July 3, 2025
Goodbye Badgers…Hello Wolverines and Spartans
Pack up your children, pack up your wife. Take to the roads for the time of your life. America the Beautiful is waiting for you. But for how long, nobody knows. The glaciers are melting, the oceans are rising, the lakes and streams are drying up, and some yahoo in the Bolder Junction area DOT wants to turn Rustic County Road K into a four lane highway. Why? I’ll tell you why…because during my 11.5 mile ride on the road, there was me, two squirrels, one turkey, and one car. A veritable traffic jam. WTH!!!
Ok, moving beyond my rant…
After I posted last night, I went to the town’s block party for a bit. Started with a Shrimp Boil Bucket (I had no idea what that was but hey I was trying to experience the town). Turns out it was six big shrimp, a piece of some kind of sausage, a red potato, and a half ear of corn all boiled and served in a bucket. Took my food and plopped myself down at a table with a local family (I know…I have to work on not being so shy). Learned a lot about the history of Boulder Junction and the recent goings on in town. After awhile, we got thrown out (nicely) because we were done eating and they needed the table. Then it was off to Peeple’s Park to listen to a local woman play guitar and sing songs from a broad array of genres. The highlight was my third favorite version after Janis and Pink of one of my favorite songs; Me and Bobby McGee. She did a great job. The turnout was strong (see pictures).
Another nice ride today. 83 miles with 3.5k feet of climbing (more than usual by about 1k feet). I said goodbye and thanks for the memories to Wisconsin at 10:45am. So far Michigan has been somewhat unremarkable. The towns haven’t really been towns and the roads other than a few early on have been “ok”. Food and drinks were a little hard to come by, but i survived (obviously since I’m writing this blog). I am confident Michigan has yet to show its best and things will get way better. I know that sounds a little harsh, but Wisconsin spoiled me.
Lots of preparation going on for the Fourth of July celebrations. One small town in Michigan had the parade route all marked out, and tents and recreation activities for the kids all set up. I think there are about 150 people living in the town and they are preparing for at least 500 to show up. I won’t be there but I am looking forward to celebrating both the 4th and the 5th (some towns are saving fireworks for Saturday) in Michigan. Some people go all out when decorating for Halloween and Christmas. Coming into Crystal Falls, MI I found the 4th of July decoration winner (see photos).
Staying at the Big Foot motel tonight. The sign said “no vacancy” but I went in and asked anyway. Got the last room 😉. Honestly I was going to camp. I even rode to the entrance to the campgrounds. It was a bit off the route, no food close by and I had numerous bug bites before even getting to the actual campsites. So I wussed out and called an audible. At $69.00 a night it didn’t cost much more than the campsite and I’ve got A/C.
Escabana is the stopping point for tomorrow. I think about 72 miles but first I have to climb the hill out of Crystal Falls. Great way to start the day 😢.
Night all.
| Heart | 4 | Comment | 1 | Link |
| Heart | 4 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Heart | 4 | Comment | 1 | Link |
| Heart | 3 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Heart | 2 | Comment | 1 | Link |
| Heart | 3 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Heart | 2 | Comment | 1 | Link |
Today's ride: 83 miles (134 km)
Total: 685 miles (1,102 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 4 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 1 |
3 weeks ago
3 weeks ago