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08 Aug |
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For the 4th year in a row we were treated to rain as we began our last leg of the tour to Mackinaw City. Once again the Tunnel of Trees and its CS2 Type Slag Filler (recycled materials including glass) claimed a number of flat tires. By mid morning the rain had moved inland and the sun came out and gave us once again a hot and muggy day. Many took the opportunity to take one last swim in Lake Michigan at the beach on Sturgeon Bay. Others simply trudged on to the finish. Once again we said good byes to new and old friends. Found our gear and packed out cars for home or load our bikes on the trucks and boarded the buses for the trip south to our cars. Friday - August 13th Again riders broke camp to clear skies and no rain in the forecast. Today was warm, highs in the upper 80s with blue skies and high humidity. Today was "design your own route" day. Riders had 4 options to choose from plus any side trips they wanted to make. The shortest route to Charlevoix was approximately 32 miles taking the Little Traverse Wheelway. An intermediate route uses the Ironton Ferry to cross the southern arm of Lake Charlevoix. The main route went down around East Jordan and then up to Boyne City. And for the first time on Shoreline West, riders had the option to try their luck on the infamous "wall." Riders took every opportunity to enjoy swimming in Lake Michigan. Many checked out the shops in Petoskey and in Harbor Springs. And some of us just enjoyed sitting in a school that "actually" had their air conditioning turned on. At the riders meeting this evening we named the cherry mascot. The name is Cher-da-rode. Riders also enjoyed the traditional end of the ride slide show of photos taken through the week. We relived memories of adventures over the last 6 days. Even though we have sore muscles and tired bodies, I think we are all a little sad that it will end tomorrow. The riders are already making plans to be part of the 25th Anniversary Ride in 2011 from August 6-15. I hope you can join us.
After a day off, the riders were slow to get started this morning. Elk Rapids provided an excellent opportunity for riders to explore the stores and eateries. Many took the opportunity to sit at the marina and enjoy the view. From Elk Rapids we headed towards Torch Lake and enjoyed the ride along the west side of Torch Lake. Once again the riders were surprised by Barnes Road "hill." The village of Torch Lake was a popular place for lunch. Many also took the opportunity to go for a swim there. After Torch Lake we headed down Old Dixie Hwy. The riders welcomed the enterprising young men that set up a "snack" stop. They had baked goods, ice water and shade. After we made it over the rollers on the last leg into Charlevoix we reached the high school. Many took advantage of the shuttle buses in to Charlevoix to check out the downtown area and the "mushroom" houses. Today was riders choice. For those that wanted to ride, there was the Mission Peninsula and all of its beauty. Others went on a tour of Barn Quilts. Some went on wine tasting adventures. Others book a cruise on the Tall Ships. Some even rented pontoon boats and explored the bays on their own. Many checked out the local beaches. Some took the opportunity to explore the shopping opportunities in Traverse City. This afternoon riders started arriving for the 3 day tour. Their excitement and enthusiasm was good for all of us as we prepared to head out tomorrow.
For the first time all week there was not rain threat as we broke camp in Frankfort. The forecast was for high temps and high humidity and it did not disappoint. As we headed up M-22 many took the chance to stop at Pointe Bessie Lighthouse. Others continued on to Platte River Canoe Rental. Some just took advantage of the store and others actually rented canoes or kayaks. Just outside of Empire we encountered road construction on M-22 and had to navigate a one lane road. Some of the hardiest riders took the opportunity to explore Pearce Stocking Drive. The 7 mile up and down drive provides some spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Others took time off the bike to tackle the 600' dune climb. Some visited historical Glen Haven. Almost everyone stopped in Glen Arbor to find lunch and some explored the shops. After Glen Arbor we climbed away from Glen Lake to Maple City. From there we headed through Solon Township on our way to Traverse City. It was in Solon that we began the 4 mile climb out of the valley. At the top of the climb we had 2 miles of downhill in to Traverse City. In Traverse City we took advantage of the bike lanes on Front Street and gave the riders a taste of downtown Traverse City. Due to the high humidity and temps in the afternoon riders were glad to be finished as it took a toll on all of us. After dinner hosted by Dawn's Catering riders began making plans to explore Traverse City on our lay over day tomorrow.
As we headed towards Manistee, some were fortunate to spot the elk resting in the field. Many took the time to explore Manistee and its shops. Others visited as many beaches as they could find.
Once we reached Onekama, many took the opportunity to fuel up before we attached the first of the 3 hills facing us in the last 18 miles. The center hill of these three, Arcadia Hill (aka Watermelon Hill) was the challenge of the day for our riders. It is short, 6 tenths of a mile, but its 12% grade provides a real challenge. As usual riders were greeted with not only a spectacular view of the lake at the top, but also with the traditional watermelon stop.
The downhill of all three hills were enjoyed by all. Some went slower and enjoyed them longer while many checked out how high their odometers would go. All had a great time.
After exploring Frankfort, having dinner and telling stories about the days heroics we settled in for the evening. The Benzie County 4-H were our hosts for dinner and breakfast.
Sunday - August 8th Overcast and threatening skies greeted us as we began to wake up to start our day. An approaching thunderstorm delayed the start of the ride for most of us for an hour or so. Luckily in quickly passed through and after that we had scattered sprinkles until mid morning when the clouds gave way to blue sky and warm temps. The Cherry Point Market was a must stop for most riders as they enjoyed everything cherry. Others spent time in Silver Lake with the dune rides. We were pleased with the recent repaving and design of the road through Silver Lake. The new paving was a surprise and the bike lane was wonderful. Pentwater was an excellent place for many to stop for lunch and others to shop. Many visited the many parks and beaches along the way to enjoy 76 degree water temps in Lake Michigan. After riders got their tents set up they headed for the beach to enjoy the water or downtown Ludington for a refreshing beverage. At the riders meeting a special commemorative "I took a bite out of Watermelon Hill" t-shirt was announced. Riders also began the process of naming the "cherry" mascot. The Ludington Soccer Club Booster group were our hosts for dinner and breakfast.
Saturday - August 7th For the 24th year riders gathered for the start of the Shoreline West Bicycle Tour. This year's ride started in Montague,MI. Riders came from 23 states plus Canada to take part in this event. Warm temps and blue sky greeted the rider's upon their arrival at Montague. Which helped everyone get in an upbeat mood for the tour. The only downer was that one of the baggage trucks carrying bikes down from Mackinaw City had over heating problem and was late in arriving. This cause some anxious moments for those who had arrived by bus over an hour before their bikes did. After dinner provided by the Montague Band Boosters and the Rider's Meeting we all retired to our tents in anticipation of the adventure ahead.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 September 2010 18:22
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Once again we were greeted in Ludington with the threat of severe storms as we began out day. 
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