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

Bear Grylls Survival Series Fixed Blade Knife

Have you ever found yourself alone in the woods, far from the comforts of modern society? If you have you will wish that you had the Bear Grylls Survival Series Fixed Blade knife from Gerber.

This knife is an all in one survival machine, much like Bear himself.

It has a 4.8 inch fixed blade made from high carbon stainless steel.

The sheath is a masterpiece by itself with a built-in sharpener and waterproof holder for the included flint stick.        

A personal favorite about this knife is its ability to become a sturdy spear. The holes in the handle are strategically placed to allow it to be securely fastened to any sort of shaft. Though I have never found myself in any situation where I would need a spear, it is nice to know that I have the means if and when that day comes right?

One piece that has come in handy is the steel butt at the end of the handle. It is textured and fashioned to act like a hammer. Great idea, it works especially well because the handle is rubberized and provides perfect grip. You probably could not hammer a nail into a 2x4 with it, but it sure beats using a rock!

Bottom Line: Great knife, solid features, built by a trusted company, made in America.

I would pick one up if I were you. It would be a shame to be caught in a survival situation without such a tool.

-J

The outdoor lifestyle reading room

We are quickly coming up on a very hectic time of the year; school terms are ending, presents must be bought, plans finalized and exams must be studied for.

In all of this frenzy you must still make time for daily "you" time. I suggest curling up with one of your favorite magazines. Here is what we are currently perusing during our daily rest periods:

I am also reading Blind Descent, a book about the quest to find the deepest "super cave" in the world. Pick it up if that sort of thing gets you excited. Pretty cool so far.

-J

New brake levers

I have been told that the only affordable thing that you can swap out on a mountain bike is the mechanical brake levers.

Last week I cannibalized a set of brake levers off a friend's bike only to find that their pull length was more than I wanted. Today I picked up a set I avid mechanical levers. They were priced right appear to have a shorter pull

Quite happy with the purchase. Time to get some work done and them slap these on!

Happy trails kiddos

-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

On the river

A day at the dunes

Old Baldy

Are you looking to combine a day at the dunes with a hike or quick trail ride?Look no further that the Old Baldy trail.

Old Baldy can be found just north of the quaint town of Arcadia, on scenic M22.The sign sits on the west side of the road 1,000 feet north of the state scenicoverlook. This hiking trail was developed and is maintained by the GrandTraverse Land Conservancy (GTLC) in an effort to protect significant natural,scenic and farm lands through advancing stewardship. Basically the GTLC is agroup of devoted people who love the natural resources that Northern Michiganhas to offer, and who wish to share it with everyone.

Once you step out of your car you immediately get the feeling that you are theonly person for miles around, a feeling that is often difficult to accomplishwith our ever-growing population.
The GTLC has put up a notice and map board at the head of the trail that givesdates and times of scheduled hikes and trail maintenance dates.

There are two options when you reach the actual trail. The longer of the twotrails is a little over 1 ½ miles one way and offers a nice break from the sunwith dense canopies of old growth deciduous trees and a path that climbs, dropsand double-backs on itself a few times to give you a great feel for the terrainof the area, and also a great respect for the force of the glaciers that shapedthis area.

                                                                     Thetrail is hard-packed single track the whole way.

The shorter trail is just 0.7 mile of very much the same landscape features as thelong trail.

        

At the end of the trailyou will come to a set of stairs that lead up to the dune area. If you broughtbikes find a tree to chain them to and head up.

Once you make it to thedune area you will be taken aback by the scenery.  

The dunes are surprisingin their size and the fact that they just sort of appear once you leave thewoods. Once you are in the dune area though, let loose! (But be sure to stay onthe paths so the dunes can be enjoyed by future guests) Take the time to explorethe unique landscape. (If you go to the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy websiteyou can download guides for the distinct plants that make their home in thedune environment.)

To truly get a feeling for how large Old Baldy is, run down the dune to LakeMichigan and look up, if you didn’t appreciate the size from the top you willdefinitely do so from the bottom. If you feel like a little more riding orbiking after your jaunt out to the dunes cross M22 and check out the othertrails that the GTLC has: Chestnut Trail/ Dry Hills Trail. That trail can be hiked, but itis best enjoyed on a bike.

The trip back up will mostcertainly stir up a hunger for some ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor insideArcadia Marine or a beer at Riggers.

Old Baldy is a great place to take kids as it is an easy bike or hike that willnot tire them out. It is also the kind of place where one can go to embracesolitude if you feel like taking a solo trip.

We are truly lucky to have such an area like this, not only Old Baldy, but theentirety of the Lake Michigan Shoreline, and such a perfect path as M22 toguide us along the bays, dunes, peaks, beaches and little towns and villagesthat dot the landscape. Take some time out of your busy day/ week to exploreyour own little piece of Pure Michigan. I know that I sure do, and it keeps thebody healthy and the mind sane.

Old Baldy is open to hikers, joggers, mountain bikers, snow-shoers and cross-countryskiers.

How to get to the trail.