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 with the Osprey Manta 20

Last week I had some Birthday money burning a hole in my pocket so I took a trip to REI in hopes of finding some kind of gear fix.

As per usual, I made a beeline to the "garage sale" section where they sell gently used and returned gear. (Thank God for that REI member policy).

I sifted through the usual junk; cruddy Fivefingers, shorts with worn out crotches, single socks, and there on a hanger was a beautiful Osprey Manta hydration pack.

I have been hesitant to buy an Osprey hydration pack though I have coveted one for quite, they usually don't fit into my student-sized budget. However when I found this gem for 75% off I snapped it up. The super bonus part is that it had a brand new Nalgene bladder inside. It was returned because it was shipped with a little dirty spot near the left shoulder strap... yeah... If this person really planned on using it they would not have been bothered by that dust spot. But nevertheless, bless them, bless you finicky person.

Sunday was my first chance to give the Manta a go on the trail. I used it for an XC ride at Torn Shirt and Murray Lake trails. Though not an all day epic, nor an extended test, I think it was a well-rounded trail to take it on. There are some flowy sections, a decent amount of climbs and enough time out of saddle to get a feel for how the bag will ride.

Initial Thoughts:

• It seems to offer decent airflow on the back panel and did not mat itself onto my back under the weight of the reservoir.
• Unlike most 1" web waist straps the waist strap on the Manta is wider, contours to my body, and really helps shift the weight evenly.
• The bite valve is has to be switched out. I like to drink while moving and I am afraid I will break my teeth if the hose gets caught on passing sticks.
• The attached rainfly is a great addition.
• waist pockets are always cool.

A real review will come in a month or two after I get some more time with this. I plan to hike and snowshoe with it as well.

-J

Sick Rig

While interweb walking last night I came across this awesome adventure machine.

I know that it does not conform to my overall message of being environmentally friendly while enjoying the outdoors, but dang it is cool. It's a Mercedes Benz Sprinter with 44's and improved suspension. One can't help but wonder the places that this could take you.

The 4x4 site that I found it on say that it got a surprising 15 miles per gallon. Nothing I would ever make, but I can see the appeal.

-J

My Etsy Shop

Hey all,

just thought I would let you know that I have opened up an Etsy shop to help fuel my habits! Give it a look. Let me know if you see anything that you would like, or if I should change something.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107660529/drab-and-light-camo-survival-bracelet

I will have some pics of the sweatshop where these are made later.

Have a great day!

Message for the day

Never forget that:

You can do it!

I have been on the Honda Fit train for a month or so now. Was planning on procuring one asap following graduation. But I think that the winds have changed for me.

(image from netcarshow.com)

Holy crap sweet new capable vehicle. I am talking about the new Subaru Crosstrek, their newest in piece in the crossover market. I saw one in the parking lot the other day and they look to be a pretty solid vehicle.

Some sweet little old lady's new whip in the school parking lot.

They get up to 33 mpg, which is pretty cool. I wonder what the fuel economy is on the manual? As graduation gets closer I would really like to take one for a test drive. The pics look like it has ample interior space to load up with gear and maybe a dog, and a factory installed roof rack would be a definite step up from the current situation.

Looks like a great vehicle for some long-distance outdoor trips.

-J

I am obsessed with Fatties...

Let's be real, I have a pretty decent cross-country mountain bike set up right now but I am always looking for more.

It's great for what I do and could use a few tweaks here and there. But there is a style of bike that has been climbing in my list of lusts: the affectionately named fat tire bike.

(Image from www.fat-bike.com)

Beside the fact that they just look badass, they can go almost anywhere that a normal cross-country bike can go and further. They float over beach sand without leaving deep ruts and taking extra effort and also handle superbly in snowy conditions. You see, Michigan has both of those things, all the more reason for me to get one.

As if that were not enough, most of them come with enough braze-ons to carry everything in my apartment; thus appealing to my affinity for packs, racks and bags, as well as opening a whole new realm of possibilities for shoreline touring and camping.

For now, I have to dream, save my pennies, and scour the used forums!

-J