City of Kalamazoo

56.04 miles, 1427 feet. Today was supposed to be an easy 50 something day. Unfortunately the overnight rain created some hazards and six people in our group including us fell on various parts of the route. We both fell when we hit our brakes on a slimy wet wooden trail bridge. One of our fellow cyclists in front of us failed to negotiate a curve and was laying on the trail in front of us. As soon as we hit our brakes to avoid hitting him we slid on what might as well have been black ice. We have some bruises, but will survive.

Otherwise, we rode on the Kalamazoo Trail for part of the morning and then on roads. It was a nice day and the route ended in Albion. We met several fellow cyclists from our southern tier ride and enjoyed dinner and their company. We have a rest day tomorrow and will then forge ahead for seven days to reach Niagara Falls. The trip has gone quickly and we have just three more weeks.Read more