I didn't mention a big unanticipated surprise on our journey. There was a recent bug hatching in northern Michigan (maybe no-seeums?(not entirely sure ). You know, the little tiny bugs that are plastered all over your windshield when you drive fast on the freeway?Flying down hills at 30+ mph makes YOU... a human windshield. Disgusting! I was happy not to have facial hair, they were in Sam's beard and mustache. I inhaled several and they found their way through my sunglasses and in my eyes. If you thought about it too much ick, best to keep riding and keep your mouth closed.
Despite the flatter terrain, the wind changed directions, seems we were fighting it the entire way. We only stopped once and that was for a quick photo on the lake. We saw some wipeouts, mostly skinned knees. There was a woman who crashed and her bike was pretty banged up. I have to talk about the fashion for a second, wow:
- Way too much spandex and lycra!
- Picture someone who shouldn't be wearing spandex or lycra and then add : padded butt shorts, YIKES, while they may be comfy, they are NOT flattering, saw some saggy padded butt shorts too!
- There were themes; for those of you that have been on traditional trips with us (i.e. canoeing) you know I love themes. Quote from Karen " If Tami does this again, I see a theme in our future". I loved the guys who wore 'tuxedo shirts and their helmets had orange construction cones on top! too cute!
- Many people had clips for pedals and clipped on their shoes ( I could never do this, and clearly some of them shouldn't have either!)
- For those that are fb friends with Sam, saw the dude in the maid's uniform with the fishnet stockings! FUN
By the end, Sam and I were exhausted and ready to stop pedaling! When we crossed the finish line, I was a tiny bit emotional, not quite as emotional as when I did the duathalon, ( that day I actually balled at the finish line!) this time I just felt glad we finished and mostly glad we spent time together doing something different that we had not done before. The Bacardi tent was hopping, $2 drinks and I must say the grape rum with sprite ROCKED!
We hung out for a bit and then road back to the hotel. Before dinner I took the kids to the pool, and hit the hot tub. At the hot tub I met Chet and Polly ( names NOT changed to protect the innocent, --these were their actual names LOL). Chet was an older gentlemen (maybe 65ish) and is daughter Polly (25 tops), they did the ride too. Chet said this " Every now and then in life, you have to have an exclamation point" " do something different that you will never forget" he said. I loved that he said that! I agreed, I will not soon forget this ride.
Everyday life is so busy; work, kids, sports, class, chores, its so great to take a 'time out'. It was awesome being in beautiful northern Michigan, bugs and all. I loved spending time with Sam, Karen and Jay, I loved that our kids were waiting for us, anxious to go to dinner and take the ferry to the island. (Don't worry we did not leave small children alone!) Katie our 15 year old niece who has grown into a beautiful, responsible, brave and mature young lady took care of them for the day. I even loved that my phone was dead! I hope anyone who reads this will consider doing this with us next year!
To our jazz girls -- Total calories for the ride = 1432 (about 2 1/4 classes--- OUR CLASSES ROCK when you do the math!) You would have to do BLOW and Enrique about 3 or 4x to make your butt burn like those hills though!
I am rejuvinated and can once again start a new week. I leave you with this final thought:
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