Lansing, Michigan

Wow, I can’t believe all that we did in one short weekend!  We were so busy.  On Friday after our morning run, we took off to Lansing for a short visit.  We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn on Hannah Blvd. across from the Michigan State University campus.  We had our bikes with us and it was raining.  Dave suggested we store our bikes in our room and the hotel desk clerk was so accommodating that he gave us a corner room that was larger to comfortably store our bikes in our room-safe from the rain.  As you can imagine road bikes are very costly and rust and water can ruin them.   Anyway, we love staying at Marriott hotels because they are always willing to help in any way they can.  After check-in…off to get ice cream!  We stopped by the MSU dairy store (famous in these parts!) and got the most delicious coffee chocolate cookie crumb ice cream ever…so creamy and rich, it definitely hit the spot. Afterwards, we walked around East Lansing and shopped a few boutiques.  We chose HopCat for dinner and sat at the bar. Sitting at the bar is always the best- the bartender will usually let you try samples of beer before you order and with over 70 different beers it’s sometimes hard to decide.  I settled on a Neapolitan stout from Saugatuck Brewing and Dave ordered Train Wreck from Mountain Town Brewing Co. in Mt. Pleasant Michigan.  Dave had a burger and crack fries and I had the kitchen sink – a black bean patty topped with rice, salsa, avocado, and corn….so good!

On the way back to the hotel we stopped by the Michigan Livestock Expo at MSU.  We had so much fun just looking at the animals as they competed for best of show.

Back at the hotel for an early wake-up call for the Ability tour bike ride.   So, I have done this ride before but it was Dave’s first time. The Ability Tour is a bike ride dedicated to raising awareness for people of all abilities.  Riders can choose a course that is 8 miles, 30 miles, 50 or 100 miles in length.  We chose the 50 mile and proceeded to go up one hill after another in the wind.  We averaged a speed of 16 mph and we were happy with that.  When we finished, we had a lunch of Chipotle and Grand Traverse Pie Co. waiting for us.  I mean this ride is amazing.  Not only is the course challenging, it is well marked and well supported.  Every 10 miles there is a stop to refill your water bottles and plenty of snacks to replenish your energies.   For a minimal amount ($25.00) per person you get a shirt, homemade breakfast smoothie, lunch, pie, and a challenging ride and best of all you are helping a great organization!  We will do the ride again next July.

If that wasn’t enough, after the ride Dave mentions that he has never been to our State Capitol–What?  So, as you can see by the pictures we had a good time perusing the beautiful building of our State Capital.  How cool that there was a wedding going on while we were there!

Michigan State Capital building in Lansing

Senate chambers

Hall of Governors

beautiful artwork in dome

When we finally got home Saturday late afternoon we were whipped.  Tried to sleep but had to get ready for a neighborhood gathering.  Had fun kibitzing with our neighbors while eating  snacks!

Sunday was another run and a swim at the health club.  I think Dave was happy to finally get back to work on Monday.  

Our weekend was full and exhilarating…I hope yours was too!