Day 35, Sunday, July 19, 2015 Fond Du Lac, WI to Manitowoc, WI, 58 miles and 1350 feet of climbing.  We have made it to the shores of Lake Michigan!!  Had a very fast ride today as my Guardian Angel arranged for an 18 mph wind that was right at our backs the whole way.   Nothing like a good brisk wind to make you feel rested, fast and strong.   After finding the motel I rode down to the lakeshore to take it all in.  Oh, what a beautiful lake she is.  I then returned to the motel, cleaned my bike, lubed the chain and  double checked my trusty mount to make sure everything is ready for the final ride to Mt. Pleasant.  I attended my final RAP meeting and had to say my good by’s to my riding buddies.  It is tradition that when someone is leaving a tour that they say a few words.  I figured we would have a meeting tomorrow night so I was not prepared and had to go “impromptu”.  So…..a “few” words turned into quite a few.  Gosh I hate saying goodbye and having a long anticipated trip come to an end.  Tomorrow we have to be at the ferry dock by noon and the boat departs at 2:00 p.m.  With the time change we do not get to Ludington until 7:00 p.m.  On Tuesday we are scheduled to roll out of Ludington at 6:30 a.m. for the 112 mile assault on Mt. Pleasant.  During my closing remarks I tried to impress on everyone how challenging the climb up Mt. Pleasant will be.  Apparently some of them were not aware that there was a major mountain right in the middle of Michigan!  You know, I suspect that I will be missed as much as I will miss them.  Perhaps……..  Looking very forward to being back in Michigan tomorrow!!!

 

Our mechanic Mike and ride leader Judy getting us loaded one more time.  Guy with his back turned in Dan, Judy's husband who joined us for the week.

 

Arriving at Lake Michigan.  I can't wait to get home and trim that beard!!

 

Tomorrow I will be on that ferry heading to Michigan!!