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Clint:
Howdy folks,

Well we are more then half over and we only have 100 miles left! (When can you say that!)

We awoke to around temperatures around 40 degrees F this morning. I'll let Robyn describe this morning though...

The route was a little longer then orginaly planned as there was a detour out of Manton which resulted in another 6 miles on an already longer route of 106 miles. In the end we pushed our very tired bodies 113.1 miles in 5 hours 43 minutes with a 19.7 avg. This tour seems to be a tour of "firsts" as today was probably the longest I've ever ridden. Pretty cool IMHO!

Today was also a day to help friends out. We had a friend have some health issues coming into Elk Rapids at 78 miles so after lunch in Elk Rapids we decided to ride the rest of the route to the YMCA camp with them and make sure everything went okay. Ever since we started riding with our friends in with Atkins club it has really taught us that you pay favors forward cause you never know when you're going to be out there stuck or sick and in need of some company or someone to help block the wind. We've raced all summer long and had some very memorable and fast moments on the bike, but the times that we remember most are when we can be there for friends and vice versa. We were glad to help out and most important, get in safe and sound to fight another day.

As for my legs, I feel pretty strong. Each day I've gotten stronger and stronger and I'd say that I'm back to my mid-June levels on the bike. Hills seems easier (and faster) and I just feel good on the bike. Okay... maybe a little sore in the saddle area, but nothing serious.

Robyn:
Last night a cold front set in and by the early evening we were all bundled up in jeans and sweatshirts. After a good night's sleep, we awoke to very crisp morning air. "Bubba Mike", Chris Lawless' husband, was kind enough to meet us after the first few miles and take extra clothing in his truck, so we bundled up. After the legs came to life, we felt really quite good, considering we were starting our third century in as many days. The hills actually felt good under our wheels, and our group at one point swelled to our four tandems plus probably about 20-30 single riders. We cruised down the road and really got into a rhythm - tandems switching back and forth, gears whirring, tires spinning, occasional whoops and shouts and singing "I Feel Good" very loudly and off-key.

Aaron and Doug, the brothers who are doing DALMAC for the first time, had an eventful day. Aaron broke a spoke (second one this tour), and Doug had an interesting moment when his skewer, loosened by the metal holder for the DALMAC-required flag, caused his rear wheel to come off completely. He managed to stay upright on a busy and bumpy road.

There were a few significant hills today, some lovely ones. Many incredibly beautiful lakes as well; I managed to catch a few photos from the road, hopefully they will give you some idea of the intensity of the turquoise hue of the water. Tonight we are at the beautiful YMCA camp, nestled along Torch Lake. I have a massage scheduled in a few minutes to soothe my aching legs, so if you'll excuse me, I'll wrap things up. One more day to go, including the biggest climbs of the trip.

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