But how do you train your mind for a scenario that puts you low on water with wobbling back wheel, hungry, aching and 13+ miles from the next stop heading directly into a north wind?  There is no good answer. Knowing this, a few thousand folks still set off on one of the five DALMAC routes this year with the core team of the Dooley men and Lew attacking the first two days of the West Tour.

For whatever reason Day 1 of the DALMAC has never really presented adverse wind conditions (at least since '91, says Dr. Dehlin).  The initial leg that took us from Okemos to Mount Pleasant was complicated by a 20 mph wind out of the northeast that tapped much of our strength along the way.  To complicate things, a lady stuffing a donut in her greasy face almost ended Dad's tour just 3 miles in after turning right into him on Haslett Road.  Once we arrived at the Shepherd Bar we pretty much called it a day.  That night we enjoyed the first game of the 2006 college football season, as Central Michigan took on Boston College.

Again for whatever reason, we've typically experienced a wind shift from Day 1 to Day 2, but this year that NE wind pretty much held strong throughout Day 2 and from what I understand, through Sunday.  The route took us again through Farwell to Lake George, ending up in Lake City.  We had a few minor issues, mainly with the webmaster's bike.  Early on I lost one spoke on my back wheel.  An hour later another one went, and on the final leg into Lake City, I was forced to hang it up about 6 miles from the finish when I lost a third. 

We met Dr. Dehlin at the start again this year - looking good and he rode strong day 1.	Lew digs into a Cliff Bar, fueling up for a battle vs. the wind.	Spokes work together in a symphony to provide proper supprort and balance to the wheel.  Break one?  Soon enough the rest will go too.	Outside the Private support vehicle, Ron peruses the local fish wrap.
Dad feeling good on Day 2.  Still going very strong although the hills are getting a little steeper.	Ahh, Duanes.  Milkshakes, burgers and fries.  Good stuff and a very professional staff.	Until next year!
Related: DALMAC 2001 DALMAC 2002 DALMAC 2003 Ride Report: 4 Day West DALMAC 2004 Ride Report: 4 Day West