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More on the Shoreline

The West Shoreline Tour, sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicylists, is one of the most scenic bicycle tours in the Midwest, if not the entire United States. The Lake Michigan shoreline is dotted with scenic beaches and sand dunes, making the ride a visual delight for cyclists.

It was my goal this year to ride the entire event my bicycle. The last time I did this ride, in 1997, I had to do much of the ride by ambulance and SAG wagon because of an injury I suffered just 11 miles into the route. You can read more about that in my account of that particular ride.

Ironically, I did have a setback 11 miles into the 2004 version of the ride as well. As we were exploring the scenery between Spring Lake and Muskegon, I noticed a slow leak in my rear tire -- of course -- that forced me to pull over and make a repair. It turned out that a small piece of rock had worked its way into the tread. I fixed that, but then I flatted again when my tire pump pulled the stem far enough to make two tears into the new tube.

Fortunately, SAG driver Beth was passing by, and she assisted me in getting another tube into the rear wheel. I told her the story about the 1997 ride and told her, "I hope I don't see you the rest of the week, at least on the road." She understood and took no offense.

Even on bicycle tours, many people like to pound in the miles as quickly as they can. The West Shoreline Tour, however, is more fully enjoyed by making stops at the beaches and quaint towns along the way. You have all day to ride. Why spend it at camp when you can see the sights along the way?

Another thing that enhanced the trip was the Pamper Zone. Bubba set up a record 42 tents for this ride as more and more people realize how much easier it is not to have to set up your own tent after a long day of cycling. The bigger benefit, however, is meeting so many great people while enjoying a cold drink in the Pamper Zone each night after the ride.

The other great thing about this ride was seeing my sister, Teresa Parod, and her two children, Julius and Sereana, tackle the course. Julius, 13, was riding "Old Blue," the Cannondale I purchased in 1985. He grew so much in the past year that he had no problems handling the bike. Sereana, 11, rode on a tandem with her mom. All three did a great job!

I hope to post a full account on the Web site sometime in the next two weeks. Keep posted!

Roger 1 comments 2:18 PM

Comments:

Yeah Paords!!!!

# posted by  Anonymous : 6:19 PM

 

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