While officially a day off from riding, we decided to log the few miles we rode while transitioning from the home of our awesome WarmShowers hosts across the Saginaw River to the east side of Bay City where we booked a night at the historic Webster House Bed and Breakfast to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
Victoria had a rough time getting out of the ultra-comfortable bed in Greg and Kim's well-equipped trailer. So, I was out first and in the kitchen of the main house chatting with Greg over a fresh pot of coffee and homemade bread coated with their own homemade strawberry and rhubarb jams. Greg, a preacher at the adjacent church on the same property, was up early, presumably gearing up for his morning sermon. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts swirling around in my head from the interesting conversations Victoria and I had with Greg, Kim, Noah, and Isaiah the evening before (more on that later).
It wasn't long before we were packed up and heading across the river in search of a big breakfast. Crossing the drawbridge over the large Saginaw River was cause for concern, as is any large bridge over major rivers, especially drawbridges. Because bridges are really expensive to build, or they are older, there often isn't extra space for someone on a bicycle, requiring full use of a lane of the bridge to get across. In addition, bridges often have large expansion joints that can be difficult to ride across on a suspensionless road bike. Because drawbridges need to be built with less weight, an open steel bridge surface (you can see through it) is employed, and often provides little traction, especially when wet, for small bicycle tires. Fortunately, on this Sunday traffic was light, and the steel grid section was short.
We sailed across the river to the older part of Bay City, and found Heather's, a great mostly vegan breakfast cafe and bakery in an old brick building.
Following breakfast, we rolled a few blocks to Harless & Hugh for some caffeine. It was here that we would spend several hours writing for our blog, planning our future route and schedule, and chatting with the locals while enjoying fresh-roasted Ethiopia drip, Cortados, Macchiatos, and locally baked treats.
The coffee kept us going as we purged 3 days of notes and thoughts swirling in our minds, all while waiting for rain to let up and our room to be ready at the BnB.
Victoria and I decided before our trip commenced that we would alternate writing posts. For me, reading her posts is a real treat as she reveals the full spectrum of her thoughts and feelings while pedaling down the road.
The bicycle plays an important role in Bay City life. More than just a recreational tool, folks take full advantage of the opportunity to get out into the warm air surrounded by green for the few months of Summer while it lasts. As such, creative options are available to enhance the bicycle as an everyday means of transportation. In the cafe, a bicycle on display showcased one such option, a leather six-pack holder that hangs conveniently off the top tube of a bicycle frame. Very cool!
We were approached by a skinny gentleman with short hair and glasses who, after seeing our bicycles outside, struck up a conversation about our journey. Before leaving, he told us he had a truck and, after checking with his wife, wanted to offer to us a ride anywhere in the city if we needed to pick up supplies or groceries. One of many acts of kindness as people go out of their way to offer to help us in our adventure.
Finished with writing and antsy to see more of the city, we jumped back on our bicycles and headed to the historic Bay City city hall, built in 1890. It has been described by some as being one of the most beautiful city halls in the nation. It was quite impressive.
Our room was spacious, complete with a feather pillow top mattress.
As if that wasn't enough, Victoria called my attention to the remote control for the in-room jacuzzi. Yes, there was a jacuzzi in our room.
Evening wine and sumptuous snacks were offered to us, as well as menus and recommendations for nearby restaurants along the river.
Setting out on foot, we made our way through the old neighborhood of grand homes to the waterfront. The 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 4,000 square foot home in the photo below, after having been recently renovated, is going on the market for around $120,000
We made our way to dinner at a restaurant called the "Old City Hall", housed in the original building that was home to city hall before the grand structure was later built. The food was good, and they were serving up one of the local's favorite regional beers called the Edmund Fitzgerald, by Great Lakes Brewing Company.
As we continued our walk after dinner, interesting art, sculptures, and architecture lined the river.
We found "Unity Park", a great use of a small space between two buildings.
We also spotted artists actively sprucing up the weathered and worn side of a brick building.
The sun sets late at these northern latitudes this time of year. As such, we were able to catch a glimpse of a spectacular sunset along the river at around 9 pm.
After a great day of rest while exploring Bay City, Victoria said she was feeling so good that she could walk on water.
