Human powered sports, travel, and adventure.
Neal
Minivan Camper Conversion This is the story of how I built a Honda Odyssey camper van conversion. For some time now, I’ve wanted to travel out west. However, I also wanted something for long-weekend trips. For this, I wanted a vehicle that would allow me to sleep inside, carry a variety of cargo, outdoor equipment, …
Paddling under the Mackinac bridge and through the Straits of Mackinac in general can present several dangers. Currents in the straits can be very treacherous!Do not attempt this without an appropriate sea kayak, proper safety equipment, and training! A few years ago, on our return from the Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium and a side …
I’ve had my Klean Kanteen 40 oz. wide mouth stainless steel water bottle since 2008. It’s not sexy, it’s not expensive, and it’s not the item that most gear heads would ever brag about. But it is reliable, durable, and trustworthy. Exactly what you want in a backpacking partner. Klean Kanteen makes a variety of …
South Manitou island is located in Lake Michigan about seven miles from Leland, Michigan and is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was once inhabited and home to farming and logging and was an essential re-fueling stop during the steamship era on the Great Lakes. During the 1970’s it became part …
Handlebar grips serve two main functions: comfort and control. Both functions are closely related to each other. A well-designed handlebar grip provides sufficient friction to prevent your hand from slipping. The surface should also allow for easy changes in position. This also allows your forearm and finger muscles to be in a more relaxed …
Beaver Island is an amazing sea kayak destination. With the addition of the new Beaver Island Water Trail, it just gets better! It’s rather special to me since it is where I had my first sea kayak lessons. Being a remote island in Northern Lake Michigan, the water is clear (and cold), the scenery pristine, …
Recently a Facebook group member posted an angry response to how bike clothing manufacturer, VOmax Apparel responded to a comment on one of their Facebook ads. This particular group is a private group for former cycling industry members. The member was aghast that a cycling company would suggest mutual respect and cooperation with drivers of …
Tom Ritchey is best known for building mountain bikes and mountain bike components. He was at the birth of mountain biking way back in the 70’s. Tom however also has a lengthy history in road bikes. After all, Tom was a Cat 1 bike racer and USA National Team member. I decided to …
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, …
I was sitting on the dock at North Manitou Island, waiting for the ferry to take me back to the mainland, when I overheard a conversation between two national park rangers. They were talking in hushed tones about how, the night before, another ranger on South Manitou island had apparently gone berserk, brandished his firearm, …
This past weekend, the Northern Lights or properly, the Aurora Borealis, were predicted to be visible in much of Northern Michigan. Having been fortunate to have seen the Northern Lights on a few occasions and having been lucky to photograph them last year, I gathered my camera gear and headed out to the Sleeping Bear …
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 of experience. Between geometry and tubing selection, the Ultra serves up a bike that …
From May 5, 2018. Taken at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula on the 45th parallel. This is actually the phenomenon known as STEVE.
(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 much of the island as possible and to see as many attractions as possible. Depending …
It’s April 14 and we’re getting another foot of snow here in Traverse City. I’m thinking that there has to be some redeeming quality to this. Maybe not. Seems that at least in the Northeast, this winter hasn’t had an impact on ticks. Ugh. A nice thick blanket of snow seems to insulate the bastards. …