Good People, Good Deeds, Good Reflections

Today marked the first time I’ve really had a good chance to reflect on my adventure, which is quickly coming to a close. It was maybe the most ideal day of cycling I’ve seen; perfect temperatures, sunny, beautiful scenery. I was just about to give up on Michigan after the past few days, when lo and behold, a day like today comes by and renewed my faith.

First, I would like to thank the House of Wheels in Owosso, which had my bicycle in prime condition when Cliff and I arrived shortly after 10:00am. Not only did they waive all of their fees, including a new rear derailer, fixing the spokes and “truing” my rear wheel; they also called the Owosso newspaper to interview me and take some pictures. Hopefully this is the final bike shop I will need to visit, and it surely has very fine and gracious staff. Here’s how good they are: I couldn’t believe they were donating their time and gear, and when I mentioned they could write it off their taxes, they were not interested. Now that is unparalleled goodness.

Even though he day was quiet and peaceful, it was a little like media day at the end of spring training. Beside the Owosso News, I also did a radio interview with WHNN96 in Saginaw, my usual morning spot on the Eagle in Gaylord, and a big interview with the Bay City Times, which was arranged by Meier and Associates. This was going to be a quiet, underground trip until the bowling girls got involved, but I am happy to spread positive messages about the goodness in the world and living out your personal dreams. What a great feeling to think that I have made a positive impact on others.

On my way north from Owosso, I passed through St. Charles, where the entire St. Charles High School student body was planting flowers throughout the entire town. It was a sight to see; I talked with a group of young adults and some organizers how great it must feel to transform their town in a few hours. Once again, good news is there when you look for it.

I rode to the Maier and Associates office in Bay City to thank them for their contribution to the Kyle Casey Memorial Scholarship. Wayne Maier, the Grand Pooba, told me that he would donate a dollar a mile before the trip started. They are contributing more than the rest of the combined donations we have received, over $2,300 at this point. Wayne is a unique man with unique life experiences, and I think he holds many of the values I am espousing on this trip close to his heart. He knew completing the tour would be a challenge for me, but that made his commitment so much more meaningful. It’s too bad he could not be there, but a bunch of the Maier gang was there to greet me and I think them all.

Most of my day involved cycling on peaceful back roads, although for 10 miles I enjoyed the Saginaw Valley Rail-Trail, a dedicated bike trail between St. Charles and Saginaw. It was awesome. About noon, I realized that I was not going to make it to Dennis and Cathy’s cottage on Forest Lake. I decided to camp instead, partly because tonight will be my last opportunity, and camping has been such an integral and rewarding part of my journey. I’m in a roadside park just south of Standish, and even though it doesn’t have the lakes, views and intrigue of some other locations, it feels nice to settle in for one last evening under the stars. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity of this adventure, and doubly so because I could share it with others.

PS: Happy Birthday, Jim!