August 17, 2013

At the Southern Links Trail Head

August 17, 2013 Saginaw --> Imlay City, MI - 67 miles

The bike ride today was a nice mixture of beautifully paved bike trails and nicely maintained roads. There was a nice balance between the two as far as distances were concerned, so it kept my interest up as we were continually looking ahead to the next segment. Our route today essentially followed the AC route as far as North Branch, then headed south to Imlay City.

We were treated to an unexpected surprise at the outset when we picked up the Harger Line Trail just outside Saginaw. This smoothly paved, flat trail ran for approximately 10 miles through farmland. Saw a little wildlife, including one rabbit we surprised that was sunning himself on the warm pavement. Another thing I started regularly noticing were "rogue" corn stalks poking up at places above some of the other crops. I am assuming it had something to do with a few corn stalks left over after crop rotation or such. For whatever reason, those independent rogue corn stalks somehow amused me throughout the ride. Funny how something like that affects us.




The next 15 miles followed Hwy 15 for about 7 miles to Vassar, a lovely town with a population of approximately 3000. Like Charlevoix, the road entering town was bordered on both sides for almost a mile with dense beds of brightly colored pansies. The effect was stunning.




From Vassar, we rode another 7 miles to Millington, where we picked up the Southern Lines Trail for 6 miles. Again, another beautifully paved trail. The scenery changed to more of a tree-lined trail bordered by yellowish swamps. What I noticed most was that the trees and bushes definitely showed signs of imminent color change with the coming of fall. Still, it was unseasonably warm for this time of year, reaching the 80's.




At Otter Lake, we resumed riding on the highway. As we were stopped looking at the maps, a man in a truck with an Army Insignia on his baseball hat asked if we were lost and needed help. We told him we were deciding whether to go back a block or two to a store for something to drink, or move on. He began telling us about the area and trying to be helpful. Asked if there was anything he could help us with. Randy quipped that we might throw the bikes in the back of the truck, and the man actually offered to take us wherever we wanted/needed to go. He just kept chatting and chatting. Finally, we were able to thank him for his advice and move on. Again, people out here are almost desperate sometimes to want to help. It is amazing.

As I was riding along, I thought about my favorite rides. The ride through Oregon and Idaho last summer wins hands down. The stunning views and constantly changing vistas were mesmerizing. And the physical challenge riding the various passes and mountains was so satisfying. This ride from Minneapolis has been the easiest bike riding imaginable with flat, smoothly paved surfaces almost the whole way along consistently pretty terrain. Very few stunning views that just take your breath away. But very pleasant riding nonetheless.

After another 13 miles or so, we stopped at a small cafe in North Branch for lunch - grilled cheese sandwiches. I have received a few inquiries from folks reading the blog about why we seem to have eaten at Subway so much. The fact is that we prefer to try and find local cafes, but sometimes they are not available. Or the motels where we end up staying don't have much in the way of restaurants, but there will almost always be a Subway near. Also, with Subway you can always get healthy veggies as an alternative to standard burgers and fries.

Leaving North Branch, we initially rode along a large canal-like ditch which ran close to the road. I saw a gorgeous blue heron sitting in the canal so close I could see its face. Could not get off the bike quick enough to get a picture - a lost opportunity.

The route from North Branch to Imlay City was supposed to have taken us along another 10 mile bike trail called the Polly Ann Trail. After the trails we had already ridden, we were envisioning another smooth coast into our destination city. However, Google lady intervened once again with her wicked sense of humor. First, she again sent us down some dirt roads for several miles. Then, when we reached the point that we were supposed to access the trail, it turned out to be nothing more than a trampled down mass of grass and weeds, with a few fallen trees obstructing the path in places. So, after consulting with another helpful local who happened to be nearby, we continued on the highway we were on and eventually got to Imlay City.




There were a number of restaurant choices near the motel, so we opted for a real dinner. Mine was fabulous. Had a baked sweet potato with steamed veggies with garlic bread. The potato and veggies were cooked just right. My eating sweet potatoes just started last summer on the cross-country ride when I discovered sweet potato fries. I have since added baked sweet potatoes to my repertoire. Before, I could not stand sweet potatoes. Funny how tastes change if you give it a try. At any rate, sweet potato fries have been hard to find on this ride so far.

After a terrific day of riding and a good meal, I settled in for an episode of House Hunters International in New Zealand (I love New Zealand) and a good night's sleep.