The hotel provided breakfast and I enjoyed making two waffles.  I prepared the bags the night before and I took a bagel with peanut butter and jelly for lunch. The trail left right from the parking lot of the motel.  It looked like it might rain so I brought my poncho.

I experienced great shade through the ride. The beginning temperatures were in the upper 60s and the threat of rain raised the humidity to 91%.  I appreciate the shade that grows along the old train lines in Michigan.  On the other side of the tree and brush lines would be flat farm fields.

The description of the trail mentioned going through potato country.  Michigan is #8 in the country in the production of potatoes gathering 1.9 billion pounds.  Do you like chips and fries?  Americans eat about 124 pounds of potatoes per year.

Part of the fun of visiting these towns is discovering interesting facts: 1.) This is where the first Meijer grocery opened in 1934 2.) In 1892 a refrigerator company opened and this town was known for many years as the "Refrigerator Capitol of the World." 3.) During World War II the refrigerator company made the gliders for carrying infantrymen that were used in the Normandy Invasion. 4.) The town attracted many Danish and each August there is a festival.  I ran out of time and could not find a replicate statue of "The Little Mermaid." which resembles the one in Copenhagen. 

Now I better understand how these trails carry the Fred Meijer name.  I am so happy that they were created.  You should check them out. You will enjoy the ride.

 My usual rides go for about two hours and I do these everyday.  Every year I enter summer in good shape,but I have self-doubt of my ability to go longer everyday during the tour. Deep down I knew that I was still capable riding multiple days of 50 to 70 mile days.  The Shoreline tour coming up and has one day of over 70 miles.

Before a tour you want to make sure that the bicycle is ready too.  I have consistently ridden this bike and just had it tuned.  Due to long riding days with elevation gains, I decided to purchase a second battery. This battery would easily fit in my trunk bag. I wanted to be sure that it would ride well and not be too bouncy.  I also did not want the heat of the day too high.

I selected some rail trails in the center of the Lower Peninsula that would provide out and back days.  The plan was to go  50-60 mile days.

The trunk bag held the extra bike battery, pump  and locks.  The frame bag held snacks.  The bottle was my hydration drink. The gas tank bag held the phone, battery bank. The top tube bag had my poncho, tools, and meds. The tool roll had the repair items. I also carry a 1.5 L hydration bladder in my waist bag.

I began my ride in Alma and headed west.   This section of the trail was paved with asphalt.  It was not in the best condition but I would rate it above average.  I was pleased with the ride because I had the route to myself and I was out in woodlands.

Alma is the largest city in Gratiot County with a population of around 9500.  I was able to use a parking lot on the campus of Alma College and the trail was right there.  I wondered about the Scottish connection and I guess that it comes from the college was founded by the Presbyterian Church and that this demonination was originally founded in Scotland.  

 The sides of the trails remained wooded until we came to a small town.  The cross roads were not busy, but I look anyway to be sure to be safe. Today was Sunday and the museum was open for a few hours.  Stopping is worth the time and these volunteers do such a great job sharing the story of their community.  I could hear a live band down the road at the tavern, but I needed to move along since I got a late start.

This village began during the logging era of Michigan.  I did not see any logging trucks, but I did see farmland.  I hope they can open this building some day.

In Edmore I stopped to snack and I turnaround to see the Edmore Inn. That will be  good hub spot to explore the other trails.

Edmore was founded in the 1870s by a developer Ed Moore. The state road 46  which essentially bisects the Lower Peninsula runs through this area.