I thought fall was coming...

The nights were getting cool and the mornings still held the cool tinge. All of the sudden; thump, the Mitten is all hot and bothered again. Just when I was getting the hang of pumpkin beers and thinking of hikes through crunchy leaves. But that has again been pulled just a bit out of reach. So here I sit, clammy and uncomfortable lusting for plummeting temps and a cool breeze, and scrolling through my pics of cooler times...

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

Shots of the "Up North" trip

This year we got to go home for the 4th of July. Check out the week in pics:

Someday, this will be a daily deal.

Chelsea Marie heading north, out of Pierport.

Sure you could golf Arcadia Bluffs for a bunch of money, or you could get a much better view of them from the boat for free!

Trip home essential: Big Al's Stromboli! Adventure food!

Great way to end a day.

Must get back soon.

-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

Rockwall

It's officially up. The rockwall has been climbable for about a month and a half. Honestly, I have not made a good decision for quite some time. I thoroughly enjoy scrambling around and setting new routes.

Any day now I will be getting my first shipment from "The Gang," the monthly climbing subscription from Detroit Rock Climbing Company. Check back soon for an overview and a review of the new rocks. Also, soon to come: a review of the rocks that I am currently using.

-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