August 3, 2025
I rode out of town on busy Route 31(US Bike RT 35). The shoulder is wide and the traffic is busy for a Sunday morning. A few miles up the road I turn left to stay on US Bike Route 35. If you travel on a bicycle you know that there is a network of bicycle friendly roads across the country. These roads are strung together and given a US Bike Route number. Most intersections have this signage posted making it easier to travel on bike friendly roads. If you follow a US Bike Route you may be on a State Highway with a wide shoulder, a small country road, or a bike path.
I am now off the busy road and riding through farmlands and forest. I’m rolling up and down hills without the sound of steady traffic.
This back road ends onto another busy State Road. This time I crossed it after a long wait for the traffic to break. I speed across in the opened window to the opposite shoulder to a Trailhead of the T.A.R.P Trail. I will follow this trail all the way to Suttons Bay thirty miles away.
An ice cream shop is open, I stop for a milkshake. From here I cruise into Traverse City along the City Beach.
Once more I am back in the country.
I stop at an intersection to photograph a carved statue.
Dan coasts over and stops to talk. He is interested in touring and feels like he need a push to begin. We talk awhile and I share my experiences and stories with him. He is out for a ride, he lives near by and knows the area so he offered to ride with me and guide me to my Warmshowers house.
After I arrive we talk a bit more, he is anxious to get home and follow our tours.
I try a local beer offered by Pete I head to the shower while he begins preparing our dinner, pasta with fresh vegetables, sauce and local sausage.