13 May 2007: From Holiday to Hills and Headwinds
Munising to Escanaba (via Pictured Rocks): 8.2 mi to PCNL, 59.5 to Escanaba; low 60s w/chilly headwind
I extended my weekend by a few hours, spending the morning at Pcitured Rocks, hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail, seeing a waterfall, soaking in the beauty. The North Country Trail begs for further exploration - add it to my long list of places to return to.
After lunch I had a brutal introduction to my new work week, pedalling to Escanaba for tomorrow's school talk. I expected some hills as I left the Lake Superior watershed, and I got a few - but I crested the last one at mile 6, then the land reverted to its typical UP flatness.
Unfortunately, my weather agony wasn't nearly so short-lived. Headwinds gusting at least 20-30 mph battered me all day, dropping my average speed below 12 mph. Facing well over five hours of riding when four should have done it can be discouraging, knowing the wind won't relent if I can just crest one more rise. To keep a positive attitude, I focused on tiny victories. Conquered the last hill? Success! Finished the 'easy' stretch and turned directly into the wind? Another win! Reached the half-way point for the day? Party with a Power Bar!
By the time I turned onto the four-lane divided highway US2, (3/4 done! Woo Woo!) the wind abated - or maybe I just lost the wind-tunnel effect of the narrow roads hemmed in by trees. By that time it hardly made a difference - I had too little in reserve to take advantage and crank up my speed.
I may have finally solved my biological mystery: why does my nose run like a broken water main whenever I bike down the road? I first thought maybe colder temps did it - but Niagara Nose kept gushing gallons even when the temps hit 70s last week. Then I figured maybe the trees and flowers blooming were releasing allergens that turned my schnozz into the Amazon. That theory got shot down as I hiked for 2-3 hours in the woods and along the beach, when my sinuses mimicked the Grand Coulee Dam. However, get off the trail and back on the bike, and five minutes later the floodgates open. By the process of elimination, I finally narrowed it down - I must be allergic to asphalt!
I extended my weekend by a few hours, spending the morning at Pcitured Rocks, hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail, seeing a waterfall, soaking in the beauty. The North Country Trail begs for further exploration - add it to my long list of places to return to.
After lunch I had a brutal introduction to my new work week, pedalling to Escanaba for tomorrow's school talk. I expected some hills as I left the Lake Superior watershed, and I got a few - but I crested the last one at mile 6, then the land reverted to its typical UP flatness.
Unfortunately, my weather agony wasn't nearly so short-lived. Headwinds gusting at least 20-30 mph battered me all day, dropping my average speed below 12 mph. Facing well over five hours of riding when four should have done it can be discouraging, knowing the wind won't relent if I can just crest one more rise. To keep a positive attitude, I focused on tiny victories. Conquered the last hill? Success! Finished the 'easy' stretch and turned directly into the wind? Another win! Reached the half-way point for the day? Party with a Power Bar!
By the time I turned onto the four-lane divided highway US2, (3/4 done! Woo Woo!) the wind abated - or maybe I just lost the wind-tunnel effect of the narrow roads hemmed in by trees. By that time it hardly made a difference - I had too little in reserve to take advantage and crank up my speed.
I may have finally solved my biological mystery: why does my nose run like a broken water main whenever I bike down the road? I first thought maybe colder temps did it - but Niagara Nose kept gushing gallons even when the temps hit 70s last week. Then I figured maybe the trees and flowers blooming were releasing allergens that turned my schnozz into the Amazon. That theory got shot down as I hiked for 2-3 hours in the woods and along the beach, when my sinuses mimicked the Grand Coulee Dam. However, get off the trail and back on the bike, and five minutes later the floodgates open. By the process of elimination, I finally narrowed it down - I must be allergic to asphalt!
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