Featured
Riding the Potawatomi Trail, After Dark, During Deer Season
Firearm deer hunting season begins today in Michigan. On average, around 50,000 hunters will descend upon Michigan looking to bag a deer. A few of the hunters may be on the twitchy side - Not an ideal time to go mountain bike riding.A few years ago, my buddy, The Joe Holmes (Yes…”The”) and I, decided that we should ride the Potawatomi trail despite being deer season. Probably a bad idea but certainly not our first. We also miscalculated our timing and found ourselves finishing the trail after dark, without lights. Luckily, we had some moonlight to guide us. Still, the Potawatomi is a challenging single track with roots, rocks, sugar sand, and mud. Fun stuff, even more fun after dark.We set off in the late afternoon, not really thinking about sunset. As we rode the trail, we noticed several hunters. They noticed us too and we didn’t exactly feel welcome.…
Backpacking
Things to see on North Manitou Island
(Updated May 13, 2018) North Manitou Island is a popular backpacking destination due to its easy access and being one of only a few designated wilderness areas in the Midwest. Many backpackers who visit North Manitou try to hike as…
Things to do on North Manitou Island
North Manitou Island is located eight miles off the coast of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. To get there requires a ferry ride, an overnight stay, and planning. With that in mind, visitors often ask, “What are the things…
Tips For Preparing Dehydrated Meals
Companies like Mountain House make great dehydrated meals. Yes, I said great. Some folks may have had bad experiences or perhaps recall their days in the service eating MRE's. Well, dehydrated meals don't have to be bad. Serious.Add a little…
Cycling
Riding the Potawatomi Trail, After Dark, During Deer Season
Firearm deer hunting season begins today in Michigan. On average, around 50,000 hunters will descend upon Michigan looking to bag a deer. A few of the hunters may be on the twitchy side - Not an ideal time to go…
Ritchey Ultra Mountain Bike Review
Tom Ritchey builds good bikes. Seriously. The Ritchey Ultra is however beyond good. It should be, as Tom has building mountain bikes since the dawn of mountain biking. The Ultra is the newest distillation of Ritchey’s more than 40 years…
2013 Parx Casino Philly Classic Road Race
My long time cycling friend Joe Holmes called me one day and asked me if I wanted to do a ride along in the Firefighters Cycling team car. Having regrettably declined Joe and his offer to me to be the…
Kayaking
Upcoming 2019 Michigan Kayak Symposiums
Symposiums are a great way to learn kayaking skills. Taught by experienced paddlers, typically, ACA or BCU certified coaches; one can learn an incredible amount of useful information in a fun, safe, hands-on environment. 30th Annual WMCKA Symposium Montague, MI…
NRS Freestyle Wetshoe Review
My Valley Nordkapp RM has little spare room for big feet. In the summer, this hasn’t been too much of a problem but during dry suit season, finding footwear that can accommodate the extra bulk of socks and the dry…
The Famous Blue IKEA Bag
Stuff. Lots of stuff. Kayaking involves plenty of stuff. Carrying all this stuff from your car to your kayak and vice versa can be a logistical juggling act that even Tenzing Norgay would subcontract out. Since Sherpas and kayaking don't…
