Later that evening, we headed into the great city of Fife Lake, affectionately known as “FiFi” to some, stood in line forever for ice cream, then found a place to enjoy the fireworks.

This morning, I got up, broke down my camp, and left Ali, Glen, Erin and Nate. It was a sad departure, but I was ready. Fourth of July weekend in Fife Lake was enjoyable, but required a lot of energy.

Ali, FriendDi knocked on the door, this morning, to say goodbye, but no one answered. FriendDi just wanted to thank you for the wonderful weekend and appreciates spending time with everyone.

Now for things that go boom!

We started the day by eating a spectacular breakfast at Good Eats Cafe in Traverse City. My eggs benedict were quite happy to be enjoyed.

Glen.

Di and Ali watching the 85th National Cherry Festival Air Show.

Team RV

Team RV

Team RV

Heavy Metal Jet Team

Heavy Metal Jet Team

Heavy Metal Jet Team

Heavy Metal Jet Team

We went to the Jolly Pumpkin for dinner, microbrew, and Le Tour de France. The lights were pretty cool in that place.

Glen didn’t realize he had a cherry tree in his yard.

Cherries . . . in case you’re interested.

M22: One-Third the Fun

A good picture of Glen.

Bubby goes bye-bye. If you ever hear Andrea talk about Burly, Bubby is who she means.

A bunch of white people on the beach.

Glen and Ali taking their first couple self-portrait with Ali’s brand new iPhone 4

Fife Lake

Ali snuggling Glen

M66: Three Times the Fun

You taught me how to build a snowman with four giant snowballs instead of only three.

You bought me a Barbie and a Barbie Tonka Truck that I loved to play with in the snow. Later in life, I drove that brown pickup truck to high school.

You taught me how to brush my teeth.

You even put “tony pails” in my hair.

You took us all over Michigan. Most important, you took us to see Granny, every year.

You would give us money so we could go buy cap guns and other fun toys at the dime store in Gaylord.

You took us camping all the time.

You shocked all of us when you brought home a black kitten that we named Black Velvet. He fit in perfectly with our dog named Spirit and our horse called Brandy.

You bought me the best horse of all, Ima.

You gave me one of my favorite stuffed animals: Poochie!

You love holidays. You put together the best Easter baskets, a tradition that you still like to carry on.

You took us trick-or-treating.

You took us to see Santa Claus.

You took us to Michigan International Speedway when we were little. You took us when we were adults.

When I was in the army, you sent me pictures of Rick Mears waiving the flags at the US 500 so I wouldn’t feel left out.

You made life fun. Thanks, Dad! Happy Father’s Day!

I met the riders, once again, as they approached the Michigan State Capitol from Michigan Avenue while I waited in the dry refuge of the Capitol steps. The riders gathered to talk about the importance of the Ride of Silence and to remember those who were hurt or injured in automobile-bicycle accidents. They then made their way back to MSU. Afterward, some of us met at the Peanut Barrel for food, beverage, and lively conversation, although not necessarily in that order. I enjoyed getting to know my fellow cyclists.

The following are some photos that I took, last night. They may seem drab and dreary, but that is because it was raining the whole time. Even so, they tell an interesting story.

Nate Phelps and Jason Dew (I believe that’s Jason Dew) showing us how it’s done with the Ditch Witch. I know that’s Nate because he turned to look at the camera as I snapped the photo.

Jason Wells (orange shirt) of Trail Solutions working with volunteers to build the pump track.

Marty Shue, Nick Shue, Jon Rose (I think), and Martin Hall.

Bob is a sensitive man who freely expresses his feelings.

Nick sporting his “old man” look.

This is what Nick looks like when he’s randy for Hopslam.

IMBA’s Executive Director Mike Van Abel was the keynote speaker for this year’s expo. I was mildly intoxicated, the night before, when I whipped out the iPhone and starting showing him pictures from the 2010 Midwest Mountain Bike Summit (see Velocity!). He approved. That was before I realized that he was IMBA’s Executive Director.

Whitey wanted me to document the fact that his MMBA sticker is proudly displayed on his mountain bike. Thanks, Whitey!

Whitey thinks people who wear helmets are hot. I *think* he’s talking about bike helmets.

The Metro South Chapter added a little fun with a game of spin-the-wheel.

Ah, Metro South. They competed with MBRA for the most lively expo vendor. They are definitely a breed of their own.

I tried to steal the Holdridge Lakes trail map (see MMBA Annual Meeting and Expo – A Photo Essay to see the map), but the Holly/Flint people tackled me as I tried to run with it. There was a little blood, but I’ll be okay.

I had to point the camera towards the window during Sunday’s meet and greet at Harper’s in East Lansing. I don’t know why. I just felt compelled to do so.

I don’t know who these people are, but I thought they were cute looking over the railing and holding their umbrellas.

North Bar Lake.

Wildflowers growing along the boardwalk to scenic post 10.

“The” Sleeping Bear Dune is on the left – the highest elevation hill in the picture.

On our way back toward the campground, we took a dirt road to the left (the same side of Lake Michigan Drive as the campground). That was a fun road on the cross bike. It took us to a clean beach with zero development, not even a picnic table. It was so beautiful. We finished our ride to the top of Lake Michigan Drive and rode onto the bridge across the Platte River.

The following is a photo essay.

Mom.