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In the fall of 2016 I was planning a fall tour and decided to pick up a nano puff jacket for the colder temperatures. I looked at REI and there was a sale. Bingo! I was not keen on the sky blue color, but the good price won me over. I have grown to like the jacket because I have received many compliments. The photo below is from the catalog.  The light blue color covers the dirt of eight years of wear. I keep this jacket protected so it stays dry and deep in the pack. This will be the jacket to wear after the ride around the campsite and in the cool of the morning before I start off on a ride. It packs down into the pocket and it is easy to stick in my day bag to get out during a lunch stop.  When I wear the jacket without an outer shell, I do find it effective at stopping the wind. I usually will also wear a shell when out of the tent. I do this to keep the blue fabric clean. The spec mention that it is warm and I agree with this. I have worn it comfortably into the teens. I do not mind that it does not have a hood. I will wear my fleece neck gaiter and this effectively keep my neck warm. My shell has a hood and that adds protection.  I like to take this jacket in my luggage for out trips to the Colorado mountain. The small packable size make it easy to fit in the luggage. When I travel I like to be sure I am able to handle cold, windy, damp conditions. There are no regrets in getting this jacket.
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You can still find train stations along the rail trails. Most of these are closed, a few have been re-purposed.  Capac, Michigan This station now is used for the local history museum. I have seen this in several stations that I passed. This was during the Peach of a Ride. This event occurred each September and offered three different distances. Sad to say that the organizers aged out and this event has gone to the land of pleasant memories.  Beverly Shore, IN This is along the South Shore Line which runs between Chicago and South Bend, IN. This is an active stop and is open to the public. The trail goes along the tracks. This station has a southwestern US look to me. Near by, along the Lake Michigan shoreline, are houses from the Chicago World's Fair in the 30s showing "homes of the future." After the fair they were transported across the lake on barges.  Ann Arbor, Michigan The Gandy Dancer is a wonderful restaurant that you will find inside. The term "Gandy Dancer" is a slang term for railroad maintenance workers. Look up the term on your favorite search site to learn more. The stone facade is unique.  The buffet is great and we also enjoy the happy hour food deals. The modern Amtrak station next door is not as photo worthy. These stations connect to the Border to Border Trail which runs across Washtenaw County.  Along the Betsie Valley trail near Frankfort, MI  On the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park This trail runs between Grand Rapids and Cadillac. I am looking forward to riding this trail again.  Pinckney, MI This trailhead is a good place to start my rides. Some days I head east and other days I go west along the Mike Lavine Lakelands Trail State Park. This trail runs between Jackson and Hamburg. I have never seen the inside, but at least it is being maintained.  You pass this station as you connect along the Border to Border trail. The Amtrak line going to Chicago travels this track.  After Dexter is the station in Chelsea. Just west of the station is the Jiffy Mix plant.  Riverdale, MI This station is a long the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail halfway between Alma and Edmore.  Belding, MI Along the Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Rail Trail between Greenville and Lowell.  Smyrna, MI The next stop south of Belding. It looks worth fixing up. I hope they find funding.  Saranac along the Grand River Valley Rail Trail The curved end is unique.  The Detroit Michigan Central Station This photo shows the new windows, but the renovation had not begun. The Tour de Troit used the park in front as the staging area and welcome back center. This building has been completely refurbished and now you may go inside.  Along the North Central State Trail Mullet Lake is in the background. Next stop south is Indian River.  Big Rapids along the White Pine Trail State Park This station was completed boarded up. It had a business sign outside, but obviously closed now. This is another station deserves to be preserved.  Cheyenne, Wyoming This last station was the most impressive because it had a wonderful two story train museum and a new addition recently doubled the size. On the far end of the station was a brew pub and restaurant. The train yard in the back continues to be a major hub of the western lines.
I cannot remember when I exactly started using Strava to record rides. I used the free app until 2023 when I paid for the subscription and I am glad that I did. Sometimes I will go back and look at previous rides. I can see photos and how well the ride went.  A screen shot from the web page today. Down below are the results from my last outside ride and you can see the times for one of the segments. I am usually looking for my consistency.  I was satisfied with this ride.  The number of days during the year where I exercised. I was the top 1% of activity level.   Last year I did not have any days outside until March.  I hope to do some more walking this year. I think that will be better.  My average ride was 15.9 miles.  Average time spent exercising per month was 67.67 hours.  I do not actively chase the PR, but I do like to show improvement.  I try to take a photo during each ride.  These numbers reflect the cycle + walk. This year was good for several reasons. I did not get injured and my health is steady. I completed a fun tour along the Erie Canal. I went on some routes that were new and enjoyed my favorite trails. I did many other activities besides exercise. I took many wonderful photos of beautiful surroundings. I shared my experiences with others. I raised some charity funds during some rides. I am so glad that I am exciting about continuing to ride my bike and walk.
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AuthorI love my riding days and look to find interesting and informative items to share. 
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