Ride #10 117 miles
The CB got its oil change yesterday. I’m using 20w-50 Valvoline conventional these days. It’s JASO rated and available in the big box and automotive stores. $7 quart. Recently, there is Valvoline full synthetic, similar ratings, available for a couple bucks more. I couldn’t find my VHT aluminum rattle can, I usually take this opportunity to dress up the filter housing, it takes a beating. I also snugged the chain 1/2 turn on the adjuster bolts. That’s the first wrenching the bike has needed this year.
I set off westbound and made my first stop at the demolition/construction project site. There’s not much new there to my eye. I parked my bike at DTE’s Northville substation across the street, I worked 40+ years for DTE at this facility and similar sites around Michigan. A DTE pickup pulls up and out comes one of my ex coworkers. Mike is coordinating in meetings with the City of Northville. I also worked with his uncle Paul Junior, and worked for his EE grandpa Paul Senior way back in the 1970’s. Anyhoo, there’s a hiking/biking trail coming by, also DTE will “sanitize” their facilities so the new residents won’t have to look at electrical utility equipment that’s been there on site for 100 years.
I went on to Whitmore Lake. I was asked about public land on the lake, and I think there is just a bit, with a new park across the road. One bench, one picnic table lakeside, no sandy beach, no welcome signs. I think it mostly a private lake, they don’t want to be overrun with outsiders.
Sorry for the pessimism, it was a terrific ride, a terrific day. The countryside is green and gorgeous and luscious. The tree tunnels are complete. Mast road is particularly nice, it’s straight as an arrow but rolling and heavily wooded.
Finally made it to Mikes Deli in Chelsea and had a #1 Mikes Favorite: Corned beef, aged Swiss, cole slaw, Russian dressing on Zingermans rye, grilled. Half for lunch and remainder for dinner. Easily transported in top box. Menu:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hamd9m6bx8jmt9g/final%20menu%207_19_21.pdf?e=1&dl=0 Afterwards, pictures outside of the Honda, and The Potting Shed next to Mikes. A lady asked if I wanted to be in the photo and I said OK, it’s rare for me to be pictured with my CB. She asked about my bike, but she told me she worked at a Honda shop in Grand Rapids many years ago. She told me about a harrowing experience she had while pleasure riding on a demo bike, a 305 Dream. She got permission from the owner to take the bike after work and ride with the boyfriend. After 20 miles at speed on the 96 there was an unusual noise from the back, so she stopped on the shoulder to find a missing axle nut and other fasteners! Some bandaid repairs were made and they safely limped back to the shop. Seems the owners son had removed the parts for some other use, phew!
The remainder of the ride was uneventful although the Washtenaw county sheriff was out in force today. I noticed several paying customers.
