Ride Across America

Day 37, Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Ludington, MI to Mt. Pleasant, MI, 112 mile and 2500 feet of climbing. Well, this ride came to a glorious conclusion today. I was awake and anxious to get the final leg of the trip done at 4:30 a.m. Breakfast was not served until 5:30 a.m. and the ride leader would not authorize anyone beginning prior to sunrise. At 6:20 a.m. I was able to get on the road. The night before I had spotted a coffee shop on our way to the motel and had planned to back track one mile for a final espresso. However, I was too anxious and decided to go without. Within 20 minutes my guardian angel pointed out a coffee shop on the route, so you know by now what I did! After that I was on the road bearing down on Mt. Pleasant. The weather was cool, there was a slight tail wind and I just flew. I felt like that old saddle horse at the trail ride who sluggishly hauls its rider to the end of the trail and when turned around and pointed back at the barn finds new life and trots for home. I road strong and very comfortably all morning. Sixty miles into the ride I stopped to call Leisa to confirm our rendezvous time. At that point my average speed was 16.1 mph. After talking with Leisa I got back on the road and as the day went on I just kept feeling better. When I arrived at the motel my average speed was a blistering 17 mph. For me that is a world class time! I was pretty dang proud of myself, but that pride took a back seat to the emotions I felt when I found Leisa waiting for me In the lobby. I was so happy to see her. It had been far too long. She had brought cookies and milk for my fellow riders and had a table set up in the lobby. Pretty thoughtful of her, imagine that. She was able to meet many of my group and of course they all told her how lucky she is to have a husband like me! We spent about an hour there, I took a shower and we hit the road. It was a great trip but it’s true what they say, there is no place for home.

Right now I am absolutely exhausted and drained. Check back in a day or two and I will post a recap of the trip. Now it’s time to crawl into my own bed and dream, dream, dream……

"Hey Uncle Jay, I know you are as axious to see Aunt Leisa as she is to see you, but slow down and smell da coffee. There is a coffee shop up here on the right. Giggle, giggle, giggle"