Today our nucleus divided into four parts. Chip, Alex, Tom, and I had a tale of two rides.

If you’re a route leader, know that I will grade your route planning. Once an educator and all. On today’s 40-miler (64 kilometers), Dennis had a “D” after our first 17 miles. The four of us had to choose to bounce on the semi-rough sidewalk/bike path or deal with speeding traffic on the very edge of buttery, but busy roads.

And come on Dennis, you know a headwind is going to completely feck up your grade.

Spirits lifted at mile 17 when we finally found ourselves on rural roads. We took advantage of a tailwind through small village after small village. We exhaled, loosened the shoulders, enjoyed the scenery, and made better time. Lots of cool houses sprinkled throughout the villages. Dennis easily ended up with a passing grade. Even at the University of Michigan.

Fast forward to mile 37 where we were bombing a smooth, tree-lined, truly beautiful but narrow road. That had been lightly traveled. I looked down at my computer and saw 35 mph. When I looked up I saw a giant garbage truck barreling right towards us. Skip dove into the gravel shoulder in front of me. I rode the white line and turned my torso to the right and easily had at least 12 inches. Alex, behind me, said he also opted to stay on the road and had one inch.

The rural roads are trippy. Very lightly traveled, but when you least expect it, all of a sudden a large tractor or a speeding luxury car will be barreling towards you. So people, don’t lose focus and live to ride another day. Like us. Peace out.