Cross Village to Ellsworth: Huh huh "Elllsworth"

I'm in Ellsworth.  That's funny because that is where Iris' dad is from, 'cept that in Minnesota.  Whatever.  IT'S FUNNY!

Uhm.. news or ride report first?  Ok, ride report.  Today was really tiring! I'm exchausted.  I could have laid down anywhere today, even along the side of the road, and just slept for hours.  Remember how I said that if I averaged 79 miles a day I could get to my goal in Vermont, but that that would be stupid? Well, I was still trying to do that - even with the short day in Mackinac - and it was stupid.  I'm friggin' beat. I still think I could do it, but I'm not having that much fun trying.  So today I cut it back - 67 miles into Ellsworth, 5:18 on bike, got in around 5:30.

Which, for 67 miles you likely are thinking, is a long time on bike.  Yes.  It was hilly.  Hella hilly - at least the second two thirds.  The first third wasn't too hilly I don't think but it was 20 miles through the beautiful tunnel of trees in upper Michigan, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Then I hit Harbor Spring which had a nice farmers market, and as a result I'm carrying a few pounds of cherries up and down these stupid hills. Then I biked some more, did more hills, lost the Adventure Cycling route by accident and did even more extra hills, and eventually I got here.  The roads were lightly traveled and it's very pretty here.  The LP is a lot nicer to bike then the UP.

I am fighting a slight mechanical issue- the 28 width replacement tire on my front is a lot shockier and has a hump that despite all my tricks (I know lots of them) is not coming out.  I'm running lower PSI and that's helping, but the stiffer ride and tiny hump rythm is tearing up my upper body.  My hands, wrists, and arms are much sorer than they were on the previous tire.  Doh.

The towns I passed through today were all pretty awesome and I'd like to spend more time exploring, talking to people, and eating different things made out of chocolate.  I really prefer 60-70 mile days when bike touring. I can go a lot faster (I don't know why I keep needing to prove that to myself), but 60-70 is way more fun. In 2007 with the girls I don't think we did a single day over 80 miles - and I liked that.  We still made it coast to coast with lots of wandering.

I also think that 70-90 mile days are more pertinent out west because that's maybe only 3 towns maybe and one road.  70-90 miles out here is 10 towns and tons of roads and turns,  so it takes longer and you miss out on stuff if you go that fast.  Towns deserve exploring. Touring around here should be slower.

So, I've changed my route yet again. Vermont is out. I'm not going to make it, and if I do make it, it'll just be a pain march and what's the point?  Too much biking and not enough chilling in the places you ride is saying no to adventure, I can't have that!  All I want to do right now is sleep. I haven't had the energy or time to even play my Uke since Iowa. That's stupid. This whole biking thing is becoming too much like a job. Jobs are terrible.

Instead of haulling bloody behind (literally) to Vermont I'm heading to visit friends of mine (more Team RoadShowers) in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.  Why the hell not?  I'll be leaving Kalamazoo around the 12th, and I'll have 7-8 days to go somewhere else. Where should I go? I have no idea.  Either way it'll be about 480 - 560 miles away from there and have an aiport, because that's what 8 x 60 - 70 miles is.  Suggestions?  I wonder if there are any juggling festivals in the area that line up? ...

ILYI