July 20th
Monday
53 Miles
Ellsworth, Michigan to Traverse City State Park, Michigan
Hills and headwinds (15 to 20 mph) again today for the first ten miles before our route took us along East Torch Lake drive, a gently rolling road lined with trees that blocked most of the wind leaving us with a cool breeze. Later in the day, the wind was again a factor as we rode through hills of farmland. The ride was scenic changing from lakeshore, to forest, to rolling green hills, and roads lined with wild flowers. The only heavy traffic was on Highway 72 for around seven miles. All other roads were light traffic, peaceful and pretty.
We passed a few centennial farms that have been in the same family for over 100 years. One had the date of 1887 posted on the barn and listed the family members that have owned and operated it. We never tire of seeing these homesteads with old the barns and silos. We also passed the Great Lakes Equestrian Center. We saw owners working with magnificent horses preparing for the annual Equestrian Festival. Would love to have stayed for this festival but it was not scheduled to begin for several days.
Our last few miles of the day were on the TART Bicycle Trail that goes through Traverse City State Park where we stayed for the night. We really like the Michigan State Parks and their clean facilities. Tonight the only draw back was that all camp sites were occupied and most everyone had a campfire on this very still evening..too much smoke!
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