Gasoline is for Suckers

The Winter that Wasn't

2012-01-11T20:39:00.014-05:00

Just had to get out today and take advantage of the 50˚ temperature in January. That's right, January, as in winter. We've had a few flurries here and there, and I've even shoveled snow once after one or two inches fell in December.

Don't get me wrong, I ain't complaining.

Trash Talk

2012-01-08T19:01:00.015-05:00

I see quite a bit of trash during my rides I'm sorry to say.

Discarded lottery tickets, furniture, cigarette butts, plastic water bottles, refundable beer and pop cans - you name it.

So much junk in fact, it makes me wonder what people are thinking.

But yesterday, while heading to the store to turn in a few cans and pick up some groceries, I spot an empty beer can in the ditch. What the hey, another ten cents in my pocket, so I set the bike down and add the can to my collection. As I hop back on my ride a motorist slows to a stop. Usually when this happens it's someone asking for directions.

A smiling woman asks if I'm picking up trash. And she wants to give me a candy bar for being a good citizen.

Somewhat embarrassed, I thank her and decline the candy bar explaining I'm just heading to the store. She smiles and waves while pulling away.

Sometimes you meet the nicest people out on the road.

Indian Summer Gravel Ride

2011-11-06T19:23:00.014-05:00

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 Rail Trail - West from Clare

2011-10-08T21:18:00.018-04:00

I picked the perfect autumn day for a color tour on the Pere Marquette Rail 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

2011-09-14T15:42:00.007-04:00

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

A Shortcut?

2011-07-25T19:18:00.067-04:00

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

2011-07-19T19:06:00.008-04:00

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

2011-07-10T00:00:00.012-04:00

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

2011-07-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday Uncle Sammy!

On the Way to the Market

2011-06-14T20:30:00.001-04:00

My ride takes me past a field of rye.

Be Careful or Be Roadkill

2011-05-26T09:54:00.003-04:00

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

2011-04-26T13:09:00.005-04:00

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

2011-04-18T00:00:00.005-04:00

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

Furniture is nice, but not for certain.

Be Sure to Look Around

2011-04-14T21:54:00.012-04:00

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?

2011-04-11T19:01:00.007-04:00

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

2011-03-21T10:56:00.005-04:00

The toll of winter commuting.

Red Sky at Night, Cyclist's Delight

2011-02-13T19:51:00.004-05:00

Another Day Closer to Spring

2011-02-09T19:00:00.024-05:00

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

2011-02-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

Bird Brain from Daniel Staudacher on Vimeo.

6601.5

2010-12-31T23:30:00.008-05:00

2010 was a good cycling year.

My personal best in logged miles. Also add in 363 riding days, driving about once a week or less, and losing ~10 pounds.

Don't forget the new and old trails ridden, with new and old friends.

And add discovering bikepacking and S24O trips to the list too. In fact I enjoyed them so much that I've got all sorts of adventures planned for the new year and beyond...

So, yep, it was all good.

Here's to more of the same in 2011!

"Dan, you crazy bastard!"

2010-12-12T20:21:00.008-05:00

...is what a fellow cycling friend yelled at me through his van window as I rode my bike today during the first significant snowfall of the season.

I just laughed and waved.

A little while later I noticed a motorist snapping a pic of me with a cell phone...

I swear I'm not crazy.

Cheap Blinky

2010-11-26T09:59:00.018-05:00

Now that daylight savings time has ended, cyclists need to drag out their lights once again so motorists can see you in the dark.

I'm still using my tried and true Planet Bike lights on the front and back, but thought I'd augment my night-time visibility by spending a coupla bucks after spotting this Halloween accessory at the local retail store for $3.

Three bucks apiece? I don't think so.

I had a hunch they wouldn't sell out so I waited until November 1st when the remaining stock immediately went into the clearance bin so I picked up a pair at 74-cents each.

The jack-o-lantern blinky features a belt loop, a neck chain, and three modes of illumination:

• blink fast
• blink slow
• constant on

The package claims the lights will last 24-hours, but we'll see about that…

I'm using mine as side lights that clip onto the horizontal fender supports.

And they seem to be water resistant - at least according to my initial 40-minute field test in the rain last night.

Sure, they look a little cheesy, but you really can't tell they're flashing pumpkins from a distance, and it beats getting mowed down and left for dead...

As more holidays come to pass I'll be checking a few dollar stores looking for similar cheap illumination…

You know, a blinking Santa, or a Heart, maybe?

Happy Holidays!

Maumee River towpath

2010-10-20T21:35:00.001-04:00

Mr. OCTOber "conkars de rapids" of the Maumee River just west of Toledo, Ohio.

It was a glorious fall day when Mr. OCTOber (no, not Reggie Jackson) and I converged in northwestern Ohio to ride the Maumee River towpath that was formerly a part of the Miami and Erie Canal.

Besides enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of this pastoral trail, local landmarks along the route made this trip that much better. Historical markers explain the significance of the Ohio Electric Railroad Bridge, Roche de Boef, and the Bowling Green Fault. Near the end of the towpath is the Isaac Ludwig Mill featuring a working saw and grist mill, and an authentic mule-drawn canal boat on an original section of the Miami and Erie Canal.

All images ©2010 Daniel Staudacher

While the 16-mile out-and-back towpath trail is not at all challenging if you're looking for that hardcore mountain biking experience, it's still a good ride.

The Rock

2010-09-04T18:42:00.035-04:00

It was a trip intended to be the last hurrah of summer...

An overnight S24O bikepacking trip to a 120-foot limestone precipice overlooking Lake Huron that is part of the Niagara escarpment.

But it was hot, humid, and the deer flies were biting. Savagely.

Oh, and getting lost more than once didn't help...

All images ©2010 Daniel Staudacher

So, forget about the poor trail markings, and the seemingly endless hike-a-biking around too, too many water-filled ATV scars. Forget about the less than ideal light and running out of water.

Yep, it was still a great time.

Riding Poto - A Trip to Hell and Back

2010-08-24T11:21:00.014-04:00

On Monday the OctoDude, a.k.a. the "Evil Wolverine," and myself took on the Potawatomi Trail located at Pinckney State Recreation Area just a short distance from Hell, Michigan.

Unfortunately, The Dude recently bought a new pair of clip-in pedals, and this was his first experience using them...

On a 17-mile course featuring "serious hills" and rated advanced.

All images ©2010 Daniel Staudacher

More problematic, Octo had a hard time clipping out and took a few hard knocks - fortunately with no serious injuries.

But I enjoyed my trip to Hell (it was a dry heat). It's now my new favorite trail.

Octavian? His mileage may vary...

Tour de Thumb

2010-07-19T23:26:00.006-04:00

Took an out-and-back 65-mile ride in Michigan's "Thumb" region today.

A former resident once told me, "It's a place where the 30's lasted until the 60's, a great place and time to grow up. Now it's a bedroom village - the business district is a ghost town."

Ah, yes, I love those ghost towns most of all. They are like little time machines to me and I'm fascinated by the remnants of that bygone era.

All images ©2010 Daniel Staudacher

I have a feeling there's more to discover...

Images © 2010, Daniel Staudacher

A Postcard for my Love

2010-06-21T07:26:00.002-04:00

Hey Babe-o-mine!

Got in some biking, hiking, and kayaking - and drowning a cell phone in the process - it was a full weekend.

Made the wedding on time too!

Miss ya more than I can say,
D

Image ©2010, Daniel Staudacher

Bikepackin' in da U.P., eh!

2010-06-11T12:41:00.070-04:00

After reading about the concept of S24O earlier this past winter I already had a particular location in mind. My bikepacking trip would take place in a remote spot of Michigan's Upper Peninsula featuring stark alvar landscapes and limestone outcroppings festooned with fossils.

With a bike loaded down with the bare essentials for an overnight jaunt into the wilds, I'm off to a rugged place where the only sounds to be heard are the wind, the waves, or a raven's call.

Rolling along I can't not notice the numerous large boulders - glacial erratics - deposited by retreating glaciers some 20 thousand years ago.

My path carries me over fractured limestone bedrock scraped free of soil during the last ice age.

And sometimes through puddles...

After pedaling 26 miles I unload the bike and make camp near the shore of Lake Huron.

And grab a bite to eat...

Gorp. It's what's for dinner. Breakfast too.

I prepare to settle in for the night as sunset mounts and hang my "food" from a tree branch with a 40-foot rope away from the tent in case any bears catch scent of the Gorp. I wonder, "Would bears even eat peanuts, raisins and M & M's?"

The day was a cool one as early June days go, with temps barely reaching the 70-degree mark, and I felt remarkably fresh after riding nearly three hours. That was a good thing because it's too cold for a dip in Lake Huron this early in the season.

After bunking down in the sleeping bag I catch a whiff of myself wafting from within. "That's not B.O.," I think. "That's B.R.," for "bear repellant." Mental note to myself: Might want to air out the sleeping bag, or maybe even get it dry cleaned after getting home...

Dawn comes early in these north woods, or at least it seems to get light earlier with no other competing light sources. The night was also a cool one, and that three dollar space blanket turned out to be a pretty good investment. Emerging from the tent, vapor rises from my breath into the early morning predawn light. The temperature on my cycling computer reads 47˚. At least the cold air keeps the mosquitos at bay. Wearing a knit cap, arm and leg warmers, and a light cycling jacket, I start a fire with wood gathered the evening before.

Warmth from the sun can't come too soon now, and eventually it paints an orange glow over the shoreline. Finally, it's bright enough to walk without using a flashlight.

Walking the beach, limestone strata reveals ancient marine fossil invertebrates laid down 440 million-years-ago when warm, shallow seas covered this region.

Since this was my first s24o, mistakes were made, items forgotten. I'm still kicking myself for not carrying a spare battery after my camera died.

I hike the shoreline a bit, relishing the view, and wish I never had to leave. With all this wilderness about me, and no operable camera, I reluctantly realize it's time to go. So I load up the bike once more and say goodbye to this lovely place. At least for today...

I will return another day.

Even if mistakes are made, and most probably they will be made, there is (almost) nothing that you cannot live without for at least one day.

It's all about the adventure.

All images ©2010, Daniel Staudacher

Spring Showers

2010-05-07T19:33:00.006-04:00

...almost guarantee you'll have the trail all to yourself.

Image ©2010, Daniel Staudacher

Yankee Springs

2010-05-05T11:17:00.016-04:00

The OctoDude and myself made the annual pilgrimage to Yankee Springs Recreation Area in southwest Michigan for some singletrack goodness and to shoot some video along the way.

Many thanks to Octavian for his masterful video editing skills on my, uh, not-so-masterful videography... ;)

Ghetto Cam

2010-05-03T01:14:00.007-04:00

Took the Ghetto Cam out for a test spin after brainstorming the idea Saturday and then cobbling it together Sunday to see how much wobble may occur - not too bad really. Unfortunately it has no audio but what do you expect from a $60 "disposable" camera?

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Kids, don't try this at home. Using a hose clamp on your brain bucket in this manner may compromise the helmet's structural integrity and thus compromise your noggin and health should you take a tumble.

Looking forward to posting more footage after riding a real mountain biking trail...

Digital Holga

2010-02-28T06:49:00.004-05:00

So the other day my bud and favorite mountain biking pal Octavian was gloating over some new state-of-the-art fancy-schmancy camera equipment he acquired. Yep, he was really stickin' it to me, ya know, rubbing my face in his good fortune and all... Sheesh, just call him "Mr. Tact."

Sure, I was a bit envious, but truth be told he needs all the help he can get when trying to make a good photograph (kidding, kidding... heh!). So I did what any other self-respecting photographer might do to counter this so-called one-upmanship - I got myself a digitized Holga!

Ha, top that Octavian! So there.

Image © 2010, Daniel Staudacher

It's Tough Out There Folks

2010-02-16T19:49:00.008-05:00

"Ray" is unemployed, homeless, and sleeps under a bridge. He says he can't build a fire for fear of attracting attention. By day he stands near a busy intersection hoping a good Samaritan will drop off some food or give him a few bucks. Most of the passing motorists avert their gaze pretending not to see him. Finally, a compassionate person slows her vehicle, rolls down the window, smiles and hands him a couple of wrapped sandwiches. Ray thanks her, stuffing his next meal into his coat pockets, then once again lifting the cardboard sign to the oncoming traffic.

Count your blessings no matter how small they might be.

Image © 2010, Daniel Staudacher

JACKPOT! Well, not really

2010-01-14T19:31:00.012-05:00

Continuing with the "No, I Didn't Get a DUI... " alcohol-related cycling theme post, I found these unopened 24-ounce tall boys today during my travels.

It's not my brand but you can't argue with free beer.

Image © 2010, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan.

"No, I Didn't Get a DUI..."

2010-01-10T12:03:00.007-05:00

...I replied, amused, after a neighbor of my parents asked if I lost my license.

Funny, some folks just assume people riding during the winter are either "the have-nots" or had their license revoked.

Didn't even try to explain.

Image © 2010, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan.

End of the Season?

2009-12-10T15:17:00.011-05:00

About a year ago someone told me that they never learned how to ride a bike.

I was, and still am, astounded.

After riding pretty much every day for the last four months, it's probably time to hang it up for the year. With the temperature at 19˚ and a wind chill just above zero, it's really starting to get miserable out there. It's not so much the temperature or the wind chill, but pedaling into a 30-mph wind. Like just about any other outdoor activity, it's quite comfortable if you dress for the weather.

Can't wait 'til Spring.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan.

Thumb Road Trip

2009-10-14T21:15:00.004-04:00

Limestone

2009-07-29T22:31:00.004-04:00

A Triptych back to my Past

2009-07-27T21:11:00.007-04:00

Once upon a time, before I became a newspaper photographer, I made photographs somewhat like these images, but I used film instead.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay County, Michigan

Modest Sphinx moth

2009-06-29T20:32:00.007-04:00

Last week while kayaking in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula, I found this large moth with a fur-like body floating in the St. Marys River. Nudging it with my paddle I discovered the moth was still alive so I scooped it up onto the bow of the kayak.

After returning to shore, I scrounged a piece of birch bark, set up the camera and tripod, and made this photo.

A week later, with a somewhat lengthy search on the different kinds of moths, I'm surprised at just how many species there actually are.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Chippewa County, Michigan.

Road Trip

2009-06-24T22:46:00.002-04:00

A few years ago I had the good fortune of acquiring the classic book "Road Trip" by Aaron Siskind. Now I see those tar doodles everywhere I go...

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Chippewa County, Michigan.

A New Cloud?

2009-06-06T09:49:00.021-04:00

That's right, a new cloud formation called asperatus clouds, or its proposed Latin name, Undulus asperatus. While reading the online NG article I recalled making a photograph of those clouds just over two years ago. Inconclusive results suggest these clouds may be an indicator of climate change.

Image © 2007, Daniel Staudacher || Essexville, Michigan

The Dude

2009-05-22T13:26:00.004-04:00

Ran into The OctoDude on the street today. I was scared...

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay City, Michigan.

Oh, The Times They are A-Changin'

2009-03-23T19:37:00.022-04:00

Got the word today that my employer will follow the Detroit Free Press and News' business model publishing only three days a week starting in June. This was not a surprise, as rumors filled the newsroom a week or so ago. Today those "rumors" were confirmed.

In addition, it was also announced today that 30-percent of the remaining staff would be cut, myself included.

So, come the end of May, when I finish my career as a newspaper photographer, I will wish my fellow co-workers who stay on the best of luck, because frankly, they've got a steep hill to climb. We had some great times together and I'm gonna miss some of those folks...

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Over the past few months, with the possibility of job loss looming, I created my own website. Assembling a collection of galleries really helped to clarify what I want to achieve as photographer. And what I realized, is, I'll always be a photographer. Regardless if someone pays me or not. The great thing now is that I can concentrate on what I want to photograph. For the first time in many years I am optimistic and excited about my photographic future.

Truth be told, I'll be happy to wash my hands from all the newspaper industry doom and gloom.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay City, Michigan.

Ice Abstract

2009-03-13T20:09:00.005-04:00

My Fine Feathered Friend

2009-02-28T20:07:00.006-05:00

Downtown Rosco

2008-12-14T20:14:00.002-05:00

My Winter of Discontent

2008-11-26T17:03:00.009-05:00

I hate winter.

Well, kinda, sorta.

Those gray skies, the seemingly endless shoveling of snow, the road salt that eats away at my car...

That said, I also find winter quite beautiful and peaceful once I get away from the city and back into nature.

Funny thing is, just when I begin to acclimate to those predictable leaden skies, that damn sun starts poking through the clouds again(!).

Truth be told, what I really hate is change.

Image © 2008, Daniel Staudacher || Huron County, Michigan.

Blue in the Thumb

2008-10-18T18:20:00.005-04:00

Maw

2008-08-28T20:07:00.003-04:00

Summer's Going Fast

2008-08-08T20:03:00.009-04:00

Up and out at dawn - a rare event for me lately. The light has already begun to fade as the days become shorter and cool night temperatures work on the first signs of fall foliage.

Image © 2008, Daniel Staudacher || Limestone at dawn.

After the Rain

2008-07-22T21:21:00.012-04:00

Seeking Balance

2008-07-15T22:41:00.004-04:00

Death, Dying & Decay

2008-07-12T02:24:00.006-04:00

Glacial Erratic

2008-06-22T10:45:00.011-04:00

The Golden Brown of Summer

2008-06-21T20:11:00.011-04:00

Husk

2008-06-17T19:45:00.003-04:00

Lush

2008-06-14T16:59:00.004-04:00

I Don't Need No Stinkin' Tripod

2008-05-28T20:34:00.002-04:00

Yeah, YOU, Bubba!

2008-05-28T20:25:00.002-04:00

Painted Turtle

2008-05-28T20:13:00.013-04:00

Starflower

2008-05-25T21:34:00.004-04:00

Don't Bug Me, Man...

2008-05-15T20:13:00.002-04:00

Spring Has Sprung

2008-05-12T21:34:00.007-04:00

Omer

2008-04-09T22:20:00.008-04:00

Image © 2008, Daniel Staudacher || "Michigan's Smallest City" - population 337. Originally called Rifle River Mills in the mid-1860's, the first postmaster decided to change the name to Homer but discovered Michigan already had a town by that name so he dropped the "H" and it became Omer.

Norther

2008-03-12T20:24:00.009-04:00

Sea Stack

2008-03-04T16:16:00.011-05:00

Sunset and Winter Near

2007-12-18T22:30:00.001-05:00

Dove & Sphere

2007-12-18T22:24:00.001-05:00

Negative Space

2007-11-04T10:55:00.001-05:00

Light, Air, and Minerals

2007-10-25T06:33:00.001-04:00

Fungi

2007-10-25T06:25:00.001-04:00

Post Autumn Shower, Forest Floor

2007-10-19T07:01:00.005-04:00

Found

2007-10-19T06:55:00.004-04:00

Pollen Harvest

2007-10-15T22:08:00.007-04:00