Mechanical failure in Michigan

Yesterday, I bade farewell to Julie after yet another great breakfast and hit the road. After a great couple of hours of riding in the gorgeous autumnal Michigan roads, my ride was cut short as the supporting bracket for my front panniers gave out. It was weakened during the rough ferry crossing from Milwaukee to Muskegon. So, as I pulled into Jackson, the rack fell against the front tire and after an hour or so or roadside surgery, all was well again, but the better riding hours were behind me, and I called it a day. Today I hope to make it to Detroit and catch up with a good friend from my high school days, and so far, my bike, the roads and the weather are smiling upon me.