Cycle Across America – Day 77

Bear Lake to (Nearly) Baldwin

70 miles / 1,998ft climb

After a surprisingly reasonable sleep, we set off for today’s ride. Destination Baldwin. 60+ miles later we realise despite the address, our Air BnB is not actually in Baldwin but on Wolf Lake about five miles back up the ‘last hill of the day’ we had just climbed up and then descended.

To add insult to injury, it was on the hard shoulder of a busy highway and it will come as no surprise that I haven’t learned to love these yet!

But these things happen and before too long we were in our cabin which we have booked for two nights. I think it’s safe to say that I don’t think any of us will be cycling on our rest day tomorrow!

The rest of today’s route was thoroughly enjoyable. A range of quiet roads hugging the shores of the lake. We stopped at about 20 miles for brunch in Manistee where we found a fabulous cafe. The locals were queuing out the door but we were assured it was worth the wait. It was!

David cycled with us today which was lovely. He had cycled the same distance yesterday to meet us which was no easy undertaking and I was reminded of how much harder we found the miles and long days in those early few weeks as we gradually built our stamina and grew to appreciate the joys of ice cold drinks and the importance of rehydrating and electrolyte replacements to avoid muscle cramps.

We managed an ice cream stop late afternoon. Think one large tub of ice cream and five spoons which reinvigorated us and helped fuel us through the last fifteen miles or so.

Sunday evening in a small town, as we have experienced before meant there was no restaurants or cafes open. Refuelling required a trip to the supermarket for what has become our staple Sunday supermarket supper. Pizza, apple pie and a bottle of wine. Surprisingly tasty when you’re as hungry as we were!