Pedaling Pilgrim Blog Home

Miles to date: 2,800.8

Halfway through our day, a couple pulled up next to us as we waited at a stop sign to cross a busy county highway. They asked where we were headed; Rohde responded, “Two of these guys are going to Rhode Island.” The response, “Woooowee. You guys be good, Be safe. Be alert.” That was one of only two human encounters we had today; it’s always encouraging when strangers have an enthusiastic reaction to our adventure and it was helpful today knowing some people are excited for us.

We woke to a torrential downpour at the Super 8 this morning. Geeto and I had an extremely brief discussion about delaying our start time; we decided we’d just ride until we’re dry. So we went to our Super 8 continental breakfast and didn’t think about the weather. As we were packing up we had a surprise visit from my brother-in-law Neal Armstrong and another fraternity brother Craig Frazier. They were in the neighborhood and wanted to get a closer look at my Mickey Mouse rain booties.

We shunned the rain jackets and Goetex pants and headed out on Michigan’s scenic byways. We started out riding in a pack, but after several miles the group started to splinter: with wet roads and lack of fenders over rear tires, riders naturally avoided drafting which resulted in a steady spray in the face. We regrouped periodically, and took saddle breaks every hour or so, but I largely rode alone most of the day.

When planning this adventure, I don’t know if I ever really thought seriously that I would do this ride alone. I think I started discussing this journey with my partners early in the planning process, but I would’ve been prepared to ride alone if there was nobody else. It’s been really nice having a couple of good friends to join along on this venture, but I did enjoy some solace today riding in the gap between others or off the back.

It was nice to get a taste for being out all alone. But I felt generally less safe and certainly less sheltered from the wind, which grew stronger as the day got longer. We were relieved to stay relatively dry all day, but our nemesis, prevailing headwind, returned with force for the final 25 miles to Kalamazoo. Today’s ride was 55 miles, but it felt more like 75 with the significant wind resistance.

At the end of our ride, Tim and Jen Gatz were waiting in Kalamazoo with snacks, recovery drinks, and a comfortable home. Merilee Chopp commented recently about how wonderful it is to have so many friends participating in our journey; that blessing has been flowing freely the past few days. Tim and I lived together at Valpo for three years; we have countless memories together and I always enjoy time with him. He and Jen hosted us for dinner along with Karl Klem (who will ride with us tomorrow), Kevin Marks, and Pete Eldridge. Pete is seemingly some sort of local celebrity for the rehab job he’s been doing for decades on a historic house in central Kalamazoo (I look forward to coffee at the Eldridge Mansion tomorrow morning!)

We talked a bit about the blog over dinner. There were a few incredulous comments about my writing with only my right thumb. There’s probably more efficient ways to do this, but I can’t be bothered with any new methods. I’ve worried about an injury to my legs that could cut my journey short, but I guess I should also be protective of my right thumb as the source of enjoyment for those not able to see us on the trail.

I’m not sure what’s happened, but I can’t get videos to load. I have several videos to share from today, but they’re now inexplicably on the cutting room floor. One of the videos I can’t add includes a reprimand of Tim Dull, the apple thief. We rode through several apple orchards today, and in need of a snack Tim decided to pick up some fruit that littered the ground below the trees. Is it stealing if they’re on the ground? I suppose so, but they were tasty.

Tomorrow we plan for 60 miles to a hotel TBD in Albion. It looks like we should stay dry again, but we’ll also face a 10-15 MPH headwind all day. With 4 of us riding together, I’m hopeful we’ll get organized and ride in a draft friendly train; otherwise 60 miles will feel like an appreciable challenge. Day 39: Kalamazoo to Albion

On the Pedaling Pilgrims! Spotify playlist, this first song goes to Tim Dull; of all the riding partners we’ve had, he’s the last one I thought would pilfer the orchards.Thieves

Also, I honor of Neal and Craig who met us this morning, and Karl and Pete who will meet us tomorrow… it’s nice to have some fresh faces meet us in the morning: Meet Me in the Morning

Lastly… 90% of the time I’m with Bill Rohde he attempts to sing something that is tied to the event or spirit of the day. This is a fun game as I’m pretty good with song lyrics and between us we can usually string together the majority of a classic song. Today as we gripped the handlebars wet from the morning drizzle, he sang “riding all day, my hands wet on the wheel…” This Golden Earring classic is for you Bill. Radar Love