Stuff from Summer Biking

Here are some randoms from when the leaves were green and the ground was parched. Enjoy.

-J

Early Fall Murray Lake Ride

Last Sunday I met Hunter and Spence at Murray Lake for a late afternoon bike ride. We started out on the Torn Shirt loop which I think is a great way to warm up. It really forces you to push yourself for the first 2.5 miles  and when you get to that point your body is loose and warmed up for the rest of the ride.

As a result from our recent fall drizzle the trails were well-packed and fast. The leaves have started to really fall and incidentally add variable to some of the corners. They did not play such a big role in either of these loops, however, the local loop in Ann Arbor is very much different as a result of their falling and early stages of deterioration.

Here is a quick vid of Hunter and Spence playing around on a root gap.

As the sun started its descent the air chilled and the distinct smell of a woodstove heating a house was very noticeable.

When I got home I had some Short's Autumn Ale, an "extra spice bitter ale" it proclaims. I think it was a perfect garnish for such a ride.

-J

First Ride at Tree Farm- Novi

I have been mountain biking for less than a year so I cannot say that I am wholly verse on what makes a great trail. Honestly, I have been riding the same few local trails as religiously as I can (2 or 3 single-track days per week) so I my preferences are not fully honed or matured. However, if it "feels right" I can tell.

Someone is going to have some fun!

With hopes of expanding my horizons of trails I headed to Tree Farm in Novi. I have heard quite a few things about this trail so I was very excited to spin it. I don't want to write too much on Tree Farm as I have only ridden it once and I am still developing my preferences. But what I would like to say at this time is that I had a great time while checking it out last night. The trail was full of skinnies and other man-made obstacles. I have not really encountered such trail features before so it was cool to finally try my hand at them.

My friend told me that Tree Farm would really help me work on cornering. After riding it I can say that he was spot on with that. The only kind of turns that Tree Farm does not have are berms, I mean there are some built up corners but nothing to really get loose on. Berms aside, this trail is full of turns, and I do feel a little more in-tune with my bike an abilities after the ride.

Finally near the end of the trail there is a pump track; something that has been on my list since I first found out about them. I felt pretty solid ricing the pump track, but honestly have a long way to go. I made the circuit once, maybe twice without pedaling, but it was super slow and not extraordinary by any account. I guess I will just have to go back to Novi and give it another shot. Today my legs are a little sore, and I am sure that it is from the pump track.

Pump Tracking

I look forward to another ride up there. However, I really want to get back to Murray Lake and Torn shirt possibly by the end of the week.

Upcoming Reviews

Well, things have gotten very busy for me lately. I am a year from being done with law school and it feels pretty good. I am also full-swing in and internship with a local lawyer. It is taking time away from studies and being outside but I am trying my hardest to strike a proper balance. By looking at the activity on the blog it may not look like I am getting much time outdoors this summer that is totally wrong. In fact I just don't have the time to write. I have mostly been riding my bike as the hiking in this area is very bland (I attribute that to the fact that there is no real water around here).

Never fear, with fall and the fall semester coming up I will be able to write more and also get outside without sweating to death. A report released today said that July was the hottest month on record in the states, especially the Midwest. Noting saps being outside like sweltering temps.

Anywho, finals are upon me. That means that my computer time is nil for the next week. I would however, like to leave readers with a bit of an appetizer: reviews. My first and foremost goal after exams is to get some reviews out. Nothing brings people to an outdoor site like reviews, and I love helping people make key decisions with gear.

With that here are a few of the reviews to come:

Camelbak's Adventura (I know it is a women's bag)

Gerber: Gator Pro Machete

Detroit Rock Climbing: Onomonopia Hold Set

TaTaForNow

Time to get back to studying.

-J

Checking out a new trail

Last night I met up with a guy to purchase a Thule roof rack system. We chose the Maybury State Park to make the exchange. 

After helping me install it he invited me to check out the trail with his riding group. Of course I accepted, I'm not gonna drive to a trail and not give it a spin. It was a decent trail for sure. Some of the climbs were a little loose as we have not had rain in a while. 

Overall: 5 mile loop, rewarding amount of flow, more man made obstacles than I am used to, loads of hard-packed straightaways to build speed. Would definitely go back.

Here is a short video overview of the trail from youtube. (I would have put one together had I been alone, and if I had a GoPro (or something similar.))

-J

Snowy Sunday Ride

Temps fell a little below freezing Saturday Night and made for a decent trail on Sunday. The going was hard and fast with only the occasional dip into deep unfrozen mud.

All in all, a nice afternoon of riding.

On the way back the snow fell hard, but only for ten minutes.

So far Winter in the South-Eastern part of the state has been a real letdown. It snows a little each weekend, and then the first part of the week brings mid 40's and rain; the same is forecasted for this upcoming week.

Joy.

Oh well, I am making the most of it.

I would really like to hit up a climbing wall/ climbing gym sometime soon. As with most things, money and time will dictate my ability to do that. Hopefully soon.

The goal for this week is to throw up an overview of new gear/ gear to test. I have a bit more than I thought, not that that is a bad thing; I love new gear.

Happy Monday guys!

-J

Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Association

I want to alert you to a great new website.

http://gtmtba.com/

They are your source for all things related to mountain biking and outdoor-lifestyle in northern Michigan. I recently started to write for them.

Keep an eye on them, they are doing great things; they provided great Iceman 2011 coverage, give product reviews, trail news and the word on the street is that they will be starting a race team for next season!

Check them out.

Have a great day.

-J

Michigan Biking News!

While poking around online I found a few articles concerning some bike projects that I thought might be interesting to you.

When I see these things starting up I get very excited because it means that people are going to be outside powering their recreation, getting healthy.

Blue Star Trail: http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/blue_star_trail_will_allow_bic.html

Yet another new Mtn Bike Trail in Grand Rapids: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/08/new_6-mile_mountain_bike_trail.html

Hopefully trails and mtn bike parks such as these two will aid in making Michigan a diverse destination state!

We do have a little something for everyone.

Have a great week.

Loads of new posts coming.

-J