Shoreline West Trip Blog 2022

The MHS FSS CC rode 356 miles in our inaugural ride over six cycling days.  Here’s a recap along with a Relive Video. Thanks for joining us on our adventure. 

Today, we completed our multi-day adventure, riding from Harbor Springs to Mackinaw City.  We had perfect finishing weather, made a lot of new friends, and truly enjoyed reconnecting and reminiscing after all these years. Thank you for joining us in our journey. 

Last night, we were in a venue with a DJ. We told him our story, and he opened with our theme song from our high school DJ business.  Check it out!

Today was the easiest riding day so far.  We rode on many trails along the coast line and traveled on the Ironton Ferry to Charlevoix.  It was beautiful weather with only a few hills.  Here’s the vid recap. 

Today was our longest cycling day. We rode over 70 miles with several hills, including the steepest of our journey.  Most people (including us) walked their bikes on the hill known as “the wall.” Here’s some video. 

Today was a well earned break from riding.  We spent most of the day resting our muscles and checking out some local establishments. 

We rode another 64 miles today, approximately 190 total so far.  The weather was beautiful.  We had a few more hills and several nice lake views.  We capped off the evening at a local Irish pub and a great band. Here’s a recap video.  

Today was hard, but rewarding. We woke up to rain, which seemed to pass. But not so fast!  We rode the first 20 miles in the rain and wind. Then conquered three very steep hills during the final 15 miles.  Sleeping well tonight.  

While storms danced around us, we only experienced minor rain today.  We rode 60 miles to Ludington and saw a lot of lake communities on today’s route as well as a small flock of wild turkeys crossing the road and some deer. There were a few up hills but most of the route was flat or down hill.  Here is a short video compilation from today.  

Pre-dawn …..

Today we boarded the bus to Montague, MI.  Upon arrival, we set up our tents, retrieved our bikes, checked in, ate dinner, and participated in rider orientation.  Tomorrow, we start riding.  

Ron & I arrived in Mackinaw City, where we visited the decommissioned icebreaker Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. We loaded our bikes on the pre-tour truck and will be boarding the bus to Montague Saturday AM.  Some pics from the day 

Just arrived in Monroe, Michigan for the night.

Happy Coast Guard Day! (August 4, 1790) Just got underway en route Michigan.  One long blast!   By the pics, you’ll see I have a bad case of. “Toomuchcrapitis”.  I’ll be scuttling gear at the hotel tonight. 

On the eve of departure to Michigan, this is my final training ride - 35 mile round-trip to Leesburg. Thank you for joining us on our journey.