My first multi-day bike tour
I returned last night from my first ever multi-day bike tour, The DALMAC (**** Allen Lansing to MACkinaw). This ride is perhaps the most well known bike ride in the state of Michigan. About 1,800 cyclists participated this year on four different routes. I had the pleasure of sharing four days of quality time my two terrific 14 year old grandsons, my daughter, her husband and our personal SAG driver the love of my life, my husband of 39 years. He did a great job setting up and breaking down our camp, providing us with snacks, giving us encouragement, acting as our personal Wrench, even greeting us at the finish line with Margaritas. I felt sooo spoiled!
The route we took was the 4 Day East. It is known as the easy route, if there can be such a thing once you reach the hills of northern Michigan. We spent our nights camping in school yards along the way. It was quite a colorful sight to see all of those tents and beautiful bikes parked in the school yards. Breakfast and dinners were provided in the school cafeterias. Lunch was on our own. Most days there was a cookie stop or two along the way.
On our first day we rode from the Michigan State University campus to the little town of Shepherd, 72.7 miles. The second day ended in Houghton Lake, 68.7 miles. Day three we rode to the town of Gaylord, 68.5 miles. Our final day ended at Mackinaw City High School, 79.5 miles. These are the official miles, from parking lot to parking lot (289.4 miles). By the end of each ach day my computer read a bit more.
We were not fast riders. Most days we averaged between 13 and 14 miles per hour. But each day we pulled into camp well before dinner time. I am so proud that none of us had to SAG out on the ride. We had aches and pains at the end of the day but no injuries that kept us from getting on our bikes the next day. I did walk one hill after I had stopped to catch my breath about half way up and took a minor fall trying to get started again. Nothing was hurt except for my pride, and a slightly scraped knee. We had spectacular weather. Some head winds on our first day, cool mornings and no rain at all.
I have never been an athletic person. I grew up way before Title Nine. Girls were expected to watch sports, not play them. About ten years ago I joined Weight Watchers, lost 40 lbs. and decided that I needed to stay active. This is my third year biking and my second on my beautiful celeste Bianchi Veloce. This tour and the thousand miles of training leading up to it are by far the most physically challenging thing I have ever done. My finisher ribbon is tucked away for safe keeping. On those occasional days bad days ahead like we all have, when I say to myself, “I can’t”, I know I will pull out that little ribbon and remember, “But, I did!”
I want to thank all of you ladies here. Although I post seldom, I read and learn from you almost every day. Each of your stories have been an inspiration to me. I have learned from you everything from how to choose the right bike to proper nutrition and what shorts to choose to get me through a long ride. Thank you TE for providing this service for women.
Ride safe,
Sandy
Here is a link to a slide show of all of us at the start of the tour
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...e&conn_speed=1
