Bicycling Adventure Across America

A year later - glad we went last summer

2010-08-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Pretty amazing a year has gone by since our great bike adventure to the East Coast. We sure picked the summer to go. Never a 90-degree day, and low humidity. I can hardly stand to be outside these past few weeks. You just pick your days for when you'd like to ride, and do other indoor activities when it's too unbearable.

I haven't had any real great rides to write about this summer, just trying to bike as often as I can, even if it's not very far. Just nice to be on the bike. I've got a favorite 23-mile ride from my house to the country that is heavenly. Hoping to do a bit more biking in the fall. Just love the sound of that, "the Fall." Cooler temps, less bugs, just downright better.

The End of August

2009-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I last wrote, and even longer since I last rode my bike. It's amazing when you have an event to train for, you're all gung-ho.... I've been working out at the Princeton Club, enjoying that, and working on transcripts, and it's been hard to fit in riding, even the most beautiful weekend we had. Something always gets in the way. I need to make it on the top of my priority list, because I feel fall is in the air, and it's the most beautiful time for riding. I dream of doing bike rides starting in northern wisconsin, and working my way down as the fall color changes. This may have to wait 2 years, when soccer is over and we have our weekends to do with as we please.

I have thought a lot about our adventure this summer. we're asking Zoe to put together a power point with music and pics. from the trip. It will seem more real to me. Right now our pics. our still on the computer, and not seeing them makes the trip seem unreal.

Enjoy the last week of August!!!!!!!!!!

Why I love biking

2009-07-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Let me count the ways. The open road, and the great adventure. This trip provided that and much more. Memories to last a lifetime.....

One never plans on getting sick, and when I came down with chills Tues., June 30th, I thought it would pass. We all wanted to see Maine, and since the weather was stormy, we drove through Vermont, NH and got to the coast of Maine on Wed., July 1st. We spent the night in Freeport before heading to Bar Harbor and Acadia. I still was not feeling well, and the weather so foggy, you couldn't see the coast, it was time to head back to Madison. The doctor diagnosed me with pneumonia, and the first week of recovery was the hardest, but am now eager to get the rest of our trip posted and hope to be back pedaling the roads of Dane County real soon.

Thanks for following along on our journey. I am glad Steve and I could share such an experience for Zoe and Eric!!

Riding to Ticonderoga - Tues. June 30th

2009-07-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

Steve, Eric and I had spread out on what was to be our final day of biking, and Zoe ended up rescuing all of us from a pretty bad thunderstorm. Eric had made it most of the way, 70 miles this day, and Steve and I met up in North Hudson, where we got the bikes loaded and then the rain came. We all agreed the mountains were our favorite part of the ride, the most scenic, and even though there were a few logging trucks, the traffic was pretty light.

mornin' chores

2009-07-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Eric is applying sunscreen, getting ready to ride, and Zoe is washing the morning dishes. We know it's going to be a tough ride today through the mountains, so we wanted to get an early start. Eric and I took off a little earlier than Steve, who helped Zoe break camp, and then got caught in a morning shower. The climb out of Blue Mountain Lake was a tough climb, a good way to wake your body up.

Sunset over Durant Lake - June 29th

2009-07-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

Durant Lake Campsite

2009-07-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

Durant Lake Campsite

2009-07-12T06:01:00.000-07:00

Scenes from our campsite!!!

Blue Mountain Lake

2009-07-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

A site to behold at the end of a 70-mile day. Steve and the kids got a great campsite on Durant Lake, just south of Blue Mountain Lake. It was to be our last campsite of the trip.

Adirondacks sprinkled with Lakes

2009-07-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

Moose River

2009-07-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

Just another lovely spot along the route.

Moose River - Adirondacks

2009-07-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hard not to stop and take in the beauty of the land.

Mon. June 29th - Boonville to Blue Mountain Lake - 70 miles

2009-07-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

I let Zoe and Eric ride the pace they wanted, which was faster than mine, and they had a challenging day of biking. I did, too. There was a significant climb out of Boonville to Old Forge, a real resort town in the Adirondacks. A beautiful day for riding along the Moose River. The mountain views were stunning!!

Day 20 - June 28th, Pulaski to Boonville, NY

2009-07-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

I drove the car on this day, and was amazed at how the kids were climbing. The temps. have been great for biking, the humidity not too high. They were predicting storms for the evening, so we decided to play it safe and hotel it for the night.

Day 19 - June 27th - Fair Haven to Pulaski

2009-07-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Steve, Zoe and I rode this stretch of the route and wanted to get beyond Pulaski, but beyond Pulaski 30 miles there was no camping or lodging, so we camped at Selkirk Shore State Park, a nice state park on Lake Ontario.

Shelter from the storm

2009-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Waiting patiently for the rain to clear near Palmyra.

Friday, June 26th - Pittsford to Fair Haven State Park

2009-07-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

Zoe's turn to drive today and find a site at Fair Haven State Park. Steve, Eric and I set out, but got caught in some rain in Palmyra, waited it out at a park shelter. The weather cleared and we were on our way, riding some rolling hills. Because of the layover, we didn't get to our site until 7 p.m., a 76-mile day. Sleeping never felt so good.

Blue Mountain Lake to Ticonderoga - Tuesday

2009-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Had a great campsite at Durant Lake just outside of Blue Mountain Lake. Steve, Eric and were planning on biking to Ticonderoga, but the weather turned rainy. Steve and I made if 52 miles, and eric 70. We're in a great little hotel in Ticonderoga, waiting out the rain, which looks like it will continue through tomorrow (wed.). We may have to drive east of it to find good biking in Vermont. The climbing was the toughest yet. Eric just can't get enough of them. I'll post some pics. later. Even though it's slow-going in the mountains, they are our favorite part of the ride so far.... bring on Vermont!!!

Pittsford to Fair Haven State Park, NY

2009-06-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Steve, Eric and I rode 76 miles, a long day of riding, probably 20 miles longer than I wanted to go, and wouldn't you know it, the hills were at the end. Zoe got us a campsite at Fair Haven State Park, and Steve and I didn't get in until 7 p.m., because of a 1 1/2 hour rain delay in the middle of the day... showered, ate something and in bed by 10:00. Pretty tuckered out..

This is a picture the next morning, Zoe, Steve and I biking from Fair Haven State Park to Selkirk State Park near Pulaski. Lucky for us it was only a 52 mile day... The hills they are a coming...

Sunday, June 28th, our 20th day on the road. I drove this day, hit the laundromat and grocery store. The weather channel at the laundromat was painting a pretty grim picture for the evening, so I checked out a hotel in Boonville, and this is where I am writing this. we're pretty much the only ones here. Pretty sweet. The route was gorgeous, it was 54 miles, and lots of climbing. I'm hoping to be on my bike earlier than we have been, because it's going to be a 65-mile day tomorrow.

Zoe and Eric on the Erie Canal

2009-06-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

I just have to tell you how proud I am of Zoe and Eric for coming this far on the trip. It's not easy being in such close proximity to your family 24/7. Yes, we have separate tents and separate bikes, and we all try to keep our distance when one needs it. I'm just so glad we could all share this great experience. I don't think it will become clear until the days and weeks ahead when we look back on it and all that mattered was getting yourself up and on the bike for another day of the unknown. That's what I love about bike trips. And now that we're in the mountains, it will be a challenge for us all, physically and mentally. I was very happy to hear both of them mention to me their desire to lead their own bike trip. I'm sure they'll do it differently, but will take with them the knowledge of this trip as a send-off for future adventures of their own.

2009-06-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

2009-06-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Along the Erie Canal near Pittsford, NY

2009-06-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

It was Zoe's day to drive, and she found a Barnes and Nobel just down the street from our hotel. She was in heaven reading for hours, as we continued our ride along the Erie Canal. This part of the canal had a beautiful waterfront, and there were lots of sailboats motoring up the canal looking for open water. Lots of activity on the canal.

Lockport to Albion - June 25th

2009-06-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

We took a little skip on the roadmap from Angola, NY and drove past Buffalo onto Rochester and hoteled it for the night. The kids and I biked along the Erie Canal from Lockport to Albion, but on our ride, noticed it getting darker in the west, and became quite concerned and our pace quickened, so much so, I don't think I could have biked any faster those last 5 or 6 miles to Albion. As we pulled into town the lightning lit up the sky. Just so happened there was a coffee shop right next to a hair salon, where both Eric and I got our hair cut, as we waited for Steve to pick us up...

Moonset

2009-06-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

I was so surprised my little digital camera caught this with such clarity. it was a magical, midsummer night.

Sunset at Angola Park - Wed. June 24th

2009-06-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's really hard to leave this campsite. It's been one of the best. Steve and the kids say that I say that about everywhere we stay. Camping can be a lot of work, but we've got it down to a pretty good routine, and it's nice to be outside. After this sunset, the evening sky was clear and filled with stars. I also caught the moon setting over the lake, which you'll see in the following photo.

2009-06-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Niagara Falls

2009-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

We made it to Niagara Falls, and what a beautiful day it was. We did the Maiden of the Mist, a great boat ride below the falls. The spray felt wonderful!!

2009-06-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

2009-06-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

2009-06-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Niagara River - Wed. June 24th

2009-06-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is walking along Niagara River before it hits the falls. As you can see, the sky was so blue. The temps that day were in the low 80s, just a stellar day for viewing and getting sprayed by the water. I can't possibly post all the pictures that were taken, but I'll post a few. Quite a sight to behold.

Angola State Park, Angola, NY - June 23rd - Day 15

2009-06-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of this great State Park, south of Buffalo and Niagra Falls, to spend 2 nights and drive up and see Niagra Falls. This site is very close to Lake Erie and is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

Geneva on the Lake, OH to Erie, PA - Mon. 6/22

2009-06-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Steve, Zoe and I biked 70 miles to make it to Erie, PA. Marilyn had told us of a great place to check out called Presque Isle, a beautiful 20-mile peninsula to bike/hike and swim from. Pictured here is Eric and Zoe eating the wonderful lunch Eric had bought. It was 4 o'clock, and we were done for the day. Let's say, I was done for the day. We got a hotel right outside the park and enjoyed the civilization of TV and Internet...

Sunset at Geneva on the Lake State Park, Ohio

2009-06-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sunset to end a great day of biking. Tomorrow we head for Erie, PA. This was taken on Monday, June 22nd.

Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sun. June 21st

2009-06-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was taking this picture while riding and following Steve and Eric through downtown Cleveland. It was one of the highlights of the day. As we left the city on Sun. morning, the traffic picked up along Lake Erie, with our destination at Geneva on the Lake State Park, a 62-mile day for us.

Dinner with Woody & Marilyn

2009-06-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

A great meal was had at Woody & Marilyn's. They were such gracious hosts!!!!! Great fuel for the road.

River Colors Yarn Shop in Lakewood, OH

2009-06-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

I was pedaling as fast as I could to make the 5:00 p.m. closing time, and made in there at 4:30. If only I had more time. But they were having a 20% off sale, so I had to pick up a few skeins of yarn. And the night before, they had a guest appearance by Ysvolda. Can you believe that?

I miss all my knitting friends. You know who you are. I am not getting much knitting in, as biking and camp setup and teardown is time-consuming. But there's 9 days of biking ahead, 11 days until we leave Maine, hoping to be back in Madison on Friday, June 10th.

Cleveland, OH to Geneva on the Lake - Sun. 6/21

2009-06-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard writing this on Sunday, June 28th, a week later, but I want to post a comment and picture of Steve, Eric and I biking through downtown Cleveland. As I write this, we're at the Headwaters Motor Lodge in Boonville, NY, at the western edge of the Adirondack Mountains. More on that later.

Woody & Marilyn's in Cleveland

2009-06-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

I finally arrived in Cleveland after the rush hour friday afternoon traffic, and found a beer waiting for me, along with one of the three dogs Woody and Marilyn have... we had a great visit and 2-night layover, with a stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a great Bruce Springsteen exhibit. Then Steve, Eric and I were off pedaling on Sundaymorning, June 21st, father's day and summer solstice...

More Alpacas

2009-06-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Aren't they just the cutest!!!!

Alpaca farm

2009-06-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, these cute animals, I just couldn't resist snapping a few of them.

The route along Lake Erie - Fri. June 19th

2009-06-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Eric and I started riding from Huron, OH to Celeveland, and the scenery was beautiful, but the roads got very busy and Eric decided it was too dangerous, but I wanted to push ahead. It wasn't a lot of fun with the traffic, but did see lots of interesting things along the way, as you'll see in the photos that follow...

The Mawmee River campsite

2009-06-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Eric decided to go ahead with a stirfry, even though the winds were a howling....

Cold Shouwer

2009-06-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

The cold, open shower felt good after a hot day on the bike.....

Courthouses in Ohio

2009-06-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Ohio has some of the most beautiful courthouses I've seen. I've been in a few, such as in Dodgeville, Richland Center, Lancaster, Darlington... This was on the Mawmee River. We took a needed break across the river from it...

The Mawmee River in Ohio

2009-06-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

We followed this river for 2 days, and we camped along side it on June 17th. It was a very windy day, and thought we'd get caught in a thunderstorm, but it missed us. A great camping spot... no warm showers though.

Monroeville, IN to Grand Rapids, OH

2009-06-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

The roads this day were flat and the tailwinds sweet. It started out as a bit of a foggy morning. We saw lots of wheat fields in Ohio. The pedaling was easy and we later followed the Mawmee River for more than 25 miles. It was lovely riding.

Ohio

2009-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, they say I take too many pictures, but it's monumental to cross state lines, and I just can't resist a photo op.

Steve and the road ahead

2009-06-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Steve, Eric and I area heading to Monroeville, IN, and as you can see, Eric is nowhere to be seen. He likes to bike his own speed, which is faster than ours... He got ahead of us and the rain. We weren't so lucky, and Zoe ended picking Steve and I up that.

The Kelly Hospitality

2009-06-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

We say farewell to Pete and Pat and Amy and head on to Monroeville, IN and then on to Ohio.

Dallas Lake - Indiana

2009-06-25T16:12:00.001-07:00

The loveliest spot on Dallas Lake, which we had the pleasure to enjoy for a night.

Scott, IN to Dallas Lake, IN

2009-06-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Zoe and I were looking for reasons to stop on our 30-miler day, and these goats were just too cute. It was fun to stop and see the field of goats, and al the horses the Amish have. We bought some fresh strawberries and peas from some Amish kids. They were delicious!!

Riverside Private Camp - Sun. June 14th

2009-06-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

The morning is my favorite time. I'm the first one up, so I make coffee and sit and knit, look at the route of the day and wait for the 8 a.m. wakeup call.

Riverside Private Camp - Sun. June 14th

2009-06-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Really liked this campground in the Amish countryside of Indiana. The mosquitos were the worst, but it was a lovely spot...

Who's having fun now?

2009-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

Just asked Zoe where this was taken, and she said near Battle Creek, MI. I was just browsing pics. and trying to decide which one to post, and this is priceless... They couldn't be having a better time if they tried...

Dallas Lake

2009-06-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed sitting on this screen porch at Pete and Pat Kelly's lake home on Dallas Lake. They really spoiled us..

My first booties

2009-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that not only do I love biking, but can be seen knitting from time to time. These are the first booties I've knitted, and possibly the cutest also.

Preparing another great meal

2009-06-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

This private campground we stayed at, Riverside Campground, in Indiana had only one other camper in it. Very nice...

First day in Indiana

2009-06-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Zoe sacked out after a hard and fast ride with Eric and Steve. She had a well-earned nap!!

Kids having fun with the camera

2009-06-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

The kids were having fun with the camera. I think this was in Traverse City. As you can see, it was a cool evening, back in early June.

Scott, IN - Amish Country

2009-06-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is a picture from our campsite on a river at a private campground. The sound of the horse and buggy going across the bridge was such a cool sound.

Erie, PA - June 23rd, 2009 - Day 15

2009-06-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had time to update you all on our progress. I think I left off in Indiana.
Anyway, from Battle Creek, MI to Scott, IN (Amish Country) was great riding. We stayed with my friend, Amy and her brother, Pete and Pat Kelly at their lake home on Dallas Lake, an hour outside Fort Wayne. A lovely home, great food and conversation. They really spoiled us. Some pics. to follow.

From there, we headed to Monroeville, IN, and a free place to stay for cyclists. Great washer and dryer, shower, and kitchen.

From there, we headed into Ohio, and some of the most beautiful riding along the Maumee River. I believe I have posted about that already. Camped and lucked out on the weather.

It was time for a hotel in Huron, OH, after the kids and Steve did 77 miles. Rest for all.

On Friday, June 19th, Eric and I set out for Cleveland, after some bad thunderstorms hit the area. We were thinking the day was a wash, but it cleared enough to ride. were figuring on a 50 mile day, heading along Lake Erie. But unfortunately the traffic was pretty treacherous, and Eric decided he'd had enough. I pushed on and tried to ignore the cars as much as possible, and take in the view of the lake homes and gardens.... Getting to our friends in Lakewood, OH (near Cleveland) was a welcomed site.

We spend 2 nights with Woody and Marilyn, and took in some of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Sat on their porch for hours and relaxed. Then on Sunday, Father's Day, and Summer Solstice, Steve, Eric and I took off for Geneva on the Lake, heading east. Zoe made it through Cleveland okay and met us at the state campground.

On Monday, June 21st, Day 14, Zoe, Steve and I rode from Geneva on the Lake to Erie, PA. The riding was pretty good. I got a bit hungry and crabby, and almost went off my bike, not paying attention to the debris on the road. We decided to call it quits in Erie, PA, when we finally stopped for a lunch break at 3 p.m. With 25 mi. to go for camping, and rush hour in Erie, a hotel sounded too good to pass up.

I know you all are experiencing some heat in WI. We've been lucky so far with winds a bit out of the north, and temps. in the low 80s. we'll see how long that lasts.

We're planning on being in Buffalo/Niagra Falls tomorrow (Wed., June 24th), with an extra overnight to do some exploring. We hear Buffalo is the 2nd largest city in NY. Should be interesting navigating. That's all I have time for. Until next time,

Trudi

Sheep ......

2009-06-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

This was my first day riding, from Boyne City to Traverse City. Couldn't let a field of sheep go unphotographed.....

Tunnel of Trees - north of Petosky

2009-06-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

This wasn't the bike route, but Zoe and I wanted
to take this road because of its name. It was one of the most beautiful roads I've been on. It was 20 miles of this road, which is a 2-lane road, but barely room for 2 cars.

Sand Dunes south of Mackinaw City

2009-06-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

First day biking, Zoe and I took this picture from the sag wagon. We really enjoyed the drive to Boyne City.

Mackinaw City, MI - Tues. June 9th

2009-06-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

We drove through a lot of rain on Monday and spent the night in a hotel in St. Ignace on Lake Huron. Nobody around.

This parking lot was our launching off point, as you had to drive over the Mackinac Bridge. This is just the other side. It was 48 degrees and windy. Zoe and I drove the first day, as she had a cold. But the weather improved, and Eric and Steve biked 70 miles to Boyne City.

Driving to St. Ignace, UP

2009-06-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to hit the road on our bike trip from Menomonee Falls on Monday, June 8th.
As I write this a week and a half later, a lot has happened since then. Glad the weather has warmed up.

Monday, June 8th, 2009 - Menomonee Falls

2009-06-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Now, that's the picture I wanted. A great picture of the kids with Grandma Delain. A great send-off.

2009-06-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

Zoe does like to make strange faces sometimes. I should have chose a better picture. let me try that again.

Eric's Stir-Fry

2009-06-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

This is back on our first day leaving Madison. Eric is preparing a stirfry on Grandma Delain's Weber Grill. He impressed us all with a delicious meal.

Bowling Green, OH

2009-06-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

My turn to drive today, and thought that Bowling Green looked like a place to get internet connected, catch some coffee, some books, and maybe a knitting store.

Unfortunately I don't have new pics of the last few days, as they're on zoe's computer and camera.
And I left my journal in the car. But here's a rough sketch of the last few days. I'll be starting currently and working backwards.

Yesterday, which was Wed. June 16th, we rode from Monroeville, IN to Grand Rapids, OH. It was fun to ride a state crossing border. I biked with Steve and Zoe. We had a great tailwind for 72 miles. Easy to pedal 15 to 20 mph. and the roads were very flat. It was probably one of the easiest days we'll see.

Tues. we road from Dallas Lake, near Ft. Wayne, to Monroeville, which was 70 or so, which is what Eric did. Steve and I did 48 due to rain. Monroeville has a great setup for bikers, free lodging with kitchen facilities, shower, and washer and dryer. plus tv and dvd player. a beautiful park and a great journal they've been logging since 1990. Great to look at people's rides.

The day before that, we rode from Augusta, MI to Scott, IN, amish country. stayed a great private campground on a river. It's been fun to see all the horses and buggies and kids on these Amish Farms. And zoe and i have found strawberries and peas at roadside farms...

We have been blessed with great weather and pretty curteous drivers.... no accidents, no flat tires...

This is week 2 out of 5, and I am losing track of the days, the meaning of a true vacation.

Trudi

2009-06-13T04:37:00.000-07:00

The kids and I are jealous of Steve's recumbent cruiser. It's a Rans which he purchased from the Hostel Shop in Stevens Point. So he has no sore neck or shoulders, or wrists or butt... He has really enjoyed riding his new bike.

I am writing this blog in the hotel lobby of a Holiday Inn in Big Rapids, MI as the family is still asleep. As Steve, Zoe and I were riding yesterday, Steve was chased by a Great Dane. Zoe and I watched it all unfold. It was hilarious as the dog came right at eye level of Steve. Zoe and I stopped to pet the dog, along with another small dog. We saw a lot of dogs yesterday. It made me miss our dog, Shelby...

2009-06-13T04:29:00.000-07:00

The end of a day of biking, soaking up some rays at a town park in Alden, MI, on the way to Traverse City.

2009-06-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

This is a view of Torch Lake that we had the pleasure to bike alongside for 20 miles on our way to Traverse City. The lake had a beautiful aqua color to it. Swimming in a lake seems so far off, as the weather has been so cool. Maybe by the time we get to Lake Erie and Lake Huron the temps will be more summerlike...

2009-06-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

Decided we needed a break at the top of this series of hills to catch our breath and give our legs a rest. As you can see, the weather was fantastic for biking. I had such a fear of hot and humid weather, and we haven't been over 70 degrees.

2009-06-13T04:12:00.000-07:00

Eric and Zoe are ready to start their first leg of the bike trip from Young State Park in Boyne City.

2009-06-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

This is a photo from our first campsite at Young State Park in Boyne City. The weather has finally improved and calm winds, it was a great day for biking. The first day Eric and Steve rode, and today was going to be Zoe's and my turn to ride, joined by Eric. Steve's turn to drive the car. After climbing away from the lake, we hit some roller coaster roads for 6 to 8 miles, that really took its toll. We had only gone 21 miles by 1:30, although we had gotten a late start at 11 a.m. We pushed forward and were hoping the ride alongside Torch Lake for 20 miles was going to be flat. And it was, but not as near the lake as we hoped. By the time we hit 45 miles, Eric and Zoe had their fill, and Steve picked them up. I went another 20 miles to Traverse City, where we camped at the city park right outside of town.

Day 1 - Mackinaw City to Boyne City

2009-06-13T03:47:00.000-07:00

Dinner with Grandma in Menomonee Falls

2009-06-13T03:39:00.000-07:00

Since the weather was not looking too promising for the start of our trip on Monday, June 8th, we decided to visit grandma and have dinner. Eric did a great stirfry on her weber grill.

Cadillac to Big Rapids, MI

2009-06-12T19:19:00.001-07:00

HI Everyone,
Been trying to upload pictures to this site, and having some trouble from our hotel room. We all needed a respite from the routine of set up and tearing down camp, in addition to biking of 70 miles a day. Was dreaming this would work better. Hope to have pictures at some time soon.

So we started our 4th official day of biking from Cadillac, MI at a state park called Mitchell State Park. We awoke to a beautiful day of sunny skies, light winds, the lake was like glass. our hope was to get an earlier start than past days. With the time change, not getting dark until after 10, it really has thrown us off. And I find it hard to wake the camp before 8, having had such a full day the day before. But Steve, Zoe and I headed off around 10:30 in the hopes of covering 70 miles today. We biked some really beautiful roads, full of horse farms, some more lightly traveled than others. We did some hills, for sure, had a few encounters with some friendly dogs: one a Great Dane that chased Steve on his recumbent, and the dog was taller than he was. And also near Woodville, a little dog chased Zoe, got away from this older woman who was getting her mail. Evidently the woman puts her dog in a basket on her bike, and he wanted to catch a ride with us....

We ended at Woodville with zoe and i grabbing an ice cream cone, opting for a hotel at Big Rapids, and then I biked from Woodville to Big Rapids, only an extra 7 miles.... I was really proud of Zoe completing her first 65-mile day when i think she had had enough by 40 miles. As hard as I tried to catch up with her on her bike this afternoon, she was always out of reach.

The forecast for Saturday doesn't look very favorable for biking. We might drive the 50-60 miles as not to get behind, and have a really long day on Sunday. Eric, who drove today, doesn't want to miss more than 1 day of biking in a row.

We are all learning to be flexible with each other, what the day has in store, the route, the ending point, really you have to be flexible every step of the way when dealing with 4 people's desires.....

I know we will have challenges along the way, more than I can even imagine. It's what makes this such an incredible journey.

Trudi

Boyne City to Traverse City

2009-06-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Finally my first day of riding. I had the pleasure of biking with Zoe and Eric, and the mileage was looking like a 70-mile day. It was a cool morning at Young State Park, but warmed up when we hit the road at 11 a.m. As we climbed out of Boyne City away from the lake, we had no idea what lay ahead. We certainly didn't think we'd be on a roller coaster road for the next 15 miles, with a fair amount of traffic. but the winds were light, the temp near 60, and the sun was shining. We were making very slow time, and had only gone 21 miles at 1:30. it was going to be a long day. we were looking forward to riding along torch lake, 20 miles. we thought it'd be flat, but a lot of it was away from the lake. as the mileage grew to near 40, zoe and eric both agreed going 50 was plenty for the day, and Steve came and picked them up in Alden, and I continued on to Traverse City. To Eric's credit, he had gone 70 miles the day before, and zoe hadn't been on her bike in month. It's a train as you go.

as I'm writing this, Zoe and I are sitting in a great cafe having lunch. I'm going to catch Eric and Steve on the road this afternoon, and our destination tonight is Cadillac, MI.

St. Ignace, Michigan - Monday, June 8th, 2009

2009-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

After what I hope is the worst weather day we will experience on our trip, it was between 55 in Menomonee Falls this morning, to 45 near Escanaba, Mi, and rainy and windy. We traveled 360 miles by car to our destination this evening, St. Ignace, Quality Inn on beautiful Lake Huron. With a warm dry bed, cable TV, and internet, what could be better, as the temps are in the upper 40s and it has rained all day, it was an easy decision not to camp tonight.

We are all so excited and eager to start biking tomorrow morning. Eric has called for a 7:30 a.m. wakeup call. We're going to drive across the bridge (as we cannot bike across) and start at Mackinaw City, with a destination near Boyne City, Young State Park, about 65 miles. I've volunteer to drive the first day and find our first campsite. My family does not know there are a few yarn stores on the route I plan to visit.....

We did leave Madison on Sunday, June 7th, but with the bad weather outlook, we decided to surpise Grandma Delain in Menomonee Falls with a visit. Eric did a stir fry in his prized wok on the weber grill. it was great, and we enjoyed a great dinner on her 3-season porch. For some reason, it took us until close to 10:30 to get on the road, and with a stop at Target it was close to noon.

Looking forward to some sunshine, sweet tailwinds, great scenery, lovely roads, great people on our first day of biking in Michigan!!!!

Trudi

Eye on the Prize

2009-05-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

I just had to share with you what Holly Powell told me this morning in the kitchen at the coffee pot. When I told her we'd be leaving later than June 1st, and that it has been such a rollercoaster ride, she said to me "keep your eye on the prize". It is so very true. It will all be worth it, once we're feeling the freedom of the road. Patience is not a virtue I possess...

Beautiful Sunday Morning

2009-05-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

A little too abstract, A little too wise.
It is time for us to kiss the earth again.
It is time to let the leaves rain from the skies and let the rich life run to the roots again.

I came upon the bit of a poem from another blog and thought i'd share it with you all...

It's the most beautiful day, and I wish I was out biking, but have to get some work done first.

Our bike trip is becoming a little more clearer as each day passes. One of our housesitters has moved in, so reality is setting in... Our start point has been determined, driving to Rhinelander to stay with friends Kaye and Jim, and then biking to Mercer/Boulder Junction to catch the route East. Lots of details to take care of, but the freedom of the road is within our grasp!

Trudi

Decision Time

2009-05-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

To update everyone, the training is coming along. Got a 75-miler under my belt, so I'm feeling good about that. The details are a bit overwhelming at this point, as I knew they would be... How does one leave their life for 5-6 weeks. Yes, our trip has been shortened, and a decision made to travel east from Wisconsin on June 1. Our launching point is Rhinelander, where we'll bike north to connect with our route and then head east to Escanaba, Michigan and beyond, with our sights set on Bar Harbor Maine.... more later,

Trudi

Devil's Lake Ride

2009-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

We wanted to get another ride under our belt before the big adventure, and always like Devil's Lake as a destination. I was joined by Evan, Hillary and Zoe. It was Hillary's first ride of the season, and she made it 20 miles. It ended up being quite challenging due to the head and crosswinds we faced the whole way... a 38-mile ride that took 4 hours is a tough ride.... the girls were real troopers in dealing with the winds and hills... it will make them really appreciate really good days of riding ahead. One of Zoe's comments today was "don't you think you're being a little bit unrealistic about this upcoming trip".... an interesting question... it's all a great unknown. we'll just have to deal with things as they come up....

Trudi

route update

2009-04-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Some news on the departure and route. It's looking like we're only going to have 60 or so days to complete our bike trip, so we're trying to leave very early June and back the first week of August. We'll either put in some very long riding days in Montana and North Dakota, or we may have to drive through some of those states so we can bike the rest of the trip from Minnesota to Maine...

it was a very rainy weekend and not much riding occurred.. Steve and Zoe and I got out for a ride around Lake Monona between the rain showers.... hoping for a longer training ride next weekend...

My knee is feeling a bit better, and Zoe's knee is black and blue, but not as swollen. She's of course, eager to play soccer. I'm hoping for a few more days of rest for her.

Trudi

Getting Ready - April 20th, 2009

2009-04-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I have counted on my calendar, and it is 41 days until the 1st of June, the week we are leaving on our big bike adventure across America. The family has done a little riding in preparation and is planning a shakedown camping and bike weekend to Devil's Lake in May. Some new bikes and a tent have been purchased, and planning is well underway. Housesitters are secure, and it's all systems go.

Everyone has been so enthusiastic about our trip, and it still feels very surreal to me. Everyday life is so busy, it's hard to believe we'll be leaving it for a while.

More later,

Trudi