I got back on the road around 6:30am and was riding northeast toward the Wisconsin-Michigan border. Backroads took me to Peshtigo and further to Marinette. The ride was peaceful and much like other backroads had very little traffic. The highlight of these 20 miles, or so, was riding by a gentleman walking two dogs. I noticed one was a Blue Heeler, and I complimented him on the breed. The Blue Heeler's change of stride seemed to indicate curiosity in me as I rode by, but he quickly resumed walking when called by his owner (Rupert was the dog's name).
Groceries were necessary before going further on today. I had exhausted much of what I had left with from Marion, and I didn't want to be packing groceries down the road in rain. As I walked out of the grocery store in Marinette, a very light drizzle began to fall. A few more miles and across the border in Michigan, the drizzle had become a steady rainfall. Before departing Menominee, I noticed that the temperature was 50°F.
The remaining 53 miles to Escanaba consisted of rain, chilly temperatures (mid-40°s), and a steady wind from the south/southwest (at least the wind favored me). These were some of the most challenging weather conditions I had ever ridden in. While it can, it doesn't usually get much worse riding in a cold rain, and this was compounded by riding through it for 53 miles. During this stretch, I stopped twice for a meal and to switch around water bottles. Being quick was key, for every minute that passed by meant feeling and getting colder. Navigating to Escanaba was the easiest part: ride state highway 35 from Menominee to Escanaba.
Since I seldom stopped between Menominee and Escanaba, I arrived in Escanaba ahead of schedule, even when accounting for the time zone change. I saw signage for a brewery just south of town (Underhand Brewing Company) and felt that I had earned at least one brew after dealing with today's challenging weather conditions. Above all, getting out of the elements was important.
About an hour after arriving at the brewery, I got in touch with a gentleman, Dan, that thankfully was able to host me (through Warm Showers; a network of sorts where cyclists can link to host others or to seek out hosts). Days like this with unfavorable weather are physically and mentally draining. Getting rejuvenated is all the more necessary. It was an immense relief to be hosted, and for Dan and Mary's hospitality, I am forever grateful. I'll never forget their acts of kindness in taking me in for the evening.
Dan made a fantastic dinner that consisted of salad, rolls, cauliflower, beans, and walleye. This meal was with certainty uplifting for my body and spirits. After dinner, Dan and I had great conversation regarding touring and other topics. I had a big takeaway from our conversation in regards to touring. Dan and I had touched on some of the potential dangers of touring on a bicycle. However, it's something that he and I share a love and joy for. Dan mentioned that despite some of these potential dangers that he wasn't going to live in a life of fear. He intended to continue to do something he loves doing. Hearing these words, that I took as wisdom, was a great source of affirmation for cycling and life in general: resist living in a life of fear.
I hadn't felt more ready for a good night's sleep at any other point during the trip thus far. Tomorrow I would ride further into the rural upper peninsula of Michigan.
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