Total mileage for 2017: 48.9
Today I had lunch with my good friend Doug Tidd, the fellow who got me into cycling back in 2012. Over lunch we discussed this summer's PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) ride, which he plans to do, having done it numerous times before. I plan to also, though I will be a PALM virgin.
PALM is a weeklong group bicycle ride that takes place annually in June (since the late nineteen-seventies). Their website says, "PALM always begins along the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan and heads east along a different route from the previous year. Typical routing includes paved, lesser used roads and generally avoids major urban areas. We try to choose roads with shoulders and a smooth surface, however, you may encounter heavier traffic due to urban sprawl, road construction, and/or limited routing choices . The total distance of the ride is between 250 and 300 miles. Daily rides range from 30 to 60 miles averaging approximately 50 miles. We also provide longer optional routes each day (except Friday). Schools along the route serve as our overnight stops. We camp on their grounds and use their facilities for showers and meals. Trucks transport our luggage from site to site. SAG [Support and Gear] vehicles support our riders during the day. Bike shops accompany the tour and can make repairs in the evening.
This year's route will begin in Saugatuck (on Lake Michigan). Those of us originating on the east side of the state will be bussed there on Saturday, June 24. Sunday's ride, to Otsego, will cover 41 miles. Monday's, to Nashville (Michigan, not Tennessee) will cover 46 miles. Tuesday's will be 45 miles, to Eaton Rapids. Wednesday's, to Grass Lake, will be 44 miles. Thursday's 41-mile ride will take us to Milan, and on Friday, June 30, a final 31-mile segment will allow us to finish at Lake Erie Metropark.
I had contemplated riding two round trips to Marsh Park today, which would have been my first time of doing more than one since November 29. But Doug and I had discussed the need for me to work on speed, and as I was pushing myself pretty good today, and haven't been riding much in recent weeks due to weather, I was pretty well spent as I came toward the end of the first one, and decided to let that suffice, and shoot for two tomorrow. That should be quite feasible, as the next several days are supposed to feature exceptionally mild winter weather. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a high of 47°, with 55° on Saturday! Short sleeve weather? We'll see. Anyway, today I did the 10 miles in 1:07, very far from a record time for me but the best I've done in several months. When I began, a bit before 1:00 p.m., it was 38°, and when I finished it was a sweltering 39°.
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