MARK HANCE: Pedaling through the haze

By the numbers, it was a solid day in the saddle: 84.5 miles, about 720 feet of elevation gain, and a moving time of about 5.5 hours. 

Riding Under Smoky Skies

If there was a defining theme to today’s ride, it was the atmosphere. The Canadian wildfires continue to impact the region, and today was another tough air quality day for the team. A thick, persistent layer of smoke hung low over Michigan, turning the sky a heavy, muted gray and filtering the morning sun into a pale orange disc.

Riding long distances in these conditions adds a whole new layer of challenge to the tour. It tests your lungs, your energy, and your focus, but this group is nothing if not resilient. We kept our paces steady, watched out for one another, and kept moving forward despite the hazy air.

Through the Fields and Roads of Michigan

The route took us inland, transitioning into flat, expansive agricultural landscapes and quiet, tree-lined country roads and tree-canopied bike paths. Even with the heavy haze obscuring the distance, the vibrant green of the mid-summer fields and the deep treelines provided a beautiful backdrop.

Along the way, the road hummed with the usual camaraderie. Whether spinning on traditional road bikes, gravel bikes or keeping a steady cadence on 3-wheel recumbent bikes (or trikes), everyone pushed through the atmospheric conditions together, sharing the draft and keeping spirits high.

Rolling into Midland

After 84 miles of riding through the smoke, pulling into Midland felt fantastic. Every mile closer to our destination is a testament to the dedication of this crew and the strength of the mission we are riding for.

We are resting up tonight, staying hydrated, and praying for clearer skies and a shifting breeze for tomorrow’s miles. Thank you all for following along and supporting us on this incredible cross-country journey!