I M Perfect lady

My biking adventure began at 6:40AM on Friday – I headed out optimistic.  About halfway to Houghton, I called my husband to come and meet me.  My load was too heavy, something had to go.  

I then continued on, mentally dumping things – hiking poles, hat, two extra jackets, nightwear, rubber mallet, to name a few.

I met my leader after I had pedaled about 9 miles. Her load looked light and compact and she was a smooth pedaler. I was in trouble.

I fell into place behind two athletic looking women.  I was out of my element; but holding strong.

We  then met up with a few locals who meet on Fridays for morning coffee – they commute to work daily.  One women was heading out to Wisconsin, she was fully loaded and her body looked strong enough to take on the task!

My anxiousness was made even more so – these bodies and bikes were made for touring – how would me, my mountain bike and burley keep up?

I had worries or concerns prior to the ride.  

The hills – getting across the bridge pulling burley, being able to get in and out of the tent making a successful bathroom experience, going down hills with burley making me speed, to name a few.

Yet each worry was met with success.

OH, and the ladies I was on the adventure with were not familiar to me.  What was I doing, on this ride with ladies who have been riding trails and roads, and going on long out of state adventures?  Nothing like doing your first overnight camp/bike trip with seasoned in shape ladies!  

But, I cycled on.   The hill outside of Lake Linden, I had to push burley and me up.  Just moving that load up the hill was a success!  

Each long incline was met with angst and then achievement.  The miles rolled on.

The first day total was 39 for me.  One of the ladies said, "We round up"….so, let say 40 then.

Here I am with the woman who planned this and was my mentor and guide along the roads.  She slowed way down to keep up with me. She is one of my new role models!  She glided up that steep hill with loaded down bike like she was in her 20's. She is 69!

Arriving at the beach we then went for a walk along the lake.  It was simply a perfect day!!!

Mine is in the front – Big Agnes!  She did her job and kept me dry, even with the small thunderstorm we had on night two.  I hope her and I will go on more adventures!!

Setting up our tents.  There were three of us who slept in tents the first night and two the second.

My new friends are musical, and very inspiring on so many levels.

I love her spirit of just playing and singing….my other new friend is 70 and she is a badass biker girl. And, she brought a nightgown to sleep in!  I loved her energy!! I hope I can spend more time with her!!!  

Happy I made it through the first day!  

The sunrise on day two!  Incredible!!!  

Most of these ladies did 36 miles on day two.

My new friend and I chose to take an easier ride. 

Well, we did have an impromptu picnic first!  

We sat and enjoyed the view…until the clouds rolled in.  We did 12 miles that day and felt it was perfect with the beach picnic.

More music and great conversation on night two!  And, a small thunderstorm in the middle of the night.

Sunrise day two!  I slept much better, it was a bit warmer and perhaps I was just plain tired.  

Lots of new experiences, new friends, lots of great conversations and of course biking!

I am glad I was able to head out despite my fears, worries and concerns.  All of which never arrived. And when each moment happened, I successfully navigated the way forward.

This new friend is a hard core rider.  I kept calling her and her friend "girls"; they appear to be around 30, but are in their early 50's I think.

Here we are at Rice Lake…about 11 miles into my 42 mile day.  Right after this picture, we turned a corner and headed up a few mile incline.  Yes, that is right a few miles of a 'slight' uphill.  I stayed on the bike and pedaled. My new biking friends told me to keep my shoulders loose and let my energy go to my legs. What a helpful hint.  Yet, it was still a climb!

19 miles in we stopped for breakfast.  Once I sat down, I could have been done.  The weather then climbed to 73 and sunny. 

Back on the bikes…we headed towards Hancock.

After my second ride over the bride, pulling the burley, I was back on familiar territory.  OH my god, did it feel good!  I know these trails and they were beautiful!

My leader and I parted ways after the trail and I headed into my last 9 miles alone.

Oh what joy to be back in Chassell!

I could almost feel the relief of getting off the bike!  As I rounded the bend at the end of Chassell, the temps dropped and headwinds picked up.  My last push to our road was hard on weary legs!

Only two miles of gravel and I was home!

The burley and I…did it!

I am so grateful I went.  I loved that I was able to successfully accomplish the goals we had set and to override my fears and worries.  Feeling a little bit more self assured!

I may not look like a badass biker chick; but yeah that's me!

And look at the heavy load I pulled, pedaled and traveled with for 93 miles.

Today, I rode for 42 miles!

Three days of the new and unknown.  Meeting women I had never met before and finding new friends! 

Challenges give you much more than you can ever know prior to heading out.

Thank you to all the women who are role models in being adventurous, you ladies rock!

Feeling tired in the best way ever…going out of my comfort zone and nailing it!

Take that worries; I got this!