9/17/2025. Wednesday
Chesaning to Lyons MI
Stats: Miles: 55. AIS: 5:05 Speed: 10.8 mph. Elev. 439 ft
All the usual morning routine. We are now accustomed to a wet fly and damp tent every morning. It’s usually taken care of by the afternoon sun when we arrive at the next camp.
We have had endless beautiful days the last week and a half and it looks to continue through next week. I hate to jinx us by mentioning that we haven’t had wind in days! Basically the early mornings are cool when we start riding so we are layered up. We start to peel layers after about 5 miles. We always like when we’re in the sun in the morning and the shade in the afternoon. By twelve noon it’s warm and we’re happy for the shaded bike trail. Today was just like that.
Our first 18 miles were back country roads once again. We zigzagged our way south and west toward our next bicycle rail trail. Today we had both paved and gravel roads for the 18 miles. Jim bought new tires for this trip and they have been really good on the gravel roads and the paved roads. Interesting for us.. the front wheel doesn’t rollaway when loading panniers like it used to. For those interested: Schwalbe Marathon Almotion.
At Mile 18 we entered our rail trail for the next 37 miles. This trail was crushed limestone and paved through the towns. The limestone was very hard packed in the cool, shade trees and we rolled so smooth and fast. The open, sunny areas were a little softer, therefore slower, but not terribly so. Overall we really enjoyed the surface today.
It’s not as heavily used so sometimes it looked like a two track trail. Covered in leaves you just had to trust the surface you couldn’t see.
The small towns seemed to be about 7- 9 miles apart. Each one had its own charm with interesting main streets and buildings. People we met along the way were all so kind and friendly. Michigan NICE they say!
Working our way down the railroad line today. Because it was hot we stopped at every station! At St Johns we stopped and had an iced latte. Typically about 2pm I like an ice cold coca-cola but I have to say the iced latte was tasty and cold.. hit the spot and energized for the final 20 miles or so!
It was in St Johns at this billboard that we found out about a city park campground we weren’t aware of in the town of Lyons. It’s only about 1 mile off the trail. We were going to stay at a campground 5 miles off route! Jim called and they said they were still allowing camping. They have a brand new shower building and it’s on the Grand River! Yeah!! Change of plans…now we were headed to Lyons.
The next nice little town was Fowler. They were setting up for a Wednesday afternoon market at the station. The organizing woman was greeting her vendors and waiting for the food truck but was very interested in our trip. She actually photographed us and took our info for the community newsletter! Ha! Consequently I didn’t take any photos of Fowler.
Leaving Fowler a couple about our age came up behind us on their e-bikes and slowed down to chat with us until they turned around. That was fun and a good distraction from the riding.
Next town quick stop was Pewamo. Cute station here too. After Pewamo we met a guy walking his bike. We stopped to see if he needed help. He said he started walking because he got tired. He was on a 5 mile trip. I should have offered him some water. He didn’t mind stopping and resting to ask us if he should get an e-bike. We both confirmed this would be a good idea for him…and then he would ride more often!
Made it to our campground about 4:15 pm… later than usual. Typically it seems we leave in the morning with the school buses (8am ish) and finish with the school buses (3pm- ish).
The campground is located in the Lyon City Park. $14 to camp. We are the only ones here. A few people came into the park… two young boys looking for a girl, a dad to fish with his kids, a lady to walk a dog, a guy to smoke a cigarette and two cars to drive around the small loop. Because no one is here we set up under the pavilion where the picnic tables are located. Just to see if things are dry in the morning. Boy are we spread out! Our wet clothes are drying on the slide structure for awhile then moved to the only sunny picnic table. Needless to say.. nothing dries very well. It rides on top of our panniers the next day.
When we first arrived at camp it seemed no one was at the office so we had no access to the toilet/shower building. The river looked good to me. I was hot and just waded right in and sat down and leaned back in the shallow cool water. Felt so good. Clean and clear and just the right temp. No sooner did I get back to our gear table and Jim had success with the office and got the bathroom code. So I took a nice hot shower after that. I’m really clean tonight!
Lyons …tiniest and nicest of towns! There is one place to eat… bar and restaurant. Alison is working the bar as we are the only ones inside. Another couple outside. We had a nice visit. Then we ordered two hamburgers. I ordered an Olive Hamburger (green olives). I guess it’s a “Michigan” thing. It was delicious. Best burger I’ve had in a long time…and I do like burgers. Jim’s was Mango Habanero and his was delish too!
Part of it is now the Post Office
Tomorrow we stay on a rail trail most of the day and will end up on the south end of Grand Rapids. Just last week we were on the north end of Grand Rapids! Looks like another 50 mile day or thereabouts.
Things I spy….
No photos but we saw two trail cats today. They were just lying on the trail and really slow to move. At one point we had to hit the brakes before it ran off!
cinnicrew 