Today I crossed into Michigan. I notice two contrasts with rural areas I crossed in Indiana and Illinois: (1) there seem to be more small properties and houses and fewer farms. I still see fields of corn or soy beans, but these are mixed with more rural development. In addition, there seem to be more cars driving on these rural roads (2) it has some more small hills. Nothing serious but further south was flatter.

Today was less humid and rather pleasant cycling early in the morning. I started skirting the northern edges of South Bend with suburban areas and golf courses and then turned north across small towns of Cassopolis and Decatur. In the process, I also learned more about kitty litter.

The road starting out. I was surprised at how many cars were skirting along the same road and where they might be going, particularly the first five miles.

Intermittent bicycle paths along this section.

South Bend itself came across as less expensive place (restaurants advertising $12/hour vs. a higher amount elsewhere), but these northern reaches looked like slightly nicer parts of town with newer subdivisions, bike paths and golf courses.

After Granger, I turned north. I didn’t see a sign that said “Michigan”, but this farm was definitely in Michigan.

Approximately 8 miles of MI-62 on the way to Cassopolis. Had a small shoulder and a moderate amount of traffic but otherwise easy to ride.

Cassopolis has a large lake including a marina. I skipped most of town on small roads and paths that went along the lake.

North of Cassopolis, I found several nice signs about “Edward Lowe Foundation” including an information center. I didn’t stop in, but looked things up because I didn’t remember Edward Lowe. The following article/podcast explains how Lowe was best known for inventing cat litter.

More typical road in this area. Surprising how many cracks they have in the highways.

Downtown Decatur was a good spot for a lunch break at Hard Times restaurant.

Decatur also has a large grain elevator.

Last bits riding to Paw Paw for the end of the day. Overall, not a difficult ride and weather that was more pleasant than the more humid past days.

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