The Amazing Race.................

 

I always wanted to be a contestant on The Amazing Race, the adventure, the fun, the competitors and the travel. However, after getting lost the other day because of my lack of map reading skills, I may just want to park my ass on the couch and remain a viewer. I have a new found respect for the contestants and couples that travel to foreign countries, that speak foreign languages and still make it to their destinations.

So this is what happened. With the window of nice weather we had early in the week and the rain to come I wanted desperately to get out on the trails. I heard through the grapevine that Maybury was dry and in good shape. I’ve never ridden there before but I had a general idea where it was as I’ve driven past the brown State Park sign many times on the way to Pickney. The only thing I couldn’t remember is if it was on I-94 or I-96 where I had seen the signs. My guess was 96 because I travel that highway more often. The only time I really drive 94 is to the airport or to my sister’s place near Jackson. Judging by the Oakland County Parks map I had, (that’s right I don’t have a GPS), the drive wasn’t going to be that long. I figured door to door in about an hour if all goes smooth at the border.

No line-ups at the border meant pretty much off the bridge and onto 96. The crossroads along the way were all adding up to my handy little map until…….I went South on I-275 instead of North!!! I lost my bearings, my whereabouts, and my patience. I-94 creeps up and I realize I am going the wrong way. I turn off I-275 onto 94 thinking I still need to head west, but nothing is looking right. I look for Beck Road and can’t find it. I finally give up and take a turn off I-94 but end up in an un-inviting area. I stopped at two gas stations, no help, and no real Michigan map!!! I took the opportunity to stop at a Liquor Store and drove across some freshly painted yellow parking lot lines. Oops! The painter wasn’t happy. I got the hell out of there and found a Rite Aid. With directions, and 2 new maps, I was on my way. The right way. Unfortunately it was alot of backtracking. I pretty much had to go back to where I turned off of 96.

After 1 hr and 15 min of extra driving I arrived at my final destination. “This better be worth it”, I said to myself. Got the bike out, put my cold riding gear on and out to the trailhead. After the first 100meters (110 yards) I quickly forgot about the chaotic drive and was smiling from ear to ear. Finally back on the trails!!! Winter is just way too long. I’m definitely going south next year!

So, I’ll have to say that Maybury was fun, flowy, and was in great shape. It was the perfect season opening trail ride. The short 5 mile loop was easy to follow (no map reading skills needed). The fact there wasn’t much climbing allowed me to take it easy on my healing hamstring. The hamstring is starting to feel alot better. I put in a few easy laps then packed the van and headed home. Just so you know I made it back, no problem. Redemption!

As for my hopes of being on The Amazing Race, well my map reading skills aside, I’ve heard that you must be a citizen of the U.S.A. Lucky for them!

Happy trails!!

Cheers,

Sue