Two days ago i left Alex’s hospitality, today i am in Cadillac, MI.
Going back Alex networked me to Rick up in Grand Rapids. He invited me on a scheduled ride on Merrill trails that Alex built. Turns out Rick’s group turned out to be a mtn bike race team sponsored by Founders beer. They were dressed in full kit. They dropped the hammer from the get go that my ability fell short very quickly, I dropped back. Merrill is a tight twisty trail layout, kind of like a dog chasing its tail. Quite a few riders were out but there were no conflicts, at least from me. I got to were I was seeing myself from where I had been. Finished back @ Rick’s for post ride gathering. I spent the night in his driveway. Rick is a race promoter for the Lumberjack 100 and several gravel crusher races. Again more info gained and participation on my part.
I left GR and headed to Cadillac to ride the Red Bridge portion of the North Country trail. Mtn bikes are allowed on this section. Out and back. Trail is a hiking trail, one that gets hikers to where they want to go vs a mtn bike purpose built trail. Long flowy segment. Tread was sand spiked by roots. I miss the rocks of the Appalachians.
Today I am back in Cadillac doing my wash then heading north to Bellaire. Camping where there is no internet access.
Somewhere back in IN I became the host of perhaps over 50 chigger bites mostly on the left leg with sites added to my groin area, several found the shaft of my hooter. Maybe the 3rd night after I could not sleep even w/ taking a pain med. I don’t itch as badly as 2 years ago in AR. I asked a pharmacist for suggestions to curb the itching. He suggested Benydryl for an all over relief. I followed his advice which gave me relief.
Uuugh! Craig, too much info!
When you visiting Spokane? Looks like I may be gone from sometime in the middle of September for 6 weeks to China. Don’t know yet. If I don’t see you before, maybe you can come on over and we’ll ride the Chinese Wall.