Today was one of those Midwest summer days that you dread - hot and muggy. The weather channel threatened storms but they lingered to the North and in their place, a steamy day with thick, heavy air just trapping the heat all around you.
After a filling breakfast of the usual two eggs, two sausage, hash browns and toast, we packed up our belongings, minus the tent, sleeping bag and a few other items that we decided were non-essential. From here on out, the towns will be more prevalent so we shouldn't run into the need to camp (hopefully). Of course, Murphy's law will probably kick in for us now that we are tent less.
It was hard to leave after our relaxing stay at mom's house. Alas, there was something familiar and comforting about getting back into the biking routine. That joy lasted until about mile 3 were we hit the first of several construction detours of the day. (Gotta love the summer road construction!)
At mile 23, we arrived in Battle Creek, you could tell we were close when the aroma of breakfast cereal punched you in the face. It was strong. Marc says that both Post and Kellogg have their factories there. They had a pretty downtown area with a brick lined main street. Ouch - bricks may look neat but they are hard on the butt and bike!
The rest of our route to Jackson, took us through historic old towns and past beautiful historic farms with large mansion houses, they reminded me of Southern Plantations.
As we approached the town of Jackson, the rain clouds approached us - dark and ominous. We picked up the pace, hoping to get to our motel before the rain. Unfortunately that wasn't the case, the fat raindrops quickly turned into sheets of rain belting us from the side.
We stopped briefly to seek shelter as the rain was really coming down hard. I asked Marc if we should wait out the storm, but he replied that the storms in Michigan can last for hours. So we decided to ride on, hoping our motel was just around the corner. The rain continued to come down in buckets, creating small rivers at all the intersections. It was getting a bit dangerous as some of the standing water was a few inches deep.
After riding another 15 minutes in the rain, we pulled into the small covered entrance of the Best Value Inn. That would have been great, had we made reservations there. However, our reservations were at the Motel 6 - which was nowhere to be found!
The rain let up just a bit from sheets to a steady downpour and we rode on in search of our motel. Finally, after consulting a local for directions, we arrived at the Motel 6. We were absolutely drenched - not a dry spot on us. The bland motel clerk didn't even blink an eye at our condition. (Makes you miss the mom & pop motels!)
Its been years since I've had the pleasure of staying at a Motel 6. It was nostalgic to discover that they still charge you for the extras. Although they stopped charging a $1 for the TV key awhile back, they now charge you $3.17 for Internet! Oh well, even with the Internet charge, this motel is the cheapest one of our whole trip - only $43 (including tax.)
As I type today's blog, I am icing my leg. Our break from biking was beneficial to my mental health but not physically. One day back in the saddle and my left leg is in pain. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the pain will go away by tomorrow. Its a weird aching stiffness of which neither Marc nor I can figure out the reason.
Here's where I'd like to post Marc's stats but he's sound asleep! I'll do my best to summarize from my antiquated bike computer.
Total Miles: 74
Average MPH: 13.7
Time on the Bike: 5 hours 22 minutes
Total Ride Time: 8 hours.
Winds: SSW at 11 mph
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