Birthday Celebration Bike Ride
The year has been one of suffering pain in the left leg and foot. I am hopeful that eventually, I will be able to sleep thru the night without it waking me. But it has been rested long enough, I have a new physical therapist that has worked more magic in a week than occurred in 6 weeks going twice a week. So, pain or no pain I am riding. In celebration of my birthday, I ventured my longest ride in a month. Only 30 miles but every pedal was one of joy and beauty.
Bike is loaded and ready to roll. Complete with blankets and sunblock for the beach should the mood strike. And of course I travel no where without Captain America. He represents the support from my grandson Greyson (his favorite super hero) and my son US Army Captain Matthew Grider. And when the going gets tough, I ask him to push. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn’t.
A pause at the stop sign at Pond and Grace Roads to take pictures of pretty flowers. These are probably what some would call a weed but they are new to my eyes. And then when I went to take a picture of my favorite flower type the daisy, a pollinator was also enjoying its beauty.
A bikers tunnel of love. It is part of the Betsie Valley trail that eventually leads to Frankfort.
Captain America called “Beach Break.”
And absolutely nothing is better for one’s soul than sand between the toes. Although it is unknown to most, there is huge significance to those three little stars on my foot. My kids and I had a rough divorce. There is one star for each of us. The stars are a reminder that no matter how tough things get in the world, every star is within our reach. And we made it. And we continue to reach for bigger stars all the time.
(Ugh – no matter how I crop the beautiful architecture of the town hotel, the site cuts off the top. ) After some time on the beach, a barefoot walk back through town to get ice cream. Of course, Captain America’s request. But as I walk, I am reminded of I.S.A.F club. I thank goodness I kept my mouth shut on the ride because I wanted chocolate ice cream. But if you know what I.S.A.F. stands for then, you know the only cure is vanilla ice cream. (Hint: from the book Superfudge – it is the I swallowed a fly club – if you haven’t read it – do so)
The views from the ride around Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake from Beulah.
