Is this really January in Michigan?

Bare fields all around.

This downtube should have ice caked on it, not sticky mud...

Why am I able to cruise down these backroads without spinning out and sliding all over the place...

Something was way wrong in these pictures. January in Michigan, come on Mitten, hit me with some snow.

J

Sloppy Dirt Road Ride

Last weekend I took to the dirt roads around my apartment complex to get some fresh air and burn some calories. It was my first time taking the Novara on nasty roads. However, I felt the need to give it a go as I recently picked up a set of fenders from the garage sale at REI.

Seeing as the fenders ended up with mud on both the inside and out I am glad that I chose to wait until the bike had fenders before taking it on a muddy road. That being said, the fenders kept me, the bike and my panniers clean and dry. I was quite surprised by the amount of mud that the tires picked up as they are very mild with little to no tread.

One of the best things about dirt roads is the lack of traffic. Even if you are only a few miles out of Ann Arbor you can feel like you are worlds away.

-J

Dirt road scrambling

I took this pic while up north. While I was out on some lazy country roads I came upon a perfectly graded dirt road.

I pounced in the opportunity an opened that old Schwinn up. Goo times were had by all.

Of course I stumble on this shot while I spinning in the living room and reading for class during a rainstorm. Oh the irony, blogging about a perfect setting while a less than perfect scenario plays out. I do enjoy the rain though.

Half hour left to go, then it is off to Blue Tractor for some brew.

-J