TDY 2022 - We Started as Strangers and Finished as Friends
Nikki came into town specifically to ride with us today. She finished a solo journey around the U.P. a couple weeks earlier. Today’s she’s wearing plaid, the 7th woman in the world to earn it. I heard reports that the lead groups had instances with touching tires. The risk is highest the first day. They are still riding as individuals and are sorting out various riding styles.
The next day, my high school bud Tim says he’s going to start riding with Rachel an hour early at 7 am. Nikki makes a surprise return to ride a second day and joins them. Rachel’s bike was thoroughly cleaned, lubed, unnecessary items removed for weight loss, and tires pumped. The magic has already begun.
It’s typical in most other events that mindsets and responsibilities happen in silos. The support and crew are there to make sure everyone is accounted for, and has what they need to succeed. The athletes take care of themselves, and push their bodies to perform. Families show up around corners and hills, looking for their loved ones and cheering them to power ahead of others. Sponsors and a charitable cause have banners, but are seldom met in person. Participants spend a night in a town, and leave without knowing the people that live there.
That isn’t so on this ride. Somewhere along Tour Da Yoop, Eh, the barriers within events we’ve become accustomed to disappear. That dynamic isn’t coached. It isn’t asked for or discussed. As the miles accumulate, the human story develops. Maybe there is something about this ride that attracts the highest quality of compassionate, encouraging and inspirational human beings. Maybe it’s the spirit of the Upper Peninsula. Or the kindness and support I’ve known inherent in Yoopers throughout my entire life. This is a special place. And when you are within the boundaries of the Upper Peninsula, you may feel lost in the wilderness space, but you are never alone.
Wherever people come from, whatever fast paced, or slow paced human experiences we carry with us before this ride. Throughout this adventure, the love and respect for people flourishes. We are a team.
I got a report that Zack has a bike problem, but quickly find out that Tracy, Kevin’s wife, is driving out to meet him and set up Kevin’s spare bike so he can finish. Dan’s going to take Zack’s bike to Houghton to get fixed for Zack to use again on day 5. I check on Rachel, and find out that the early morning start is continuing, and Shane is riding with her today. Jayme’s batteries died in his Garmin. The college guys, Henry and Chase, had a long day in the Uhaul, but I don’t see it in the parking lot of the hotel. I’m told they went out to make sure that Jayme had someone with him. Michael had to take a couple days off from riding, I see him directing bikers to the next turn at Copper Harbor.
Carolyn tells a bike mechanic who is cooking bacon and serving beer at the top of Brockway Mountain that Rachel’s bike is skipping off the cassette. He gets his bike tools out and says he’ll take care of her as soon as she arrives. Kevin takes Bhu’s wobbly front tire off and replaces it with his spare wheel at a water stop. Then keeps riding before Bhu sees him do it. “Polo”, I hear Tim yell out behind me. It’s something he started with Derek a few days ago near Ironwood to let them know he was still on his train. Andrew charges up a hill past the line of riders. Then glides behind the group going down the steep descent so he can capture them all on his Go Pro. Kevin and Derek show my son Owen how to downhill tuck, teaching him how to beat his dad to the next town sign. I hear Shane say, “Good pull Fred”. He says it every time, to every rider, in the same strong, confident voice. It becomes a compliment you look forward to hearing, and never loses it’s validity. Fresh riders arrive, and Cricket takes the lead out of the Soo.
My son Eller walks on Bhu’s back, slowly melting him into the grass. Bhu turns over, leaning on an elbow with a huge smile, “that will get me another 30 miles.” Riders share their food, their expertise, and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. Chris meets with families battling Childhood Cancer in the UP, and gives them a check, financial support they very much need to keep this battle going. Some of these families join us at the end of the day and meet the bikers, families and friends that would raise over $50,000 to help them. My mom, Sue, driving SAG for all 10 days, grabs a pump to fix a flat. Lions club of Naubinway/Engadine put out a whole spread of food, including fresh smoked salmon. Amy from Manistique feeds everyone delicious subs and chips at the finish.
The final three riders cruise into Manistique under Allison’s rainbow. Zack, wearing white plaid, Mark, wearing plaid after years of setbacks, and Rachel smiling strong with tears about to flow. Gary, logistics mastermind and a 10 day endless supply of energy and encouragement now stands quietly. I know that look on Gary’s face - we finished, and everyone is safe.
Each day we laugh, cry, hug, and encourage one another. The growing group of faces on our Hall of Plaid is inspiring. People did amazing things. But what we did as a collective whole, that was out of this world.
Thank you for “riding your bike around the U.P. with me, eh!” (Tour Da Yoop, Eh!)
James Studinger -
