Training Log Archive: Mr Wonderful

Barbara was kind enough to accommodate a schedule influenced by new tires and a new windshield. Skipped a couple to meet our evening commitments but maybe I can pick some up looping to Brighton.

I was off like three solid times, not sure what was wrong with me.

I did not expect to be back on my bike so soon.

But I woke up to find one of my Escape tires measured this many psi:



I could either fix it or bike in.

So I biked in.

Only when I got to work, I learned that the power was out, and I found recent texts from the boss saying, "work from home".

Good news, I hadn't even gotten in the door, and hadn't showered.

I did have a 9:30 conference call, so I started back and found a picnic table.

Now this is a meeting.

Then as I was quite tired and still recovering, seat wise, from Wednesday, this was sluggish. Also I wanted to keep knee efforts in check to prevent overuse. So I did get passed once (but passed two others).

My longest bike ride ever. The objective was straightforward - ride out to Pointe Mouillee, then ride home, almost entirely via MUPs or rail trails.

I started the day right:



Then puttered about a bit until I was finally locked and loaded.



It's a flat ride, with the exception of the occasional train bridge.



And I got to wait for a train



Finally crossing the Huron



One of the tribes that operated in the Flat Rock area was fond of bears.



Leaving Flat Rock, I finally rode on the first long stretch of road, S Huron Drive, which wasn't too bad, and it ends right near the entrance to Pointe Mouillee.

PM was much harder riding than I anticipated. It's accessed by a gravel road. Not too bad, a little lose. Then kind of a crushed gravel bit - really fine. Then up onto the proper outer ring - loose stone. Picture that Belding race where you cursed the old rail bed - yep. My triceps ached from the chatter. I went slowly.

But there were some nice views.

There are rollers to scoot your boat from Lake Erie into the inland ponds.



Looking upriver towards Grosse Ile



Presumably Jen's house, although the windmills are hard to see. This is about as far east into Lake Erie as you can get.



Obligatory squinting selfie



Okay, so I shouldn't try to wade the gap.



But it's sooooo close!



Okay, off we go



And NOW we can finally head for home!



Springfield! (or rather, Fermi II)



Around now I briefly stopped to resupply - gatorade, snickers, trail mix.

One day I'll paddle here - to the end of the Huron River.



Which means it's probably up hill back...

To access the Oakwoods Metropark Downriver Greenway Trails system, you must cross this island, which is pretty cool. Note to self: When you do paddle the Huron to its end, there are a couple portages here.



I really didn't need any more bike leaning pictures, but holy crap I'd been on the bike a long time and needed a break. This is where you jump off the I 275 trail to get into the Metropark system.



I under fueled, because it was pretty casual and cool in the morning. Also I forgot food. So I stopped in....Belleville? for a little rest, water, and finally eating the trail mix. I dumped some remaining water on my head. How soon until the next gas station? I was empty!



Finally a little picnic just south of Canton to get the fuel and kick to finish up the trip.



I was never so happy to see Ford Road, which means just a few more roads until Plymouth.

Everything is very tired now. Although I'm the only person not currently taking a nap!

A stuffed burger harkens.

C • A+ 12