Today I rode 130 miles south in an 'out and back' to the state line. Here I am with my trusty 'Kind of Blue' bike at a sign that says Ind ana, which we can assume is Indiana. My route was mostly along lightly traveled rural roads from home south of Allegan, through Bangor, Dowagiac, and then Niles. From Niles the state line is just a few miles further south.
On the way, I saw many interesting things. A wetland in the early morning:
Many apple orchards that were in bloom ( good to see no frost damage:)
And something for my toolbox:
While I do occasionally look at the passing scenery, most of my focus is on the road surface about 5-10 feet in front of me. I'm looking for glass shards, potholes, stones & rocks, etc. I often see many interesting things that have been cast off from passing cars. Some of the more common things I see on just about every ride:
-clothing, both adult and children's. Often it is underwear. I won't even attempt to explain.
-beer and liquor bottles. Drinking and driving remains a popular pastime despite legal ramifications.
Some of the more unusual items I have seen in recent memory
-iPads. I have found two in the past 6 months. Cracked, wet and unusable.
-Today I saw a beehive tray with honeycomb attached. No viable bees though.
- D avenue near the Kalamazoo river was littered with hundreds of watch batteries.
I wondered if this business exits on the googler (the aptly named 'Field Plumbing Heating':)
This ride will be my last long one before I attempt the 300K (185 mile) Brevet in Wisconsin on June 30. I would have liked to go a little longer, but overall the 130 miles went smoothly with no major pain in my hands, feet or butt; the three critical points of contact on long rides. My eating/energy level was good also, as I learn what and when to stop and eat along the way.
