July is Flying By!

The last few weeks have been in crazy push mode as I've been training for my first bike event in many years, celebrating the 4th and summer in general, working and book writing a bit more, spending hours in the dental chair, and happily entertaining guests. 

Ann Arbor is a politically active, progressive town, but the 4th of July parade was a bit of a shocker. I've never seen a holiday parade that was 90% politicians and political statements! This did not please me -- aren't we supposed to take one day off to celebrate the fact that we can rant freely? With one exception, I've chosen to share the parade bits that had me singing, "I love a parade!"

When I arrived in Ann Arbor, I immediately found the bike touring club's July event, known as "One Helluva Ride". Just the name was enough to motivate me to train for the 66-miler, and since it started 15 miles west, I knew I'd get to see some of the area that I've never seen before. It was a fairly hilly, scenic ride of more than 1500 folks, and yes, it goes through Hell, Michigan. I'd forgotten how much I love a day of rising at dawn with nothing to do but pedal and eat with a crowd! 

The following day, a dear friend from high school and her daughter arrived, and we packed in 12 hour days (and 8-10 mile walks!) touring everywhere possible in Ann Arbor. From breakfast through evening cocktails, we were on an agenda, and what fun it was! An annual July reunion is now on the books. 

I'm stunned that I roll out of here in about a month, and no, I haven't decided which direction the Element will be pointing. That news coming soon, honestly.