I rolled into Marquette, MI this AM driving straight to the South Mtn trails. During my several day visit here back in ’12 I rode 3 days of the trails. There was some duplication justified by the quality of these trails. Back in the chunky, rooty, and machine built features. Tight trees required unwavering faith in my ability to hold a steady line.Tight and twisty but flowie. The first ride I caught up w/ a group of older men and joined them for a pounder. I exerted anaerobic effort. The group finished in the parking lot while I still wanted more. Hung in the parking lot for a while swapping stories, several guys had previous knowledge of me. I was told the green trail will be super and was just opened. I pedaled out several minutes when a light rain down pour fell and thunder in the distance. The forecast was for t storms after 3, past my finish time. I bailed and “sprinted” back to the van and shut the vent and turned off the fan. I waited a short while till the rain quit then headed back out on the green trail that was not all a greener ability level. Fantastic use of topography, much trail cut full bench into steep hill side. It seems the topography is either on steep slope or flat. Steep was needed to shed the water. Trail hasn’t been winterized. The rain held off to a nice afternoon.
Paul, a recovering motorcycle rider, shared some local knowledge. His accent is straight local. So refreshing to hear.
I learned that some of the Red trail is on golf course land using the way out of bounds woods. Several places signs are posted cautioning rides to be quiet.
Thurs I rode the Glacial Hills trail system out side Bellaire. Sandy tread. Machine built, IMBAized. Some sections perhaps made w/ like a small bulldozer as the tread was wider than like a Ditch Witch. Used the terrain well. I was loosing my joy of riding.
At the TH I heard from several people to check out Shorts in town which is a brew pub w/ great popularity. I drove back into town. By the time I arrived there was not an empty chair to be had, packed crowd. I talked to a seated woman until she just had to leave, darn, but I scored her seat. 2 groups of riders showed up, 1 I chatted w/ after my ride and the start of theirs. They said they would hit the brewery afterwards. I spoke w/ them @ Shorts. They told me about group #2 and that they wanted to talk to me. I visited to much spirited conversation. They pumped up the High Country trail from Clear Lake to Rattlesnake Hills as being primo. No camping @ the TH. Plan B was the airport. On the way I spotted a parking lot right off main street. Just the right kind and it was. In the morning I got up then drove away to fix breakfast. I read official signs saying no on street parking from 3 to 6AM. I almost slept on the street.
Under way I drove to Atlanta then North to Clear Lake. Shit. Deja vue. This is the same section I attempted back in ’08. I chose a different place to park however. This time the trail was marked w/ fading shaped blobs of dark blue paint and the tread was cleared except for several freshly fallen knock downs. Sandy, hiking trail, big 80 mile loop. Annual brushing is required
Can’t find it? The tread was below grade slightly that guided my steering front wheel.
Forests are harvested w/ the feller buncher machine that is self propelled skidder w/ a hydraulic chain saw built into the base of the tower. The tree is cut almost flush w/ the ground leaving a small reminder that a tree grew there. The resulting clear cut sprouts fern gardens like above and below
Quiet desolate camp spot. Tepid solar shower. No internet unfortunately.
Sat I joined the weekenders heading north. I drove thru Cheboygan then over the Mackinac Bridge onto the Upper Peninsula, the Yuppers. I drove US 2 along the north shore on Lake Michigan. I did stop and walk on the sand dune to the water. I wet my lower legs, too chilly for full immersion in my sense. I left on MI 94 heading into the Hiawatha NF to find a primitive camp spot. I ended up driving on a sandy one laner going up Indian River. I found 1 spot and walked about. In a short while mosquitoes in quantity had discovered my flesh. Out of here. I drove on and found a second spot. Mosquitoes are part of the lot. My netting leaves gaps that the suckers exploited. Their bites at times were painless as evidenced by the satiated females trapped inside of the netting. My blood stains the white netting. I called in the mosquito coil punk stuff. I lit it on both ends and put it on the stove cover. While it was burning I read the package which said for outdoor use. Oppps. I put it outside on the ground in front of the open side door. Air currents wafted it inside so strongly that I couldn’t sleep. I poured water on it and the air cleared. Mosquitoes were no longer out. This AM was upper 50s, too chilly for all but the hungriest. I fixed bfast, cleaned up, then go back to the top to catch back up.
My van needs oil and filters changed. I have a break down sense that the van has undiscovered issues. I need to find a garage that has Bosch computer system tester to learn of the van’s health. I am seeking service up here.
Quick Stop bike shop has a white Sprinter here in town. I met them here 2 years ago then again in Sedona last year. I will ask their advice.
Hopefully my van can be serviced here. The trails are worth riding several more times. Next stop is Cable, WI. Shrimper is still building trail there. I started route planning to Denver, lots of open space. The Black Hills in S Dakota is appealing. I will prolly skip Switchgrass in Wilson, KS for WY.
Off to brew pub in town then a shower @ Anytime Fitness, then find a sleep spot.