Tom and Steve's 2011 DALMAC Adventure

Hi, I’m Alisa, Steve Lyon’s wife, and I am Tom and Steve’s private SAG.  I will be providing daily blogs about their 2011 DALMAC adventure.

Tom is hoping to redeem himself by completing this year’s event after withdrawing from last year’s DALMAC due to inclement weather.  He feels confident and prepared and knows he needs to ride at his own pace and is looking forward to sharing the experience with fellow Rhinos.

Steve is feeling apprehensive because this is his first DALMAC.  His longest journey so far has been “weekend camp outs” to Forester.  This has accumulated to approximately 160 miles.  Steve is also looking forward to the shared camaraderie with his fellow Rhino Caballeros.

I have watched Tom and Steve prepare for this journey all summer long by participating in Sunday rides at Wojos, Tuesdays at the track, Wednesdays on the gravel roads, and Saturdays at Depot Park.   They are packing; Steve is shaved, and Tom is raring to go and I look forward to meeting fellow Rhinos along this amazing journey!

Update on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 12:45PM by Alisa Lyon

Day 1 (Lansing to Morley) approximately 110 miles.

Tom and Steve started strong for the first half of the day.   An increase in temperature and humidity affected their afternoon performance.  We slept in tents with Mother Nature's song and dance routine playing most of the night.  Noone slept well.

 Day 2 (Morley to Manton) approximately 99 miles.

Everyone woke up tired due to the song and dance routine throughout the night.   Automobile traffic contributed as well.  I met Tom and Steve for a brief water break about 27 miles into the course in Hersey.  We then met for lunch and rested for about 1 hour.  The temps. are rising along with the humidity and it's only 1pm.  More to come...

   Shortly after lunch, the skies opened up and continued to do so for about 2 hours.  Again, the guys were soaked and began losing enthusiasm.  The rain stopped long enough to pitch our tents and have dinner. 

 

Day 3 (Manton - Torch Lake) 105.3 miles

We slept well last night - cool temps. helped.  It rained during the night and in the morning as we packed our wet tents and placed them in the trunk of the car.  We had a terrential downpour around mile 20 and it lasted awhile.  We took cover under the Sunoco gas station awning.  This is where we noticed Steve had a flat tire(how appropriate for this to take place at this exact moment).

After changing his tire, they set out in the rain for the remaining part of today's journey.  About 1/4 mile down the country road, Tom's water bottle holder decided to break off.  Things weren't looking good for the two bicycle maniacs.  They pushed on and up two major hills.  One was called Puke Hill (I'll leave it to you to figure that one out) and the other was called Bunker Hill.  Steve thought they should rename that one in honor of Bunker's mother - Mother Bunker Hill.  The rain finally let up and we met for lunch at Pearl's restaurant in Elk Rapids.  We rested too long and the maniacs' legs seized up.  It took awhile for them to find their old "rhythm", but they did in their soggy bottoms.  Nothing but sunshine and rainbows for the rest of the day!  They took a swim in Torch Lake at the YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha which is where we will spend tonight.

Day 4 (Easport – Mackinac City) 98.5 miles

Packed up in the dark and began the final leg of this amazing 4 day journey.  Steve and Tom made new “little while friends” with Mike and Bobby who pulled them on this last day.  No major incidents today – nothing but sunshine and cool temperatures.  Euphoric feelings all around upon completion of this four day tour.

 I learned a great deal about being a personal SAG on this journey.  I am amazed at the strength, determination, and stamina these athletes have.  See you all next year!