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!