Countdown to the “500 at 50” trip – T minus 6 days

BRIGHT AND EARLY next Tuesday morning, I push off from home on the first leg of my long-planned 500 mile trip to our campground and back. I feel oddly calm about something I've planned and trained for since 2007, when I first thought about doing this trip. Much of that is likely due to my …

Continue reading Countdown to the “500 at 50” trip – T minus 6 days

On My Way, Rain or Shine

Bike in shape? Check. Panniers packed? Check. Routes all mapped? Check. Aikido test in a 95-degree gymnasium last night? Done. Looks like all systems go for the start of the "500 at 50" bike ride bright and early this morning. If all goes well, I will end the day in Alma, then Cadillac Wednesday, arriving …

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Ann Arbor to Glen Arbor – Done! Highlights, Part 1

THE BIG TRIP IS HALF DONE! I arrived safely at our campground Thursday night, completing the first half of the "500 at 50" bike trip in three days and around 310 miles. The weather was mostly terrific for biking throughout, with cooler temperatures and very little rain. The wind was not as cooperative, coming from …

Continue reading Ann Arbor to Glen Arbor – Done! Highlights, Part 1

Ann Arbor to Glen Arbor Highlights, Part 2

Continuing the story of my "500 at 50" bike trip from home to our campground... Day Two - Never Ask the Locals A promising start out of Alma on Wednesday nearly turned to disaster. I stopped at a gas station for a Gatorade, and the attendant gave me an alternate route to Mt. Pleasant that …

Continue reading Ann Arbor to Glen Arbor Highlights, Part 2