Ever since they started the "Michigander" cross-state ride 14 years ago, I've thought I'd like to do it some day, but I had other priorities and never gave it much serious consideration. But now that I've got more time & interest I just might tackle it this year, but want some opinions from the more experienced as to how well I can expect to do at it at age 58.

The ride is 6 days and 250+ miles across lower Michigan from Lake Michigan to Lake St. Clair in mid-July. Mileage is in the 45-50 range most days, and of course they transport your camping gear for you. It is mostly on rail-trails, so no steep grades, and that part of the state is mostly flat anyway.

I rode more last year than any in the last 15 or so, but I still did not do any distance riding and probably have never ridden more than 25 miles in one outing. In my favor, I have run three marathons in the last 6 years, and did a 10-mile event and two half-marathons last year. So it's not like I'm out of shape; I just never had a reason to ride a bicycle more than 25 miles. And I keep reminding myself that I have all day to do each segment -- it's not like it's a race or anything.

So has anyone here done something like this -- maybe even this specific event? My two other concerns are that it has been many years since I slept several nights in a tent (although I still have my camping gear stashed around here somewhere), and I am wondering what I'll do with all the free time that I'll probably have in the late afternoons and evenings (hope I have room to pack a few books!).

-- Doug