SpokeSongs Bike Blog: Days Gone By, An Update From Chicago

Riding, playing shows, and blogging about the tour was a little audacious. We've ridden over 400 miles and things have gone great the whole way. We made it out of Michigan and into Chicago. There was even a ride over 100 miles. There have been so many stories and experiences, but so little blogging at the end of the day (I fell asleep holding onto a lamp the other night).

Currently we sit in Chicago, resting and preparing for our Piece Brewery show tonight. Piece is likely the best brewery/pizzeria in the city and we're looking forward to playing the show and enjoying A LOT of pizza.

8/11/11 Yesterday's ride along Lake Michigan was amazing! We began outside of Chicago in Portage, IN and used a network of trails to wind our way into the city. We were saved multiple times by a guy named Dick who could tell we were lost and knew the way to the trail. We've been surprised again and again by the generosity of strangers on past tours and Dick was another incredible example of unexpected kindness.


Tim Schmidt, Trent Wagler, Fred Wolf, Brian Dickel, Jay Lapp, Matt Eich, and Oliver Craven in front of Lake Michigan

8/9/11 We began our riding towards Chicago from Fennville, MI. We played a great outdoor concert there with family, friends, and new fans in the making. The weather has been unbelievable throughout, but Fennville was a real treat.


The Steel Wheels Show in Fennville, MI at Community Park 8/9/11

8/8/11 Our Monday South Haven show was a huge surprise with standing room only and a great show including some musical treats with Howard (Trent's dad) singing with The Steel Wheels. It was Trent's birthday, so there was a festive spirit in the air. The Wheels and crew were on the streets before the show drumming up some publicity. South Haven is one of the most beautiful little towns we've played.