Happy Holidays

We are still enjoying the outdoors and therefore not able to update this as often as we would like. However, once we get back down state we will be changing it up like nobody's business!

New gear, toys, spots, pics, stories, gear and other fun. 

Enjoy the rest of the holiday season, you know we are.

-J & C

New Toy

When my new toy gets muddy I just take it in the shower, rinse it off and it is ready to go. This thing is stain resistant as all get out. Look for a review in the next Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Association e-mag. (http://gtmtba.com/)

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