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The unexpected journey: by bike from Traverse City to Suttons Bay

nicely marked and well maintained bike route 
 While visiting StringGirl's aunt and uncle in Traverse City the offer to go on a bike ride and get some coffee and pastries was met with enthusiasm. As we started on our way, it casually arrived in conversation that the ride would be 17 miles, to which Rey responded with more than a little bit of despair; "17 miles round trip?". Our more fit family from TC then responded without irony, "No, each way".
Donors and supporters of the Trail
The route is part of an extensive cycling route that extends a total of 500 miles connecting Sault Ste. Marie to New Buffalo. Our leg connected Traverse City to Suttons Bay. It was not a grueling ride and the grade is pretty gentle throughout. However, our lack of general fitness and sporting ability did make the trip a little bit taxing first thing in the morning.

Lovely little community garden at the Suttons Bay end of the trail
 Over the course of the 34 mile round trip we encountered several groups of cyclists. Everything from weekend warriors to the well appointed serious enthusiasts. The trail was never really crowded and made for a fantastic Sunday morning ride, albeit unexpectedly long.
Look a creek
 There is plenty to see along the way with farms, parkland, and forests mixing up the scenery. Neighbors along the route even placed water at picnic tables and benches welcoming guests to take a moment to relax in the shade, hydrate, and sign little guest books,
StringGirl sized playhouse, I guess for field mice?

Minor ruins along the route

Rey and Kristi

This will be an epic ride once the colors turn

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