Great route! Nice to avenge 2014 DNF. Really tough HW, but worth it on the last 70-woo-hoo! Had a flat tire issue to deal with much of the day, but all good in the end. Arrived at 9:57pm.

Wonderful roads heading West at the start, smooth with sparse traffic, made for a swift and enjoyable ride despite many miles of false flat. Once the route turned North it became a struggle with the gusty and ever-strengthening NE wind. The beauty of the picturesque countryside and coastline was a bit lost on me for this stretch as I just buried my head and tried to keep from being blown off the road. Gradually the headwind turned to crosswind and finally a tailwind as the route rounded the tip of the thumb. Traffic was light again here so it was possible to avoid the stone-riddled shoulder. Lots of roadside parks and great views of Lake Huron helped lift morale for a strong and fast finish. Overall, it was an intensely dichotomous experience between the beautiful scenery and wonderful sunshine juxtaposed with a cruel and relentless wind.

Windy but nice Moon over the lake on the return. Lexington checkpoint closed but we found an open gas station about 5

miles further down the route. First stop was good but bathrooms in the place across the street. Glad to ride together with Paul, Ted, and Herb.