90 miles, 1033 feet climbed
Another pleasant day, weather wise. I am revoking my praise for Michigan road surfaces, however. Today’s were some of the worst on the tour and a greater percentage of the day’s ride than any other day I can recall. I do have the general impression that they were not as bad as in 2004, but that is the kind of faint praise that only a narcissist would spin positively. No new crops along the way but some good frozen custard not a a Culver’s at the turn south near Lake Huron (along with pizza, of all things, thus the name Pepperoni Cow). And my first Boston Cream doughnut at Tim Horton’s.
A couple of days ago we encountered a road crew applying crack sealant. It was hard not to ride over some of the fresh sealant. Some had it stuck to their tires and brake arms. I had very little but did have some tar left over from and earlier encounter with chip sealing on a road shoulder leaving Fond du Lac. Rob had thoughtfully purchased wipes preimpregnated with tar and other nasties remover and I joined the others in wiping down my tires, frame and brakes. I discovered this morning that I also got some of the solution on my rims. They made this clear the first time I applied my brakes with a loud screetching sound. That went away after a few stops but Rob suggested wiping the rims with rubbing alcohol, which I did at the mechanics session this evening.
