Peaking

Besides Michigan State's "prevent the win" defense in the loss to Iowa Saturday night, I have no complaints whatsoever about this weekend. Nancy and her son Jaime (the "J" sounds as an "H") came down for some road construction appreciation. I got my fanny kicked in Xbox against Jaime, we all had lunch at Hooters (good times for a 13 year old, no it was not my idea) and caught a flick at the Emagine theater. To top everything off, the sun came out for a bit today and I dusted off my motorcycle (ashamed of my riding effort this year) for a leisure ride through Hines Park. With fall pretty much at peak around here, the colors were outstanding. A whole bunch of motorcycle-ers, bicycle-ers, joggers, pet walkers, hangers, and picnic-ers out there. We'll take these days when we can get them, eh?

How about Michigan and Michigan State in the Little Caesars' Bowl this year? The ugly versus the ugly. CMU is the best team in the state right now and honestly deserves a better bowl than that. There is my commentary for today (bonus).

Trail Head

Autumn Fishing

Under partly sunny skies on a crisp October Saturday afternoon, we took off to the water in hopes of catching that elusive Dunham Lake whopper. All in all, the weather wasn't too bad as the northerly winds eventually died down as we evolved into evening. I thought I had the biggest catch of the day with a nice smallmouth bass until Greg, possibly inspired by his Toledo Mud Hen glass, took honors for the evening with a 19 inch or so green fish. He was on top of his game throughout the evening with some outstanding "dancing" in Al's garage; using all artifacts within his reach to show off his prowess.

Thanks to the Crouse family for being outstanding hosts in their new digs on the north side of Dunham. A great place you have there.

Trail Head

Molson Bike Tour banquet - 2009

It was good football weather for the banquet ride tonight at Island Lake Recreation Area. It didn't downpour but it misted just enough to cause a nuisance. In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the bike tour, Mark recreated his fall from '03. It was only seconds when we were talking about that nasty fall that we heard an "ohhh!!!!" There weren't any witnesses but looking at the pictures below, the bike looks like it took a bit of a tumble.

The fall colors are just about 1/2 way there to peak. For you nature freaks out there, we got to witness a Common Juniper tonight on the trails (pictured below). While I thought the Juniper had something to do with the planet alignment, little did I know it is a densely branching shrub or small tree having pungent blue berries used to flavor gin; widespread in the northern hemisphere (looked it up). So there is the educational part of our entry today.

For the year, the anniversary tour was a good one. Our aging bodies can't work it like we once did but it was fun still the same. I am thankful that my friends aren't into the spandex riding outfits. That is just not a good look. I have to say the Spring Mill Pond parking lot at Island Lake will always give me a giggle each time I go by it. The best ride of my life.

A banquet wouldn't be complete without some awards. While he wasn't in attendance tonight, Ed took honors for rider of the year this season. Kudos on the dedication Ed.

Too bad for the Tigers but they didn't deserve it.

Trail Head