Indian Summer Gravel Ride

Got out for one more gravel ride in the Thumb as temps hit the low 60's. The snow will fly soon and we probably won't see weather like this for another five months, so this post is a lil' something to help get me through the cold winter...

Pere Marquette State Trail - West from Clare

I picked the perfect autumn day for a color tour on the Pere Marquette State Trail west from Clare. While the course is not yet complete and the pavement ends at Baldwin, the portion I rode was awesome.

Corn Ride

Three counties, five hours, much gravel, and only three cars.

A Shortcut?

The other day I found a potential shortcut.

With the help of an online satellite I spot a road that doesn't exist, despite knowing where the road supposedly ends. Or does it? Zooming in displays a path I'm not familiar with, so I just have to go see for myself.



After finding an open gate and no "NO TRESPASSING" signs, the first thing I notice is a lot of spent shotgun shells. The last thing I want to do is surprise some gun-totin' dude who's tending to his patch. I also know this is a popular hunting site, and I didn't hear any banjos playing so I relax. The only things I manage to spook are a deer, a fox, and a few turkeys along the two-mile route. It's hard to believe that this is considered a road since it's barely a path in a few areas.

As it turns out this is a legit route, so to speak. There are a few deer blinds along the way but mostly this is simply an access to farmers' fields. Not sure if it's legal, but hey, it beats riding beside a state highway.

More Gravel

Up and off before dawn to ride further into Michigan's Thumb taking advantage of the early morning light and avoiding the mid-day 90-degree temps.

One of the great things about these gravel rides, aside from the awesome vistas, is the lack of traffic as only a handful of cars passed me in four hours.

There's definitely something to be said for taking the road less traveled.

Thumb Gravel Grinder

It's good to break away from the usual (asphalt) route and take a gravel crunching ride into Michigan's Thumb.

The thought of escaping the urban environment and into the solitude of the country draws me like a moth to the back door light, yet I wonder why I so rarely venture here. Is it because of time constraints? Nah. Fear of the unknown? Maybe.

So far, the fear of the unknown has proven to be unfounded.

The farmer on his tractor, a woman checking her mailbox, and the man walking his dog, all take time out of their day to offer a friendly greeting.

When folks I don't know wave at me, I must be in a good place.

(A test shot reveals a need for a wider lens.)

Fourth

Happy birthday Uncle Sammy!

On the Way to the Market

My ride takes me past a field of rye.

Be Careful or Be Roadkill

Rode the first leg of three for an upcoming gravel expedition into the Thumb. It was only an out and back trip totalling 20 miles, but waay too slow for the commuter...

Suburban Wildlife

Meandering just a few blocks away from my usual daily path I find a menagerie of exotic creatures living within the wilderness of the suburbs. I roll away determined to vary my route occasionally and look for new horizons.

Tax Day

"In this world nothing can be certain but Death, Taxes, and Cycling."

Furniture is nice, but not for certain.

Be Sure to Look Around

30 Days of Biking Day 14 17.5 miles

I have no idea how many times I'd passed this painting in someone's backyard before finally noticing it. I suppose it took so long because this house sits on the corner of a busy intersection so I was probably focused on traffic.

At any rate, be sure to look around once in a while during your journey.

So How ya Likin' that SUV Now?

Please forgive me, but I'm feeling a bit smug after adding up the numbers from the month of March:

• 110 miles driven

• $20 spent on gas

• 564 miles cycled

• rode every day / 31 days

Spring Arrives after Winter takes its Toll

The toll of winter commuting.

Red Sky at Night, Cyclist's Delight

Another Day Closer to Spring

It appears that winter is near the verge of breaking its icy grip on the Great Lakes region.

After enduring arctic temps for the past few weeks, Sunday's balmy forecast of 36˚ will be a welcome change.

So here's to leaving winter behind.
All images ©2011 Daniel Staudacher

Bird Brained

Bird Brain from Daniel Staudacher on Vimeo.