It only took 40 years of crap gifts from yours truly to finally come to the grateful decision but my family decided about a decade ago to stop buying for each other (besides the grandkids). I was king of the crap gift, whether it be the car back rest with beads or the hand held desk fan for those days at work when you just need a little more breeze, I bought some crap. It's amazing what you can buy at three in the morning. I burned my brother one year and wrapped a fake gift (along with the real one separately), which he tried to burn me back by opening it early; little did he know it was some crap literature from the mailbox.
So that is the backstory of not buying gifts. My mom, however, still has her eyes open for little knickknacks while shopping for the grandkids. It must be a mother's premonition but the light on my Schwinn recently went out and what did I get from Santa but a new handlebar light (sweet helmet on that bird).
The helmet cam takes us to southwest Cleveland, specifically Ray's Indoor Bike Park, to...indoor mountain bike. I had heard other riders speak of the place so I had to give it a try. Carved out of an old warehouse with a mix of concrete and wood comprising the "trail", it was a funky experience. There were a few areas that were out of my riding expertise (or lack there of) and didn't want these youngsters on their BMX bikes to see an old man with a limb hanging so I watched from afar in those areas.
With Detroit's many warehouses collecting dust (hello Packard Plant), I would think the Motor City would embrace the concept with so many riders in and around the city. Idea guy helping out. No charge Mr. Mayor.
Attached are some views from the experience with a tumble from yours truly at around the 3:17 mark (lesson learned not to lollygag on turns/curves).
(cell phone users need to click the link to view the attached)
Yesterday was the official/unofficial Global Fat Bike day in the mountain biking world. Normally promoted heavily by the local riding chapter with festivities at Island Lake (including some well placed "soda pop" dispensers in the back of trucks in past years) but this year is not normal and the normally packed trailhead lot on the first weekend of December was only half full.
Based on my speed (or lack there of) and the amount of times I was passed on the trail, it should be re-named Global "on your left" day as that is what I was hearing most. Nephew Jackson was being respectful of his elderly uncle for a few miles but wisely kicked it into 20-something gear and we met back at the parking lot after the loop. Slow speed and all, a great day to be out.
Attached are some views on the art of being passed. For those doing the passing, a call out is recommended about 20 or so yards before the pass or you might get a snake scream from the ADD rider you are passing who was in a deep thought.
Cell phone users need to click the link to view the attached.
It came as no surprise to me to recently read about fraud within the unemployment process as back in September, yours truly received a $7,458 bill from the State for an unemployment claim in my name that I did not apply for (nor receive said $7,458). Been thankfully employed for the last 30 years so obviously a head scratcher receiving the notice. I went through the proper channels and reported it to my employer and the agency's online fraud site (as talking to a human at the agency is not going to happen).
I received a follow-up form letter advising they are aware of the fraud and won't be pursuing me further (which coincidentally came out right around the time the press started reporting on the widespread issues).
Stay tuned but as Ernie Harwell used to say, that $7,458 is lonnnnggggg gone and the individual who received it is probably broke again (or in jail like the boneheads in the second article below). Karma is a bitch.
The helmet cam recently made a trip to the banks of the mighty Grand River to pedal Ionia State Recreation Area. Ionia, sandwiched between Lansing and Grand Rapids, is also home to the Ionia Correctional Facility, just north over the river from the park; so heads up for any hikers dressed in orange. The founding fathers of the city must have insisted on having a prison in town with a name like Ionia (sound it out....I-own-ya). Fake news as I believe the name comes from the Ionian tribe (looked it up).
trailhead
Between Lansing and Grand Rapids, coming from I-96, get off at the Jordan Lake Rd exit (exit 64) and head north on Jordan Lake Rd about four miles until you run into the park. Although I saw alternate parking areas while pedaling, the primary mountain bike trailhead is about 1/2 mile into the park; you'll see a sign for it near the beach area signs.
From the primary trailhead, there is about a 1/4 mile prairie ride north to the loop. The trail goes in different directions based on the day of the week. Going off of memory but believe the direction was the red flow/loop on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and yellow Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
positives
A little over six miles, it's not going to break your back with bearable climbs and a view of the river during a portion of the ride.
negatives
The hardcore riders will rag on me (lighten up Francis) but keep that booty elevated a bit during the pedal as it is one of the rockier rides I've experienced.
Beggars can't be choosers but based on the map, I was expecting the trail to run right along the river but there is a big gap between and will bet the trees block the view a good portion during full tree bloom.
Attached are some views with a nice spill at about the 2:10 mark. The clip is not in slow motion; this scribe was just dragging ass a bit. It happens.
Cell phone users need to click the link to view the attached.
In the mold of "build it and he will come," my bird feeder has become a gathering place this year for quite a vast array of species. We have birds (obviously), squirrels (brown and black), rabbits, ducks, skunks, possum, and the ability to have my personal groundhog day with one of those coming through as well, On the bird front, I put the Blue Jay and the Cardinal as the "don't fu** with me" birds of the bird feeder. They are the bullies of the birds.
I'm on a first name basis with Joe the Squirrel pictured here and once he starts talking back, it will be time to check me in.
Today's showcase takes us to the nighttime anywhere in SE Michigan on the mountain bike. With daylight savings ending (or started? - can't keep that straight), most of us start the work day in darkness and end the same way so improvise we must if a weekday work release ride is calling.
I would call out a trail name but in the dark, it can be anywhere. I even find myself asking where the heck I'm at during most night rides after getting into some deep thought for a couple miles. It kicks the mountain bike experience up a notch.
The attached video gives a short glimpse into the experience. I would normally have a second light attached to the helmet that helps on turns but the camera took that spot. Not a hardcore trail so the limitation had little or no impact.
I thank the lord for the nighttime as the song goes.
Cell phone users need to click the link to view the attached video:
Crazy times call for crazy measures and we can't have Halloween without trick or treating so with the assistance of my tree trimming tool, some duct tape and a small strainer, we have the prototype, the Corona Candy dispenser! (hopefully only needed one year)
The clock turned 30 this past week for my employment. While it didn't have the pomp and circumstance (silly saying) that my 25th anniversary brought (picked out a bicycle from a catalog, ended up giving it to charity), beggars can't be choosers so I'm cool with the voice mail from one of the VP's, thanking me for the efforts (and obviously still having a job). I also made the employee e-mail newsletter, noted below, so the 20-something newbies that I work with have a different perspective on old man Reeves now. I have worked longer than you have lived you silly know-it-alls so respect your elders. Ha.
The trail showcase today takes a visit to two newly created trails, Linear Park/Seven Mile Park in Northville and Settlers Park in Hartland. The former is on the property of the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital and the latter hangs behind a big box store.
The trail at Linear Park/Seven Mile Park (still don't know the exact trail/park name) is only a couple miles at this time but what I've heard is expanding to the west portion of the property soon. I saw a wheelbarrow and some stakes near the trailhead so am guessing extra miles will be available soon. The trail as it stands won't break your back and cuts through some mature forest. With the hospital history, if these trees could talk, I'm sure they would have some stories to tell of patients walking through.
Settlers Park in Hartland has been around a few years and is up to a little over six miles of trail. As with the other trail, Settlers isn't going to break your back. A nice, simple trail.
For the helmet cam, the trails are secondary today to a tribute to a fallen musician so turn up the volume for Eddie V!!!! I was fortunate enough to see him for the 1984 tour and the guy could make that guitar talk. Best $13.50 I ever spent!!!
trailhead
The trailhead for Linear/Seven Mile Park resides off of Wayne Ave, which enters west from Haggerty between Six and Seven Mile Rd, across the street from Schoolcraft College (or 'Haggerty High' as one Northville local called it). There is no formal 'Wayne Ave' sign that I could see off of Haggerty but my idiot phone picked it up. Road parking is the parking lot so park on the north side of the road nearest to the trailhead as you can.
Settlers Park in Hartland can be accessed from a few different locations but easiest is to park in the northwest portion of the Meijer parking lot (they made a little parking area for the park) and catch the trail from there. The trail entrance is well marked.
positives
Both are simple trails that work for those just starting to ride and even experienced riders looking for a release.
negatives
No negatives for the newbies. Glad to have additional options for pedal locations.
Cell phone users may need to click the link to view the attached.
The helmet cam takes us today to the place I called home in my school days, the Milford Trail. It has come a long way since the 1980's when we were driving cars in these back woods before the trail was created (lot of fun back wood driving in Milford back in the day).
Also a place, unfortunately, for the morons to dump their junk. The dead refrigerators were eventually removed and a beautiful trail was created.
Fast forward to today, however, and the trail is in a bit of a transition phase with the recent gas line update ripping out a portion of the trail.
trailhead
The formal trailhead is off of Peter's Rd (Peter's Field) but most park at the YMCA off of Commerce and join the trail from there.
positives
Gas line update aside, the trail still has some great flows and works for all riding levels. The paved path is a short walk away if the bike/body breaks down.
negatives
Not really a negative, but reality. As mentioned, the gas line update has created a very large gap in the very northwest portion of the trail. There is a re-route but will need a few years to develop. Right now, it is raw.
Cell phone users may need to click the link to see the attached.
The helmet cam takes us to the northeast suburbs of Grand Rapids to the tiny township of Cannonsburg, named after eastern capitalist LeGrand Cannon (no idea what an eastern capitalist is but looked it up). The trail has come a long way (for the better) since I last rode it about a decade ago. More miles have been added (about 10 total, lot of flow) and alternate loop direction based on the day of the week have reduced trail wear.
trailhead
For metro Detroiters, it's about 19 miles north of Lowell so get off at the Lowell exit and your idiot phone will send you the rest of the way. For west siders, West River Drive off of US-131, north of Grand Rapids, eventually becomes Cannonsburg Rd after about 10 or so miles to the east and the idiot phone will take you from there.
Park at the ski lodge and the trailhead entrance heads south from there. Head towards the yellow tube on the side of one of the ski hills. I'm going off of memory but believe the yellow flow was Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; red flow the others.
positives
The re-do of the trail has made for a great flow. I didn't ride on Tuesday but hear their evening "taco Tuesday" ride/gatherings are a treat and bring the crowds.
negatives
No negatives. Northeast Grand Rapids is a beautiful area.
Cell phone users may need to click the link to view the attached video. The squirrel parade is at about the 1:20 mark.
The helmet cam today takes to the town of Jiffy Mix, the Purple Rose Theatre (and it's Hollywood famous founder) and one of the faster mountain bike trails in the area. Just a bit west of Ann Arbor, Chelsea is a cool little town with Waterloo Recreation Area a bit north of downtown; a large-ass piece of state land (3rd largest park in Michigan - looked it up). Within the park, a large company made a very nice donation in helping create what is now close to 20 miles of mountain bike trails. Three loops, Green Lake, Big Kame and the latest addition, Winn. The caretakers of the trails have created a trail like no others in the area as it is fast-fast-fast.
trailhead
There are two trailheads to choose from. The main one is off of M-52, a few miles north of downtown Chelsea on the west side of the road, just north of Green Lake. Quick access to the Green Lake and Big Kame loops from there.
The second trailhead was recently put in with the Winn loop's creation. Take Waterloo Rd west off of M-52 about three miles until you see the signs for Cassidy Lake Correctional Facility. Take a right turn on Cassidy, past the facility about two miles and the trailhead is on the right. Quick access to the Winn and Big Kame loops from there.
positives
Like Ricky Bobby's wish in Talladega Nights, if you also want to go fast, Waterloo is your place. You cannot not (double word there) go fast on this trail the way it is designed.
It is well maintained. The alternate trail flows on specific days makes for less wear. Some other trails in the area will frown upon rain riders but this trail will literally put the TRAIL CLOSED sign on damp days.
negatives
I enjoy it but the too-tight spandex riders will say it isn't real mountain biking because of the limited obstacles. The hills and rocks are still there but the tree roots aren't to throw my back out so no complaints in my world.
The vendor overseeing this site has changed the process so you may need to click the attached link to see the video.
The helmet cam takes us to the east side today to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township. The east side has limited territory to work with but has a rabid riding base who embrace the area trails.
The east siders have flogged me for pointing it out on the trail condition sites but not a fan of the layout at this location. It is a very large bowl with a two track comprising the outside of the bowl with the guts of the trail on the inside. The trick is getting to the inside of the bowl. The experienced riders of the trail advise that it just takes time figuring out a loop but that doesn't help those that ride it roughly once a year.
trailhead
The trailhead/parking lot resides in the very west end of the park (park is at Dequindre/Mt Vernon/26 Mile Rd), past the lake and the golf course. Look for the Shelden Trails sign and a bunch of cars/trucks with bike racks attached to them.
positives
Once you get into the guts of the trail, it flows well and is well maintained by the local riding chapter. Those not feeling it or with less experience can do the two track to get a feel for the terrain.
Stony Creek Lake makes for a nice post ride refresher after the ride.
negatives
Mentioned already but not a fan of having to stop at multiple intersections to find the guts of the trail. I foresee collisions happening with so many intersections and certain areas one way. Having the riding markers mean something would be ideal (go to marker 1, to 2, to 3....) but there is no pattern to the number layout. You go from marker 15 to 25 at one point. Keep it simple.
Deer appearance at about the 40 second mark of the attached.
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It was done today at Hickory Glen in Commerce as the MiSCA youth riding club held race number one (not sure how many are slated) and yours truly patrolled with a handful of others. I did witness a few tumbles but no one needing this pedaling St. Bernard to assist them.
As far as the social distancing, the racers/riders were told ahead of time to arrive 30 minutes before their departure time (chip timed - riders started separate about a minute apart) and leave the park once you finish. No lingering. Most parents (lot of helicopter parents at that) were masked up with very limited clustering so a gold star to the group putting it on under the circumstances.
The bike tour headed to potato country this past week to....bike. And sweat just a bit as the temps were up there so morning rides were on the docket (my brain was still on eastern time so early was not a problem). Boise, Idaho did not disappoint.
Downtown Boise more or less sits a little above sea level but is surrounded by hills/mountains/rivers. The foothill trailhead access is only a short drive/pedal from downtown and found that a great start to dabbling my feet into these incredible trails. A local mountain bike patroller gave me the lay of the land and where to park so thank you to the riding gods for having this individual present while I was looking lost finding the trailhead.
The second day's ride was no dabbling of the feet. A 16+ mile drive up (way up, about 6,000 feet of zig-zagging at 20-25 MPH until you park) Bogus Basin Road to Bogus Basin Ski Resort. The main trail's name is "Around the Mountain" and that is literally what are doing on the ride. Some manageable climbs to get you to the berms that run on the side of the mountain while you look off onto some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the distance. The mountain bike gods were again looking after me as I ran into a few riders to show me where to start as the internet's recommended path start no longer existed (the internet was wrong??? - shocker)
As noted, the drive up to the ski lodge was 16+ miles and while the drive was crazy enough, I saw about 30 road cyclists slowly plodding up the mountain on their 10 speeds. That didn't look fun to me but am guessing it's quite a feeling of accomplishment and there is always the fun of going down the hill once getting to the top. One word of warning for those attempting the task in that bicycles share the road with vehicles and must obey the same local speed limits. Friend Gus back in the day pedaled down Brockway Drive in the U.P. and we clocked him at 45. While that is hauling, a Boise local advised me he was pulled over by the police coming down the mountain via bicycle and was clocked at 60. The cop gave him a warning but that is hauling some back side and would be quite a tumble if a rock were to grab your front tire.
There are no 60 MPH views in the video below as I was dragging ass most of the time but hopefully it captures some of the beauty this great state possesses.
Trail Head
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The helmet cam today takes us to the suburbs of Ann Arbor, an area so pompous (with the university nearby), it has street signs blue and yellow instead of the standard green and white (a nudge to their friends down the road in East Lansing). Bitterness aside, today we venture to Pinckney Recreation Area, home of the 17 mile Potawatomi Trail. A quest through the hills of hell (that have seen their better days; lot of erosion), many bridges, a couple prairies and many many roots/rocks to navigate through, it isn't for the leisure rider. The park also has shorter loops via the Crooked Lake and Silver Lake Trails; although even those have their difficult moments.
trailhead
The park resides about 10 miles west of US-23 via North Territorial Rd (for those coming from the east) to Dexter Townhall Rd, north to the park entrance. Riders share the parking lot with the beach-goers at Silver Lake, a beautiful lake and a treat to jump into after a long ride.
positives
For the hardcore rider, the trail has everything. Some of the hills are impossible in my eyes to climb but assume there are riders out there who don't leave their pedals the entire ride. I did my share of walking up hills during the ride. The trail has it's share of hills, however, most can be conquered by pedaling, rather than coasting, on the downhills to get momentum up to the next hill. Always be looking ahead and you won't have too many issues getting through it.
It is a beautiful park/forest with lake views at various portions of the trail.
A great sense of accomplishment after finishing with the lake jump in front of you afterwards.
negatives
As noted above, the old lady has taken a bit of wear over the years and is showing it. I don't dare mention it on the trail condition sites as the too-tight-spandex-riding mafia might call me out. "How dare you want to alter our trail!!!" Lighten up Francis.
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As promised a few months back, attached (no fake news, that is me) is a four month attempt at growing facial hair. Not exactly the Ron Swanson/Thomas Magnum (fictitious people) 'stache I envisioned in my dreams but could probably go into the next decade not shaving and still have the same spotty, mixed color with various patches. I'll miss getting an extra drink of water walking out of the shower from the mustache grabbing excess water or looking like I'm thinking about something serious while rubbing it, but the experiment ended this past Friday as the razor made an appearance. I'd like to say it was a good run but no.
Trail Head
The helmet cam headed to the west side of the state to the suburbs of Grand Rapids to ride the Merrell Trail (Belmont, MI) and Luton Park (Rockford, MI).
The Merrell Trail, named after the local hiking shoe company of the same name (looked it up), is a little over five miles according to my phone but may have missed a turn so it could be longer. It was built/created with the intention of mountain bike use so it has some 'flow-ee' areas to it where you are zoom-zooming through the woods at a pretty good clip. It reminded me of sorts to the DTE/Waterloo Recreation Area trails in Chelsea.
Luton Park is named after Dr. Harry H. Luton (you are getting some history knowledge today), a Grand Rapids area native who did some great things for the area and was an avid outdoorsman. The trail network is comprised of five sections, each about 1-3 miles. The green loop into blue into yellow, into orange, into black, into red and close back on green. Not initially built specifically for mountain biking as Merrell is, the trail still has some cool parts, my favorite being the tall pine tree portion (right around the 5:19 mark of the video).
trailhead
Both trailheads are minutes from each other. About 10 minutes north of Grand Rapids, Merrell is about 1/4 mile east of highway 131 on 10 Mile Road and Luton another four miles east of there through the town of Rockford (cool little town).
My idiot phone acknowledged both locations so there is that option as well.
positives
All positives as both trails were well maintained and served their purpose well.
negatives
Stupid people. Not trail related as there is nothing negative to report in that area. The stupid people referring to the morons who destroyed some of the store fronts in downtown Grand Rapids.
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The helmet cam takes us to northern Oakland County to Holly Recreation Area, specifically Holdridge Lakes mountain bike trails, about 4 miles west of the main park.
Close to 30 miles of trail, it offers something for all types of riders. Short loops north and west with the east loop, Gruber's Grinder, 15 miles and the marquee loop of the network. The first four miles of Gruber's aren't heart attack hills but there are many (many) of them. Once you get past those though, the flow levels out a bit and is a fun, twisty trail.
trailhead
As noted above, the trailhead is not in the main portion of the park; it resides off of Hess Rd which runs off of Grange Hall Rd, east of the town of Holly. The sign for the road/trailhead off of Grange Hall always seems to be blocked by some shrubs so best to have the idiot phone warn you when you are close.
positives
Again, a trail for all riders. Even Gruber's, while a bear, has two exit points at miles 7 and 9 if the mojo is not there.
negatives
No trail negatives but Hess Rd scares the hell out of me as it is one narrow dirt road with trees hovering over it. A dead end to boot, I'm waiting for either a tree to fall onto my vehicle while coming down the road or getting stuck at the trailhead because of a tree blocking the road.
Attached is a mix from Gruber's with yet another fall from yours truly at about the 40 second mark. A lesson learned in respecting the caution signs and not trying to start pedaling in the middle of a large downhill.
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The stay-at-home (or at least try to) order brought about a treat from the junk drawer; the yo-yo. After dusting them off and un-spinning them (need to un-spin to make the yo-yo sleep), I gave each a good throw and got a few sad efforts at "walking the dog" and "sleeping it" but getting the almighty "rocking of the cradle" is near impossible with my motley crew.
Back in the day they could do it though (queue the way-back-machine). It was 1970-something and there was a yo-yo contest in Highland when I was in 5th or 6th grade. I'm going off of faint memory on it but believe the competition was on the side of a party store off of Milford Road (real classy, eh?). It was more or less a H-O-R-S-E contest with yo-yos. My brother came in third (which got some form of recognition) but he was not happy in not taking the overall trophy so never picked up his consolation yo-yo. Bitter bro.
Enjoy the view of the attached as the editing room makes the 1,000th yo-yo throw look clean (lot of throws). My arm hurts.
The helmet cam today takes us to Commerce, Michigan for a ride at one of the underrated trails in the area, Hickory Glen Park. A basic 5+ mile loop with no major ball breaking hills, it is ideal for the beginning rider. The terrain works great as well for winter riding as it is one of my favorites for a fat bike winter pedal.
trailhead
The park is located off of Glengary Road, west of one of the many 'Commerce' directional roads, east of Benstein Road and north of the village of Wolverine Lake. A word of advice on parking; avoid the ball field area during baseball season as the foul balls are aplenty.
positives
A great, simple trail for the rider looking to decide if the activity is for them. If the bike breaks down or the mojo is not there, the walk out is not a marathon.
The Glengary Inn about 4 blocks west of the park has a bare bones grill but produces some outstanding food.
negatives
One negative I guess is the township who has asked the local mountain bike chapter to jump through too many hoops to build a simple wood bridge over a creek that would extend another mile of trail.
A nice fall by yours truly at about the 50 second mark of the attached.
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Today's helmet cam takes us to the land of more sump pump activity than anywhere on earth (whole lot of water), Waterford, and a loop at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Roughly a 10-11 mile loop, it is a bear, especially the first four miles which includes a climb up heart attack hill. Heart attack hill is about a 100 yard climb with six or seven turns. If you survive the climb, there is a 'fast fast' descent afterwards so stop crying. Once you conquer the first four miles, there are some great flows within a very mature forest.
trailhead
The park/trailhead is off of Williams Lake Road, about a 1/4 mile north of M-59. Park at the main parking lot for the beach area. The loop starts and ends back here; well marked.
positives
No more sharing with the horses. The trail way back when used to share a portion with the horses but is now separated.
Post ride feeling that you have accomplished something as your lungs will get some activity.
The lake is right there after the ride for a dip.
The Pontiac Lake Inn is down the street for a VERY large hamburger and a beverage.
It's a beautiful trail.
negatives
As with Highland Recreation Area, not a negative but don't send a boy. It's not for the rider deciding if they want to take up the activity.
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The helmet cam trail showcase takes us off the beaten path of the northwest portion of the lower peninsula via M-22 (Arcadia Dunes) and M-55 (Big M) this past week. Both great trails.
trailhead
The Arcadia Dunes trailhead is a few blocks north of the landmark Lake Michigan lookout on M-22 in Arcadia. Look for St. Pierre Rd just north of the lookout and the trailhead is there. Preferred way is clockwise (follow the numbers) for the 9-10 mile loop.
For Big M, about 20 miles east of Manistee on M-55 is Udell Hills Rd (Big M signs are also noted). Head south about four miles on Udell and the signs will take you to the parking lot. Many different options but well marked.
positives
The Arcadia gets some great love from the local riding community so the trail is always well maintained (and incredibly developed) for a fun riding experience. A great flow.
The Big M is old school in maybe not getting the love of Arcadia in terms of maintenance (VERY rugged) but is blessed with some incredible downhill descents.
negatives
Hard to be negative in such beauty but with large, mature forests (and some nasty spring storms), trees come down. The trail workers were out at Arcadia when I was out but a tree was down just about each mile through. The same with the Big M.
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Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to Highland Recreation Area and the C loop of that trail network. Last count I had were four total loops, A, B, C and D (roughly 16 miles total for the four loops), however, it is one large ass recreation area and wouldn't be surprised of some non-sanctioned loops somewhere in this vast forest, excluding the horse riding-specific trails in there as well.
The video at the bottom was from last week but Amy and Ed P. joined me for another loop on it yesterday for the Milford Bike Fest, corona style (ride the trails but no post ride gatherings; wink wink). All in all, a good showing as we saw quite a few riders out on this beautiful weekend.
trailhead
The main trailhead resides off of Livingston Road, about two blocks west of Duck Lake Rd. This is where the A loop starts. Normally getting to the start of the C loop is a bear as you need to get through A and halfway into B; by that point you talk yourself into just doing the A and B loops as it is not a trail network for the leisure rider. A mile at Highland Recreation Area versus one at Island Lake are apples and oranges; a whole different (and beautiful) beast. With that, the C loop doesn't get the exposure that the other loops receive but in my opinion, is the most picturesque of the four. However, over the years I learned of a back way into the C and D loops via Beaumont Road. Park in downtown Milford, go past Muir Junior High on Weaver Rd to Cooley Lake Rd east to Beaumont (all dirt roads) and about a mile on the right is a DNR sign onto a path. The path there leads into the beginning of the C loop. Access to the D loop is a bit further down on Beaumont.
positives
It is a bear of a trail and you have to keep aware at all times but I think it's the most beautiful trail in the area. Rolling hills within a thick forest. With pain comes pleasure.
negatives
Not really a negative but not a trail for the beginning rider with a chain that is ready to snap (and your chain will get some work) while deep into the B loop and said chain does snap. Riders unaware of the area are in for a long walk back to their vehicles if shi* happens.
Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to Northville and Maybury State Park. The park was named after William H. Maybury, who led the park's development in 1921(looked it up). Built to assist with the rehabilitation from tuberculosis before modern medicine produced advanced cures, Maybury ironically died from said illness.
trailhead
The main parking lot for riding is off of Baseline Rd (8 Mile), just west of Beck Road. There is another entrance off of Beck, south of Baseline, but the horseback riders primarily use that lot (and mountain bike parking is frowned upon there).
positives
While not long (roughly 6 miles), the trail gives a bit of everything for all types of riders. Hardcore riders can do a loop and a half (there is a cutoff half way through to repeat a portion of the trail) to get their miles in while beginning riders who aren't sure if mountain biking is for them have an easy 'out' access to a paved path if the mojo is not there.
negatives
Being picky and noted above but having more terrain would be ideal; but don't think the creators of the park were thinking about mountain biking in 1921 so we'll let this aspect slide.
The way back machine today takes us to 1982 as I was thumbing through one of the old magazines I saved that warranted saving. The magazine was from January 28, 1982; the cover showing the Montana to Clark touchdown in the NFC Championship. The old articles brought back good memories but I think I got more enjoyment reading the advertisements (that I wouldn't give a second to today).
Technology has changed just a bit since and I think one endorsement celebrity noted below, who probably had quite a few of them in 1982, might have a bit of trouble trying to land one today.
Trail Head
Sears was usually the location you ventured to in the mall for watching sports
on the TVs in the electronics department while your mom shopped.
Some cutting edge electronics shown here.
Have you played one of these tapes recently? Not good. My set of
various taped shows/sports/movies recently made a trip to the garbage can.
Your company would not be complete without the Juice
endorsing it; at least in 1982. After 1994? Probably not.
Maybe Bruno Magli needs someone?
Yep, the manual transmission; or the running joke that it's
the most effective anti-theft device to all millennials.
Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek, the future. I get it.
The only thing I see in the future for this television is
someone throwing out their back trying to heave this
600 pound piece of fake wood into a dumpster.
Such effort back in 1982 for the helicopter parent dragging
this behemoth camera around the little league fields.
I don't care what year it was or is, or how real
current video games are, this was the best.
"All right Roger, look at the camera and motion
awkwardly to Mr. Armstrong."
Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to the metropolis of Green Oak Township (population of a couple hundred) in Livingston County to Island Lake Recreation Area. The two loops (blue and yellow) are roughly 14 miles and one of the area's quicker terrains with limited ball breaking hills and many descents. The trail even makes slow riders like yours truly look fast in the attached.
trailhead
The main trailhead is about a mile past the main gate of the park. I know you'll be giddy to ride heading to the trailhead but keep the speed down as it is 25 mph and Green Oak's one cop loves to hang within the park (and pulled over a friend of mine).
The actual trailhead is one large parking lot (and is quite full on an ideal riding day) where both loops start and end.
positives
The trail allows for all riding levels as I saw both hardcore spandex and blue jean rider on my most recent ride.
Mentioned above but going fast is quite fun.
negatives
Sand. It usually doesn't show itself until later in the summer but there are around four or five patches where you are more or less pedaling on a beach with excessive sand that will pull you down quicker than you can say 'marmalade'.
Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to the shopping mecca of southern Oakland County, Novi, to pedal Lakeshore Park, also known as The Tree Farm. Why the name 'Tree Farm'? I looked it up in the information superhighway without success but have been told it got its name from a section of the trail that intersects with quite a bit of Christmas-type trees. Was it an actual tree farm at one time? I have no idea.
trailhead
Located on the south shores of Walled Lake, the trailhead, while currently under construction for a new community building and updated landscaping, provides an ideal setting for those 90+ degree July/August rides as the beach is right there afterwards.
positives
The trail has come a long way since friends and I rode it in the late 90's; specifically signage as there are four sections of the trail and we got turned around a few times in the early days with no direction. It starts with the initial winding trail (fun), over the first bridge to the prairie area (less trees), the crater area (more fun) and the final quarter that involves thick tree cover and many stumps (not as fun). The latter is not as fun for me as my old booty does not like the bumps, even with the padded shorts.
There are no ball breaking hills so beginner and intermediate riders will enjoy the roughly nine mile loop.
Lastly, I have met the trail coordinator and he is pretty OCD so the trail is always in pristine condition. negatives
The only negative I would throw out there, and it's being picky, is the trail does not drain well as it is more or less surrounded by wetlands (and idiot riders try to ride it too early in the spring).
As folks are eager to get out and divorce attorneys are getting prepped for extra business from married folks having to be together a bit too long in one place, a good time to utilize the helmet cam to showcase the local mountain bike trails in SE Michigan and maybe save a few marriages in urging folks to get out and enjoy the many parks we have at our disposal in this part of the state.
The helmet cam will feature other local trails in the upcoming weeks.
Today's trail showcase is Hines Park in Wayne County, specifically the Lakeview and Riverview trails within the park.
trailhead
There are two that I know of, one off of Hines Drive just east after the I-275 underpass. The Lakeview trailhead marker is there with the trail heading east towards the Riverview trail.
The other is at the intersection of Newburgh and Ann Arbor Rd, kitty corner from the Lake Pointe Yacht Club (good food there). This is where the Riverview trailhead resides. The trail heads east from there.
positives
The views for one. I made an attempt to get the video in before the trees bloomed as the lake/river views are quite beautiful. Everyone harps on the Rouge River and yes, it has it's flaws (check out the LeDuff Rouge River canoe trip on YouTube if you get a chance), but the contained lake that was created from the river that became Newburgh Lake was cleaned up and is quite an asset to the park now.
Other positives are for the beginner riders as it's not a back breaker and not very long. Those looking to put in the miles can loop it twice and enjoy the views even more.
negatives
It's a beautifully designed trail with the limited territory available along the lake and river, however, with the limited territory, parts of the trail are two way traffic so HEADS UP!!! I see a beginner rider with A.D.D. enjoying the views while hardcore, spandex-addicted rider barrels into them.
In 50+ years on this wacky earth, besides week long backpacking trips, this scribe has never went longer than a week without shaving. It wasn't needed as the shave process for me normally occurs every other day to smooth over the stubble and an errant gray whisker. With the current home situation we're under (a fun one at that), I went longer than a week and the attached picture debunks the myth that Reeves blood can't grow beards. It came in quite thicker than I expected. It itches a bit but think I might keep it and purchase a trimmer to make it neat and clean. (DISCLAIMER: fake news/fake picture)
Seriously though, I am making the attempt but after what I believe has been about a month, it's currently a series of brown, dark brown and gray patches of hair on my face with no continuity. It's not in the family genes to grow facial hair I was always told although I've seen pictures of my mom's brother with a beard. He has no hair up top so I don't believe I have his beard gene (thankfully). I have no memory of my dad even having a 5 o'clock shadow so believe the trait might be true. I'll pass on a photo once I make the decision to shed but until then, as Shaggy (whom my current beard resembles) would say, Zoinks!
