Day 39 - Ashland, WI to Bergland, MI - 72 miles - 1512 feet of elevation gain

Once we left the hotel parking lot the next turn wasn’t for like over 40 miles. We rode through the town of Ashland heading north and then the road began to turn east. The morning roads were a dream, so smooth. We even got on a freshly paved road. I was out in front for the first 17 miles. I was thinking it must look a little funny to those that pass us, a girl in the front with 9 guys following on bicycles (down one as he visits family so we keep having to remind ourselves of the new number). Or maybe that’s perfectly normal in these parts for girls to be chased by guys 🤷🏻‍♀️.

At one point in the ride we were entering a busier road and I looked over to the right and saw a cyclist going the opposite direction. I did a double take and noticed a paved trail. I checked the map on my bike computer and saw that the path paralleled the road we were taking. I quickly started looking for Al because he is the one that studied the routes and roads. He said “yes, when I looked at that path on google it wasn’t paved, so let’s take it!” I went through some gravel and grass and jumped on the path. Al went ahead and told the group in front to take the next entrance. So for about 10 miles we got a lovely rail trail with snaking turns. It was a highlight of the day! I was disappointed that it had to end.

We crossed the Michigan border and also the time change line to enter into EST. Shortly after the Michigan border we encountered a VW repair shop that has so many different models from yesteryear. We pulled into the road to wait for two behind to catch up. As we entered the lot, I yelled to the boys “Everyone pick your car!” I immediately picked a blue VW bus because it matched my bike and would be so fun to drive around. Monny picked an orange VW bus and Zander a yellow bug. I’m not sure anyone else played along.

We lunched at Sunday Lake on a Sunday, so that was fitting. There was a wooden dock with benches that we sat on while eating. From the lunch spot we had about 20 miles to the finish. It all seemed to go so fast. It’s amazing what good roads will do for your rolling speeds. For the last 5 miles I ran sweep and made sure everyone got to the hotel, as those in the front turned on their motors to wind out the last few miles.

The weather started in the low 60s and climbed to the mid-80s by afternoon. While it was cooler in the morning I could tell the humidity was high because the Deller genes kicked in and I was a glistening mess by 9am.

We dined at a nondescript restaurant about 11 miles north in an abandoned mall. We were the only ones in the restaurant. It was a big night for them with 12 patrons at one time. I ordered a Wisconsin Cheese Curd burger, but I also had a slice of pizza (which I bartered for). The pizza was so good, I wished I had ordered pizza. The burger was good too, it was a thick patty. So if you find yourself in Bergland, MI head to White Pines Yooper Diner.

Tomorrow we have a big day ahead with 97 miles to cover.