DALMAC Ride Report 2004:  4 Day West

Another epic time on a shortened DALMAC ride

SALINE, MICHIGAN  SEPTEMBER 7, 2004

Ron Dooley II rejoined the team of the webmaster, their father, and now two-timer Lew Popoff on this year's version of the DALMAC.  The Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinac bicycle trip runs each year on Labor Day weekend.   There were no major problems with the weather, the wind was either at our backs or nonexistent, and the sun beamed down on us most of the ride.
	Ron and Lew had to deal with blown tires on Day 2 (Ron), and Day 3 (Lew, twice - seen left addressing the second flat), which only slowed us down a little bit.
This year we concluded at the Dockside Bar at Torch Lake where we watched Michigan pull away from Miami, OH, and enjoyed a few drinks.  Thanks to the ladies for coming to get us and take us to greener pastures.

Here are some of the photos:

Lew getting ready to resume the ride on Day 2.  No knee trouble this year for LP.	The Dooley men at the stop in Beal City after catching a nice 'train' of riders into town.	We rode past this giant pile of carrots and had to get a closer look.	Lunch at Lake George on Day 2 - always a good stop to refuel.	Ah yes, we found some righteous seats at the Dockside Bar on Torch Lake after a good ride.
Dad celebrates with a well earned brew and feast outside at the Dockside.	Lew and Dools with those little babies - Lew with Penny, g with baby Abby.	Lew crushes.	Webmaster crushes.	Lew and Kathryn P. coming back from a canoe trip on the Au Sable.  They saw a bald eagle on their trip.
Here's Jess with Abby in the cabin up North.	Lew and Kathryn overlooking the river during a misty evening.