Biking Dude Blog

Electronics. I have my spot (orange), which is what tracks my location on the map. Spare batteries for the spot. My phone (not pictured, it was to busy taking the picture). Extra battery for my phone, ear buds, charging cable and power adapter for my phone. Not much to say here. My phone is really my life line on this trip, as I rely on it for navigation, communication, pictures, compass, time, etc. I've actually been using the extra battery, and keeping the original (and better) battery as a spare. Haven't had to use it yet, as strategic use of airplane mode can really extend battery life.

Tools. I have two extra tubes, a patch kit, tire levers, and tire boots. I have a crank bros multi tool (chain break, hexes, spoke wrench, Philips and flat head) and a small adjustable wrench. Mostly use those to adjust brakes and my seat post / saddle. I also have chain lube and a small letherman tool. Most of this stuff is packed on my handlebar bag, for easy access. I carry the letherman in my pocket, mostly from force of habit of always having a pocket knife on me.

First aid-ish stuff. I have bandaids, gauze, medical tape, alcohol pad, moleskin, and stretchy ace bandage type wrap. That's all rolled up together. I also have a CPR mask, sunscreen, and loud whistle (the ACME Thunderer!). Again, thus is in my front bag for easy access. The whistle if for bringing on any hikes I take.

Riding cloths. Two white synthetic shirts (from when I used to play ultimate frisbee a lot more). A pair of riding shorts, they have padded commission shorts inside. Two pair hiking socks (which have now been replaced by black biking socks). One pair long liner socks, for tucking in pants or preventing blisters. One pair biking shoes, with SPD cleats. Not much to say, they get stinky and I wash them. I didn't bring lots of extra clothes, because the weight and discs really adds up, so I try to wash every two or three days, though I can go for a while with out if need be.

Street clothes. Two t-shirts, from many point scout camp (it's the place to be), and trillium (one of my favorite breweries in Boston). Tan zip off pants that I've had for many years, they are light weight and super versatile. Boxers, gym shorts, bandana. My second set of footwear is Xero shoes. They are half-diy barefoot running shoes. Very light, durable, packable, and inexpensive. They are wonderful to wear after a long day of biking.

Riding gear. Neon yellow vest with snack pouch. Safety triangle that Velcro on my rear pack (I added the Velcro myself), sunglasses, helmet, lightweight combo lock (which I use in conjunction with an alarm lock that I duct taped to my frame).

Misc gear. Passport, credit card, and money in a Ziploc. Some food and plastic cutlery. Garbage bag for a water proof liner in my rear bag. Water pouch. Chapstick. TP, just in case. Zip ties and binder clips, a little rope, pencil wrapped with duck tape, note pad, instructions for my bike computer and front bag assembly. Some food.

I traveled about 57.5 miles today.
Spent the morning exploring the bay city state park and the tobico marsh. Really beautiful place, with many birds everywhere. It was a nice break from biking all morning like the last few days. Made my way to Coleman in the afternoon. A lot of rain came pouring down at the Marquette trailhead in Midland, but I found some cover until it let up and stopped thundering. It was nice to finally get some real rain after two weeks of sun. Staying with Dean and his wife Keri tonight. Really cool people with lots of stories, and some of the best cookies I've ever eaten. Yum. Should be taking the ferry to Milwaukee on Saturday, looking forward to seeing family and friends in the area.

I traveled about 70 miles today.
Michigan has some of the best rail trails that I've seen yet. I took the Pere Marquette trail all the way to Reed City, then white pine to Big Rapids to visit some breweries and meet up with my host. Paved the whole way, I definitely got spoiled on these trails.
Stopped in Clare this morning on Dean's recommendation to visit cos and doughnuts. It's a donut shop started by local police officers that had become something of an internationally known tourist attraction. Bought a sticker and a doughnut there.
Staying in Ludington tomorrow, then biking to Muskegon and taking the ferry to Milwaukee on Saturday.

I traveled about 70 miles today.
This is Terri, my host from last night. She rode out with me for seven or eight miles this morning. Really cool person, she did a tour down the west coast from Canada to Mexico a few years ago.
Most of my ride today was along highway 10. The adventure cycling route and bike route 20 go farther north, but I was told that the highway had decent shoulders. There wasn't much traffic, and the shoulders were acceptable, though not great. The really bad part was the 8 or so miles from Scotsville to Ludington. The highway went to two lanes and the shoulder disappeared. However, there is a nice looking bike path/sidewalk on the side of the road. Unfortunately, whoever was in charge of building this wasn't thinking very clearly, because the sidewalk has vertical instead of sloped curbs when intersecting with a driveway or cross road, making the bike path unusable. Luckily, the highway was only 55 mph, as I was forced to ride in the right hand lane and have the cars just go around me. Also, there wasn't too much traffic, so it didn't slow anyone down. Still, not a fun ride.
Visited a brewery in Ludington before heading down bike route 35 to Pentwater. That was a nice ride. Rolling hills, good roads, low traffic, great scenery.
Got to my host a little after 2 (Larry and Zan), which gave me some much needed time to relax before helping make dinner. Showed Larry how to make a long island iced tea.
All in all, a good day, just a little stressful riding along 10 in the morning.