Category: Palm 2018

Today is the beginning of my ride across Michigan. This week long event, called PALM for “Peddle Across Michigan”, started way back in 1982. They cut off registrations at 700 participants. I managed to get in under the wire as they extended the deadline this year because all spots weren’t filled. We start in Holland and end 6 days later in St. Clair, MI. I plan on taking the longer mileage option each day so the event will be about 350 for me. We’ll see how I feel as the week progresses because there is a shorter distance option each day.

There’s a few photos in the Gallery

71.1 Miles
15.4 mph average speed
121 bpm average heart rate
2420 calories burned
1795 ft elevation gain
10% max grade

After some rain in the early morning hours, things settled down around  breakfast time and we had cloudy skies with cooler temperatures for the rest of the day. I woke up early because there were 2 assholes who decided to get up and take their tent down at 5 am. They were in the tent immediately beside me. They completely ignored the quiet hours restrictions which were in effect until 6:30. The inconsiderate jerks even talked in a loud voice while they were tearing their campsite down. I decided to let it go and not start a fight. I never got back to sleep. Breakfast was disorganized and started 30 minutes late. The line was incredible and the food wasn’t very good. Some sort of goulash that they called a breakfast casserole. The food last year was much better. Continue reading “Sunday – A Breeze”

67.31 miles
13.32mph Avg speed
122 bpm avg heart rate
1758 ft elevation gain
2686 Calories burned

A miserable day. Weather forecast called for West winds but they were East. Some fairly big hills in the morning but then we were riding the corn fields. Flat with terrible road surfaces. One long section was just recently redone with chip/seal. Since it was new, it wasn’t packed and it was bumpy.

No support stops for the last 25 miles and there was no place to buy anything. The organizers called it a food desert. I would have been nice if they at least had a water thermos somewhere in that 25 miles.

We ended in the town of Portland. A nice place with 3 micro breweries. I was ready for some beer for sure.

Gonna be an early night as the forecast calls for more headwinds tomorrow.

53.38 Miles
13.6 avg MPH
118 bpm avg heart rate
1197 ft Altitude Ascent
1969 Calories burned
191.7 Total Accumulated Miles

Not much happening of interest. East winds kept the ride a bit rough but it wasn’t too bad. Not much scenery. Just more of the same corn fields and roadkill. They seem to have more coons and possums than we have around HB. Continue reading “Tuesday – Missed the Turnoff”

49.77 Miles
13.42 avg mph
117 bpm avg heart rate
1822 Calories burned
774 Elevation gain
241.7  accumulated miles

What an exciting day. Started off with a trash truck rumbling through the campgrounds at 5:00. Why do these guys always start so early in the morning? So I was up and couldn’t get back to sleep. Rain was threatening so I decided to leave early and try to beat the storm headed our way. Didn’t work. Started raining almost as soon as I left and never stopped. Most of the time, it was pouring. My glasses fogged up so I couldn’t see. Continue reading “Fun in the Rain”

70.32 Miles
14.9 mph
123 bpm avg heart rate
2493 Calories burned
1046 ft. elevation gain
312.0 Accumulated Miles

The rain finally stopped last night after dinner so got a chance to dry off some of the gear. I am very happy with my new tent. Kept me dry and the extra space was much appreciated. With a week worth of experience, I can set up camp in about 15 minutes. This will be beneficial when I take some long motorcycle tours later this year. Continue reading “Thursday – I’m Done”