Monday 18 July 2011

Day 16, Ral's Ride.

Continental breakfast before Ralf set off at 7:30am. Ralf's panniers stowed away in Val's car would make for a lighter ride, the goal today was to hopefully make it beyond Clare, MI 90 miles east, if weather, mostly wind would cooperate. The plan was to meet in Reed City for lunch at the 7 Slot Grill a local watering hole. On his way Ralf stopped for fluids and asked how far to Reed, the clerk replied "that's 5 miles away in this heat, can you make it" Ralfie chuckled to himself and said "He would try."
During lunch there was much banter with the locals and a discussion ensued which hills would do poor Ralf in, not reassuring. Bad weather now had moved in and Ralf pushed on for Evart suffering his 3rd. flat of the day, by flat 4 he's was thinking of changing the name of his ride to "Flats for Sight."
Worse day ever, 8 flats in total. Thankfully in Midland at Ray's bike shop Brad put Ralf right and his worn out tires where replaced with 700 X 23c Specialized All condition Armadillo Elite Kevlar tires, these babies will stop a bullet. Along with a tune-up and tire purchases, Brad sympathetic to Ralf's endeavor only charged for parts and no labour, nice guy. Off to the H Hotel for nourishment and a good sleep. Ralfie is bringing it home now and is less than 300 miles from Brampton.

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