At the start of the day, I remembered to look for the lighthouse in Ludington, and then again for the one in Manistee - I was able to photograph both from a distance. I once again rode alone. While I was in the small area of shorter hills, I kept a pretty good pace. In fact, as a couple passed me by, the woman said “hey Cathy, you sure are doing a good pace. I could see you in the distance and wondered if we would ever catch you.” Of course, they did as they were younger and stronger. They knew my name because we are required to wear a rider name plate. I rode 65 miles at 14.3 mph. I actually had about a 15.3 average until I encountered the first of the “three sisters” hill.
Just south of Onekama, I stopped at a lemonade/cookie stand. The girls selling the goodies are related to one of the ride volunteers.
The highlight of today was climbing the “Three Sisters Hills.” I could not help but think of all my friends that like to climb hills – I am not a climb lover. They are between Onekama and Frankfort. The first hill is 1.45 miles long with grade averaging between 5-8%. Next up is “Watermelon Hill” which is a ½ mile long with a 12% grade. At the top of this hill the reward is watermelon! The last hill is 1.25 miles long with a grade of 5%. Needless to say, I was spent after the first one, however, I made it up all three!! Climbing Watermelon Hill I looked down and was going 3.2 mph. I needed more gears!
I did photograph two post offices today. The weather was great with 3-8 mph winds from the SSE switching to SW. I kept thinking that was the only thing helping me up the hills!
When I finally managed to make it into camp, most of the tents were not yet up. I found my toiletries in the pile of duffel bags and took a quick shower and then walked to Storm Cloud Brewing Company for a local brew. I ran into Henry and a few others there as well. It felt good to walk after all the climbing today. As I write this blog, a pretty good thunderstorm has rolled in. It is supposed to be done my morning. Keep your fingers crossed!
Ludington Lighthouse
Manistee Lighthouse
The young ladies selling lemonade and cookies.
View from the top of Watermelon Hill.
Start the descent down Watermelon Hill.
Almost to camp, we biked a short stretch of a paved trail. I saw this mom and son. I want this to be me and my granddaughter!
I made it into camp before my tent was up. It’s all good. I was able to find my belongings and start the”recharge” process for all my electronics. Last night when I was plugging it all in, some guy said i had a “six million dollar” bike. You have to be a few years old to know his joke!
I walked by these “lawn plates” on my way to the brewery. A first for me.
