Almost every time I travel to Detroit to do any measuring, something happens a little/lot out of the ordinary.
In mid-September, while on my final measurement of the Detroit Free Press Marathon, an 'international incident' occurred. I talk to contacts ahead of time to set up times to go across the bridge from the US to Canada and to pass through the tunnel from Canada back to the US. I assume that my contacts have made sure folks on both ends of each crossing know what's going on.
I've gone back and forth the past two years without incident (pretty much...) and through the tunnel in the past w/out much fanfare. The international crossings add a little spice to the mundane job of measuring.
When I emerged from the tunnel back into Detroit in mid-September I was pointed towards a particular toll booth. I pulled up and the gal there started saying things like, "You're not supposed to ride a bike through the tunnel. Can I see some ID? You didn't clear this w/customs." I didn't think I was in trouble because my tunnel contact was in a vehicle behind me but felt uneasy about the lack of communications.
My contact went over to the US customs guy standing, watching, and had a few words with him. The customs guy came over and, w/out looking me in the eye, asked what citizenship I was. You do not give silly answers to these people so I said US and he waved me on. I thanked my contact and he was sorry about what happened.
It's always a bit of a chore co-ordinating the crossings and then dealing with course markings in those areas. The Detroit Marathon is always the biggest puzzle I put together in measuring. I generally enjoy the work though because I have fond memories of running the race too many years ago.
