Tour Tune Up Day 1

 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.

This was the set up.

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.  

Riverdale Museum along the trail.

 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.

The next stop was Vestaburg and the closed train station.

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.

Near the station was this vintage fire truck.

You never go too far along a trail without crossing a stream or river.

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.

I was in the mood for some dehydrated food to see how I liked it.

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.