162 mile day

I can finally say I rode to
--> Bloomer
--> Stoney
--> Bald Mountain
--> Addison Oaks
--> Pontiac
--> Island Lake
all at the same day, and connected them by pedaling. Some things I remember...

Just before hitting the trails at Bloomer:
I went down turning into the Velodrome to see if there were riders I knew. Remember: If there is mud it means it's slippery...

In Addison Oaks
Ran out of supplies, I was so happy to find that pop-machine in the park I've heard of. Coke never tasted so good to me.

Gasstation at Mile 62
While I refilled my bottle in the parking lot some guy almost went down. Remember: If there is oil it can be slippery...

Mile 82
Another gasstation story, needed water again since the temps were above 90 F, conversation and thoughts:

Typical MI gas-station employee (TMGSE):
>>> How far did you ride today
Me:
>>> 82 miles
TMGSE:
>>> ???.Where did you come from?
Me:
>>> Started in Royal Oak, then Bloomer - Stoney - Bald Mtn - Addison Oaks (the look on here face told me she hasn't ever heard of those parks, so I put in something she might know) - LAKE ORION (aaah, yes, she knows that), and now on to Pontiac, Island Lake, bla bla bla
TMGSE:
>>> Fuck this.

After the first half of Pontiac
OK, I have to cheat, I only did the first part of the trail, heading towards Milford now.

Mile 100
Looking at where I am and where I want to go I realize it'll be a lot more miles coming up.

Island Lake Parking lot
7 pm. Shit, no time for the trail - but hey, I was in the park!

Mile 120, just when I was at a gas-station again
Robert calls with ride-plans for tomorrow. Aaah, thanks, but I think I won't ride tomorrow. I also purchase some doping at the gas-station, let's see how that works.

5 miles later:
The doping kicks in. Holly shit, what is happening here. All of a sudden I'm flying. So far all I had today was Sustained Energy and Gatorade/Water (and 1.5 cliff bars), that sugar I just threw in my system does magic. I try to race this Porsche 911, but lose. OK, I have to get back down to earth, that is a fast car...

Mile 142
Roadblock on 13 Mile Road. Oh oh, from now on it gets a little fuzzy. I have the hardest time finding familiar roads, and never expected at this time I'll still make 20 more miles. I pass some BMX kids in a subdivision, as I go by the little one turnes his head and goes "Hey! - wow you're fast". That's good motivation, and just what I need to hear after my Porsche battle!

Yep, that's me, heading out for a long day in the heat


Even though I'm not a big friend of water it does look pretty inviting today


Todays riding partner


Done...



I needed to do this ride by myself. I want to dedicate it to my Dad. He is in the hospital and not doing so well. I hope they find a way to help you, and feel sorry for not being in Germany right now!