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| Silver Lake Rd. hill at sunrise |
Heat. Hills. Headwind
Day three began in Traverse City at 7:32 am and ended at 6:05 pm. It was a long hot day with lots and lots and lots of "hills". In this heat they feel more like mountains. See below for the stats on the total elevation. YIKES.
We started with hills right away as we cane out of Traverse City and up the Silver Lake Road hill
(12% grade).
Any of our past riders are feeling the burn as they read this. It's a doozey! There were many more like that - especially the one coming into Benzonia.
Today was also the day the deer stood still. There was no running involved.
We came up on her in the middle of the road and she dared with a stare down.
As we got closer she decided the apple tree across the road was more inviting and sauntered off. Wish we were quick enough to take a picture.
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| First Break |
Highlights and Good Advice:
- Another beautiful sunrise as we crested the first of MANY steep climbs.
- More cold wash clothes to get us through the heat.
- Decomposing rode kill almost killed us with their smelly selves today
- Benzonia "hill" - 20% grade - straight up. ugh!!
- The redeeming part of the uphill climb is the decent. (30-45 miles per hour on the way down!)
- It was a day of bikes. Those with engines may have been wiser. We met dozens and dozens along the way.
- Breaks with beautiful views.
- We had the first flat tire of the trip. We are grateful that it was discovered as we were leaving our lunch stop. So it could be fixed in the shade, under a shelter rather than in the heat alongside the road.
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| Great place for a break. High on the hill overlooking Lake Michigan outside of Arcadia. |
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| Fun reflection |
Good Advice:
- If Garry leans to the right, you're gonna want to lean to the left.
- If a car speeds by your riders - get his license plate #.
- If you want to be amazed, come SAG with us a behold some incredibly determined cyclist. We stand in awe.
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| Look closely for the water view. Can't beat it. |
Stats for the Day:
- Time: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Elevation: 2,900 ft.
- Average Speed: 13.9 mph
- Distance: 94.1 miles
- Hills climbed: innumerable
- Top Speed: 45.5 mph - Way to go Rocketman (Tom)
We just received news of our total funds raised so far. $17,619
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| Even the bikes need a break today. |
Thank you everyone who has joined us on this ride.
You are all just as important as those of us out on the road.
If you haven't joined in, there is still time.
Our goal is $35,000, let's reach it together!
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| First flat tire. Shade and teamwork. |
Keep praying for us as the heat is really taking a toll. Another hot day tomorrow. We would love to see you at the Welcome-Home-Ice Cream-Reception at Maranatha Bible and Conference tomorrow around 2:30 pm.
ONE MORE DAY!
RIde4Life Team 2017
