Tour de Thumb

Took an out-and-back 65-mile ride in Michigan's "Thumb" region today.

A former resident once told me, "It's a place where the 30's lasted until the 60's, a great place and time to grow up. Now it's a bedroom village - the business district is a ghost town."

Ah, yes, I love those ghost towns most of all. They are like little time machines to me and I'm fascinated by the remnants of that bygone era.


I have a feeling there's more to discover...

Images © 2010, Daniel Staudacher

End of the Season?

About a year ago someone told me that they never learned how to ride a bike.

I was, and still am, astounded.

After riding pretty much every day for the last four months, it's probably time to hang it up for the year. With the temperature at 19˚ and a wind chill just above zero, it's really starting to get miserable out there. It's not so much the temperature or the wind chill, but pedaling into a 30-mph wind. Like just about any other outdoor activity, it's quite comfortable if you dress for the weather.

Can't wait 'til Spring.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan.