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

It's hot, I have to get outdoors

Ann Arbor has been cooking. I am talking about nearing triple digits. Kill me now! As much as this kind of weather makes me want to just lay down and nap in the air-conditioning I need to stay in shape. My method of choice is currently mountain biking. Yesterday I braved the nasty weather in order to stave off a major case of the fatties.

Feelings: loving the new fork, lid is keeping my head safe and cool, my hydration pak is in shambles after a nasty run-in with a tree (will definitely need some skilled sewing) all in all it was a good ride.

-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

Rainy Sunday Mtn Bike Ride

 Despite Sunday's rain I took to a loop that is just up the road from my apartment, Marshall Park. It is not very long, but it gives you enough time to get out of the house and do something that you like without having to travel a great distance.

 There is a decent change in elevation and nothing too technical for a beginner like me!

 This winter I look forward to snowshoeing out here. Since I have only seen one other person on the trail I think that it will be a good place to get some deep winter solitude without running into other people.

-J

Many New Things

Last week, my much awaited Columbia Bugagloves arrived. Right now the weather is not cold enough to justify turning on the battery pack. But as the nightly lows continue a downward pattern my excitement is growing.

Expect a full-fledged review soon after the first snow; oh heck, if the weather gets cold enough and I have some spare time I should probably do an overview of the features before then. 

The day after those got here I was getting some pictures of the local Moosejaw when I found a pair of FiveFingers that were at such a good price that it was ridiculous not to pic them up. Wore them three days this week. When you have them on things come at you in a different way. For example; the first day wearing them it rained. Upon my arrival at school, I had to make a conscious effort not to step in the deep muddy spots where my Keen shoes would keep me dry. I feel a little more grounded in them, my feet get a chance to stretch under my weight and exercise muscles that are usually aided by the confines of the modern shoe.

Still doing daily workouts on the Metolious Rock Rings. I think that I may make a trip to the climbing gym before my finals, just to see how it is. I will surely have the strength; hopefully the skill comes right along.

I also have found a new interest in mountain biking and am working on acquiring a decent bike. I have a friend that is lending me a bike until I get a set of wheels of my own. 

Working on some pieces for the Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Association, The Awesome Mitten and HikeMichigan.org. Very excited to be working with all of these people!

Putting together a story about Sleeping Bear Dunes in the late fall. Would you like a preview pic? Ok:

Beauty.

Time to get on that pile of books that needs to be read.

Enjoy what looks like it will be a beautiful day!

-J

Facebook!

Gooooooo morning!

The skies are gray and it is set to be a beautifully dreary fall day, complete with a great thunderstorm. We are talking 65+ mph winds! The gales of November have surely come early this year, yes they have.

This storm means a few things:

1. I will most likely only work until 11 today.

2. this will give me a great deal of time to exercise.

3. it will also give me a great deal of time to test out the Front Point

4. I may also get a chance to check out further weatherproofing on my Stylus Tough, I know, it is about time.

I will also be working on the RSOC Facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Random-Stream-Of-Consciousness/144779595538271 for some extra spice, you know, gonna upload some pics and the such. 

"look at all that nothingness... AWESOME!" -j

(photo= courtesy C. Bromley, click on the blue linkey thing, you will be rewarded!)

Well, that is the news for now. I would really like to get outside and hike, or, snowshoe, or kayak, or something outside, hmmmmm better put the thinking cap on. 

Cross your fingers for me not having a tree blown on me today!

-J