Friday, May 29, 2009

Clowns To The Left Of Me

First up for the weekend was a short little bike ride Saturday morning. Since brother decided he would rather go to a softball game that left Carla, Sarah and I. But before we left we thought we would take a little joy ride on Gramp's bike.

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Why gramps you ask? Because he had that bike set on the lowest gear possible.

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Sarah was spinning as fast as she could and getting nowhere. Sheesh, brother, you might want to put a little effort in your biking. After having a laugh at brother's expense we were off. This was our destination.

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We decided to head toward Midland. We didn't get far when we realized my not that much younger sister's back tire was a little low. So we turned around and headed for the bike shop to get some air put in the tire. After getting that little job accomplished we had to make another stop.

carla & sarah, coleman, mi, 5.09



The reason for the stop was this.

coleman, mi, 5.09



We are finally on our way. Here is my not that much younger sister demonstrating how Gramps rides his bike, in the lowest gear possible of course. Just a little more fun at brother's expense.

carla, coleman, mi, 5.09



Every good bike path needs a tunnel and this one didn't disappoint. Of course, the tunnels I am used to are a tad bit longer, darker and colder. But no matter, it's a tunnel. And really who doesn't like to ride through them no matter how short?

carla & sarah, coleman, mi, 5.09



We decided we had ridden long enough, to Sanford, and it was time for a food break.

coleman, mi, 5.09



Because we think all good citizens should follow the rules we decided we should enjoy our favorite ice cream.

carla, coleman, mi, 5.09



We're off!

sarah, coleman, mi, 5.09



We enjoyed a little sight seeing on our ride that morning.

Arbutus Bog.

carla, coleman, mi, 5.09



Some wetlands. We obeyed the sign because like I said we always follow the rules.

coleman, mi, 5.09



We even enjoyed some wildlife along the way.

coleman, mi, 5.09



By this time I am starting to feel sorry for my little sister. Her bike isn't made for long miles. I should say for long, comfortable miles with the least amount of effort. I offered to switch bikes for awhile which I am sure my brother-in-law will never forgive me for doing. I think I have heard there is a new bike in her future as a result of that bike switch.

carla, coleman, mi, 5.09



By now I am beginning to think that maybe I should do my age in miles. I did it the summer I turned 50 and had missed it last year. I figured if I rode back to Coleman and then continued on to Clare I would be close. Luckily by now Gramps had shown up and he was willing to continue on with me. The other two headed back home for some rest and relaxation and brother and I continued on.

We did some more sightseeing.

coleman, mi, 5.09



coleman, mi, 5.09



Three quarters of a mile from Carla's house my odometer showed 52 miles. Mission accomplished!

coleman, mi, 5.09



Being a Porter I couldn't leave a partial mile and so rode just enough to add another mile to the odometer. 53.06 miles was my final tally for the day. It was a day well spent.

The plan for the next morning was to get up and ride some more. Would I be able to move the next morning? Would I want to move? And more importantly would brother get his bike off of that granny gear?

to be continued.....

5 comments....porters always have something to say!:

Anonymous said...

I started working on that new bike last year. Every time I tried a longer ride, I'd whine about it. You, Chris and Sarah were just the icing on the cake I needed.

jporterGOP said...

I should have my bike ready to ride in less than two weeks. I gotta start getting in shape for that 100 miles to nowhere deal.

carriegel said...

You know if you write it you have to do it.

Unknown said...

Gears are put on a bike to use so I always park my bike in "granny" gear. Besides you never know when you will start off a bike ride going up hill and if I ever do I will be ready.

carriegel said...

You were the middle of Michigan, brother, there are no hills.

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