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5 x 5’ SFR

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Solo Sojourn: Day 3
139 miles
Grand Marias, MI -> Michigamme, MI

Slight panic this morning when my Garmin froze and the hard reset wasn’t working. 30 minutes later I got it going and the route loaded. The unofficial plan was to catch the ferry from Munising to Grand Island, ride the island, ride the ferry back, and stop in Marquette. Those miles were not included in my total route total, but in my notes I factored them in. The original plan was also another 150 mile on day 4. I didn’t want to deal with that, so I vetoed the ferry and island ride, forged on towards Marquette, and stopped at the Marquette Food Co-Op to refuel before continuing on. I looked up and found an amazing looking restaurant in Michigamme, so off I went. 

After a couple of lemonades, freshly topped off water bottles, and sushi - yes sushi - I headed towards Ishpeming, which was and felt like it was uphill for the first five miles out of Marquette. The paved trail turned to fine, hard packed limestone, then the iron red gravel/dirt, but finally into some rough, loose, and washed out ATV trails - just like back home. Somehow, I was able to keep moving despite just about coming to a stop. After a mile or two, a road crossing finally appeared and I went back north off my route to Highway 41 to make it into town. Those miles ticked off, but as I pulled into town the restaurant was empty - closed. They had a website and good reviews, so I thought for sure they would be open and there was no need to call and verify - rookie move. I was defeated, but went to the gas station for dinner. A sub, bag of chips, string cheese, root beer, and hand scooped ice cream were less than ideal, but food nonetheless. 

This is the first night I’m in the middle of nowhere and feel lonely. It’s the closest I’ve been to crying this trip. After a lake shower and charging and setting up under this fancy gazebo, I’m feeling more optimistic and positive, but I’m looking forward to the last two shorter days and getting home just as Erin and the girls do. This trip has been really good for me mentally and physically - I’m at peace, excited for the next chapters of life, and also putting in one more big block before a big August and a mini-break before a huge cyclocross season and lots of travel this fall.

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Casey Hildebrandt

Solo Sojourn: Day 3

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Ice check

On/Offs

5 x 5’ SFR

Lift

10 mph + 10% = ☠️

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