Across America Going to Canada from Michigan

Yes, you read correctly: Across America is headed towards Canada!  
The group had the option of taking a route through Cleveland, Toledo, Erie etc, but decided to take the Canadian route because they wanted to check out the casual cool town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The group spent the night in Ann Arbor, and will be leaving the town today and moving towards the Detroit River/Canada.  They are expected to cross the border tomorrow morning.  
The shortest way to get to Canada is passing through Detroit, but the group may substitute that option for a more scenic route that is about 8-10 miles longer.  The exact route is causing much debate with the group: some want more bike paths, others want to shave off miles and/or ride through populated areas.  Everyone is excited to get to Canada, where rural Ontario awaits!  
The group is expected to be in Buffalo on Sunday, and will be staying at Teen Treks' downtown headquarters.
Some random shots:

 

The Trekkers who shop together, stay together...

Main area of Ann Arbor

Across America's time in Chicago

All of the long days and centuries were worth it for the time off in Chicago!  The group stayed in a suburb with some of Monique's family, and they had plenty of time to unwind and do some urban exploring.  The group had a great time, with stops all along the downtown area. 

More, please!

One of the Leaders, Julian, was lucky and won a ticket to Lollapalooza, a festival, that takes place in Grant Park over three days.  The sold out music festival attracts some major bands, so the group decided to share the wristband to take turns watching Mumford and Sons' performance.  

Festival Entrance

A shot from Mumford and Sons' set

The canals and beautiful architecture were favorites of the group

The Trekkers loved Chicago, especially because they have spent the past month or so in small cities and on rural roads.  The food was good and sleeping in was better, and it was amazing to get off the bikes and hang out.  Overall, Chicago was great!

Starting on Sunday, the group headed through Indiana and into Michigan, and stayed in New Buffalo, which sits on Lake Michigan.  Upon an early rise in New Buffalo, some locals took interest in the travelers and offered fresh coffee and food; kindness that the Trekkers were very grateful for!

New Buffalo, Michigan

The group continued past Sturgis, Michigan and finished yesterday somewhere in the middle of the state.  The group is set to enter Canada in the next day, and will be in Buffalo/Teen Treks' headquarters this weekend.  From there the group will cut across New York State to the Big Apple.  The group is continuing with days of high mileage (70-85 miles daily), and have decided that the more they ride, the more they can eat out...