And there were lots of deer. It was creepy to hear them walking around the tent last night (atleast I think it was them walking).

One thing I have learned while taking things slower, like biking this much distance, is to take in a lot more of the scenery--including road kill. Man, road kill is as bad as it looks. And it smells it even worse. I see it steaming in the distance, and as I slowly roll up, I revolt in disgust as I see the tongue hanging out of some unfortunate critter, right beside his intestines. And I get to take it in nice and slowly.

Trips like this tend to bring out the pessimism in folks. For instance, it seems like every time I get to go down a hill, the wind blows in the opposite direction, and makes my descent less exciting. Then I have to tell myself, "No, its not really every time, must maintain good attitude." A bad outlook could ruin a great trip. So I'll take the wind head on.

Mackinaw City tomorrow. About 85 miles. A bit more modest than today's task. It has taken me way too long to write this. Good sign to go to bed. Keep checking in for updates... 

Woke up this morning at 9:30, and I really didn't get rolling till 11:30. I needed the rest though, so that is accomplished. Today the odometer reads 262.2 miles. Over a quarter of the way done! I spent a lot of time on the rode today, and got a little tender. Did about 84 miles. And it was pretty uneventful. A lot of farmland. Also, I just took "wet ones" shower, and man, the road just covers your legs with filth.
I hit the jackpot with a camping spot. Got here timely, so it was still light by the time I was done setting up. I'm tucked away from the road i'll be using tomorrow by about 75 feet, hidden conveniently by some trees. So I'll get right back to it in the morning.
I'm aiming to do another huge 100 tomorrow, but this should be one of the last. I'm just south of Brohman, MI, and am going for Elk Rapids, up in the fingertips. 'fraid tomorrow is gonna be hilly too. I don't like hills.

8/15/08 Day 3

Did a lot of biking today. A little over 100. I'm still in Holland, MI, however, because I took a little detour to find a place to camp.
What's so hard about finding a camping spot, you ask? Well, I have several strikes against me. First, I'm camping for free, which means you gotta find flat, open, but concealed areas. Second, for some reason I want to be closer to the lake. For the last two days, I've moaned at the thought of camping inland, so I'll go a little out of my way to do so.
So I found a state park on the lake, and I set my course for it. Now, I know the lake is an attractive sight to behold, but it seems that other people liked camping on the lakeshore so much, they just built houses there. Huge homes. Illustrious summer cabins. All plotted on the lakeshore in this state park, all with stern "private property" signs. Bad place to camp. So I suddenly saw myself doing the same thing I did last night--chasing and squeezing in the little sunlight left. I found a place, a little area behind a building that didn't look like it was used much. So I dropped there.
This chasing of the lake reminds me of a scripture. I kept wondering why I wanted to be near the lake. I thought it was weird. Then I remembered Psalm 23, and reading "He leads me beside still waters." There is something that is comforting, standing beside a lake and pondering the work of God.

Coolest thing I did today? Picked blueberries on a farm. Half a pound for $1. They are the best tasting blueberries I've had to date.

I'm finishing this post friday morning. Just getting ready to pack up and do another 90 or so. Weather is good--it should be a good day.

8/14/08 Day 2

So, I woke up early to pack things up and get out before I got in trouble (maybe) for where I was camping. Let me just clarify that I don't think its right to just plop down anywhere you want, but I really didn't have many options.

I got packed up and rolling at about 5:30 AM, and really couldn't see much. I got a little disoriented, and just when I was looking extra suspicious, a police officer stopped me. A Michiana officer. Michigan + Indiana. Clever.

He took my ID and ran it through the system...clean as expected. Thank goodness i'm not a criminal on a bike trip.

I'm right outside the Warren Dunes, and got drizzled on a bit by the rain. Shooting for 90-100 miles today.

8/14/08 Thursday Morning Mishaps