Hi everyone who knows me.......it's Patt Fry!!!! And to those of you
who don't know me, read on.

I've been doing the Michigander since 1993. I only missed the first
year (because I didn't know anything about it!!!)

I have seen more of the state of Michigan on the back of a bicycle
than I think I've seen driving in my car, my whole life. When we
first started, we were like the pioneers heading west........lol We
weren't sure what we would find and how many of us would survive the
trek.......lol I know that first year taught me much, but I thought
for sure I was gonna die while I was actually on that ride!!!!

And yet....what brought me back.....again and again??

The trails and courses were tough. The railtrails were miles and
miles of trail ballast(basically the rails removed and everything
else left in behind). We had some angry folks who didn't want to see
progress, and like the wild west.......they tried to sabotage our
route and give us a hard time. BUT.....it was all part of the
journey, the adventure, the quest to conquer and the pride to say
you'd done it!! And a lot of us have done it over and over again.

The trails and courses have improved with progress and acceptance.
The friends you make along the way, and some of those we've lost
along the way are irreplacable. The memories abound, the photos and
videos tell the tales. The families who have added to the ranks by
bringing new generations in to make the trek with them is something
to behold.

While some years have been easier than others, either the route, or
the weather or both........it can be anything you want it to be,
anything you need it to be...... an adventure, a personal goal, a
spiritual experience, a time to bond with nature, your family, or
your friends.

I always tell people who don't like Disney because of the long
lines....IT'S AN AMUSEMENT PARK, what did you expect.

If your kids like tough play, then they'll probably be fine, but some
kids might need to be brought in gradually...consider the weekend
ride first. It's only 2 days versus 6 or 7. And if you want to
continue on, consider someone picking the child up after the two day.

Oh and by the way........even those tough years......ALWAYS had
something great to offer and beautiful places to see.

So....have an open mind and a free spirit........and you will get
whatever it is you want out of the Michigander.

See you up the trail......Patt