23-Bay City-Clare: Pere Marquette Rail Trail

52.7 miles/ +551.2 ft./ Total miles: 1,027.5

Rode to Midland this morning, stopped for a cappuccino (!) and hopped on the Pere Marquette Trail heading toward Coleman and Clare. This is an excellent trail and there were lots of local riders out enjoying the day — partly cloudy, 60s to low 70s. It’s nice to be away from traffic, listening to the birds, watching for wildflowers, and feeling the wind and fresh air. 

In some places the trail used the old RR trestles. Here is an underpass built for the trail under the highway at Clare:

All the Michiganders I meet on the trail have been interested in my trip, and give me lots of suggestions and advice for the miles ahead. The people are the best part of the trip (with the exception of a few truck drivers, but we won’t go into that).

Tonight I am staying at the Doherty Hotel in Clare. Apparently Clare was a big hangout during Prohibition for various Mafia gangs. Now it’s just cute. And it’s the home of the Cops and Doughnuts bakery across the street from the hotel. 

Here’s a sight this afternoon on the Main Street through town:

Sorry for lousy photo but I had to act quickly, and shoot into the sun. I saw some buggies earlier from my hotel window.