Since Kevin picked up his new/replacement bike last weekend from Tennessee and I knew the weather would be so nice this weekend, including he was able to get his wrecked ride back before it headed to the scrapyard so he could get all the aftermarket items switched over to his new ride, I also knew he would want to ride. So, I asked him Thursday if I should plan a route, and he said “of course”.
Also since it was going to be in the 80s, I figured planning a ride along Lake Michigan seemed fitting as well, which is what I planned.
He met me here around 10:30 and off we went. Although this ride was almost a carbon-copy of one we took last year, I did add some more roads we haven’t been on before and a little extension from last year, but with a stop back in Manitowoc for cream at the Cedar Crest plant.
Around three of the Lakeshore or Lakeview roads just south and north of Kewaunee were fall chip sealed, but seemed to have been done a little while ago as they were not bad at all. There were plenty of times too along the lake where it almost felt chilly, and that was refreshing!
I also planned some place new for lunch in Algoma, Smashed on the Rocks. Due to the inclines in their parking lot and the issue with my kickstand being too tall, it took me a while to find a good way to park, but eventually did so.
Apparently the establishment was under staffed as they had signs stating no waitress, order and pick up your food from the bar. It also took a fairly long time just to get someone to take our order. However, we decided we didn’t want to try and find another place since this one was also right by the road I had planned for us to take north out of Algoma along the lake.
Once we did get our food ordered, we opted to sit outside on the deck under an umbrella, and it didn’t take long at all for our food to be ready. We just had to fight the bees off while we were eating.
From there we headed around halfway to Sturgeon Bay along the lake where we had a bald eagle join us for a while in flight, and then we proceeded west away from the lake and then south on some county and country roads which were new to us. Eventually going through Mishicot and back into Manitowoc for our planned cream stop, and boy it sure was good timing for that, water and a little time without the gear on since it was pretty stinking hot.
From there I took the lead on Dewey Street west to Hwy 42 all the way back to Grove, where Kevin continued west on Cty A and when I turned onto my road, Lincoln, my rear tire slipped out and I had to put my left foot down to stay upright. Reminded me of when I had the dirt bike. And, after I got home, I went for another walk since it was so nice and checked out that intersection, and sure enough, there was a nice pile of the pea gravel where I turned from the chip seal done in the Spring. Must have washed out down there with the rain we had earlier in the week and I couldn’t see it with the sun in my eyes.
What a great day of riding! Seen some patches of yellows and some brilliant maples, and even the USS Badger off in the distance by Manitowoc around 11:30 which made sense since it leaves port around 11. Tomorrow won’t be quite as warm, but we plan to get out again.
Only 150 miles for me today since I didn’t have to make the extra trips to and from Fondy.
