March 16 beach photos

Here are the last 2 photos from March 16. These were taken at the PJ Hoffmaster State Park beach, looking SW and NW.

More photos from March

Here are a couple photos from my bike ride on March 16. The weather was just starting to warm up during the week, and with Daylight Savings time there was plenty of time in the evening after work.

These photos were taken at PJ Hoffmaster State Park, just to the north of us about 7 miles. It is an easy ride there and back and there were actual hills within the park. (sand hills - but they still count).

More photos from last weekend

Here are more photos from last weekends ride. There was still snow on the ground then but it is all melted now!

Snow covered trails

Here are a couple photos of the trail conditions in Grand Haven. The top photo is near Chinook Pier in the downtown area of Grand Haven. It looks like whoever plowed this trail was drunk or just not very observant. You can see that the trail curves to the right, while the plow went straight through on the grass. The lower photo is on Harbor Island and shows much better conditions.

Spring bike riding weather arrives!

Yes, there is still snow on the ground, but the roads are clear and "most" of the bike trails are also clear. By most, I mean that some of the trails and sidewalks in the city limits have been plowed - sort of. The trail/sidewalks in Grand Haven township are another story altogether. There is probably 6 to 8 inches of snow still on the E-W sidewalk/trail along Comstock St. in south Grand Haven (in the township, not the city). Michigan is sorta weird about townships. All they were good for back in Nebraska was a place to vote. Up here they have different zoning laws and elected officials in each township. They also have counties, but it doesn't seem like counties are as important as townships.

The photo above was taken in William Ferry Park, just north of the drawbridge across the Grand River, and next to Spring Lake. To get from Ferrysburg, where I live, to Grand Haven, you HAVE to take the bike path over the drawbridge. It's not too bad - just a little narrow. If you see bikes coming across from the other side, you can time yourself so that you meet them in the wide spots on either side of the drawbridge proper.

I was able to get out in the neighborhood Thursday evening and got in 2.5 miles. Saturday, I did 9.2 miles, and today (Sunday) I did 7.8 miles. I have many more photos to post so check back later.

Time to register for multi-day rides!

It's that time of year! Most of us are snowed-in, just dreaming about warmer summer weather and cycling without a heavy coat or tights. However, it is time to think about sending in your registration for one of the popular multi-day rides this summer. In fact it is too late now to register for PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan). They already have their limit of 700 riders. It is getting late for the Michigander Ride, but I think that this is still open. The Michigander looks very nice this year, with routes to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.

I doubt if I will take in either of these rides. Since I have started a new job, I only have 2 weeks of vacation this year. My first choice is likely the NUMB Ride (Nebraska United Methodist Bike ride for Hunger) in late June. A lot of my old friends are riding in this, and the route is in eastern Nebraska, which is much better than out in the panhandle. I still have to coordinate this with Gayle, and figure out whether I am driving or flying back to Nebraska.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas to everyone from our family in Ferrysburg, MI!