Northern Motion Magazine - Spring 2012

1 gtmtbacom SPRING 2012 Northern Motion

Northern

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND TRAVERSE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2012



NorthernTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THEGRAND TRAVERSE MOUNTAIN BIKE

ASSOCIATION

Managing Publisher

Editor

Heidi Jones

Dave Mann

Erin Monigold

Publication Designer ampProduction Manager

Heidi Jones

Photographers

Mountain Bike amp PowerSports Group manager

Contributing WritersCody Sovis Heather Brewer Kandace

Chapple Leah Clark Erin CrowellDanielle Musto

Heather Brewer Bernie Riehl Jeff Minnerick JasonOffenbacher Kandace Chapple TJ HamiltonGrand

Rapids Press BMCTim De Waele BrentBookwalter Linda Deneen Paula Dreeszen ChrisLaBaere Kyle Ostrowski Matt Tomlinson Jessica

Nichol Rui Quinta Andrea Tucker Dan SocieDanielle Musto Cody Sovis

Advertising SalesExecutive

GTMTBA

Dave Mann

PO Box 215 | Acme MI 49610

Letters to the editor and inquirieswwwgtmtbacom

Welcome to the spring edition of NorthernMotion Magazine Weve packed thisissue with over 50 pages of mountain

biking and outdoor action Starting with our coverarticle featuring some expert advice from the worldclass cyclist Brent Bookwalter and continuing withour features Women and Cycling MountainBiking is a Family Affair How to Find Your CyclingPosse Barry-Roubaix and Fort Custer Stampederace coverage a spring tune-up guide skydivingkayaking product reviews and more

Youll notice bios of the GTMTBA Cycling Teamstarting on page 35 We have a great mix of cyclistsfrom around Michigan and northern Michigan whoenjoy racing trail riding family riding and mostimportantly having fun doing what they love to do

Weve been adding additional writers so that wecan continue to bring you exciting and informativearticles and information If you or someone you knowwould like to write for Northern Motion Magazineplease contact us at wwwgtmtbacom

We have also been investing in Northern MotionGear Well be introducing cool cycling clothing withsome of the most exciting designs from the bestmountain biking artist we could find Northern MotionGear is made with ultra high quality materials toensure this gear stands out from the crowd Wellhave more information about these products on thewebsite very soon Stay tuned

Stay safe on the trails and enjoy the warm springand summer weather

Dave Mann


Wersquod like to thank the following advertisers for their support of the Traverse Area Trails Map


NorthernCONTENTSON THE COVER

MTB RACE RECAPS

FEATURES

Mention of products or services in either advertisements or articles does not constituteendorsement by the publisher Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertisements for anyreason Views expressed in articles are solely those of the writers Copyright by theGTMTBA LLC 2012 All rights reserved Contents may not be reprinted or otherwisereproduced without written permission from the publisher Information subject to changeat any time GTMTBA is not responsible or liable for errors omissions or changes ininformation

WARNING Much of the action depicted in this magazine is potentially dangerous Donot attempt to duplicate any stunts that are beyond your own capabilities Always usediscretion and wear the appropriate safety gear

21 Upcoming Events

36 Cycling Team Bios

46 Spring Tune-UpGetting Your Bike Ready To Roll

48 Readerrsquos Rides

World Class Cyclist Brent Bookwalter

talks Michigan mountain biking and the off-road advantage

10 Daniellersquos Barry-Roubaix 2012

16 Heatherrsquos Barry-Roubaix 2012

22 Fort Custer Stampede 2012

COLUMNS amp STUFF

PRODUCT REVIEWS

18 Women amp CyclingWhere are all the chicks

30 Mountain Biking is a Family Affair

34 Going ClubbingHow to find your (cycling) posse

42 Freefalling

50 Letrsquos Yak about Kayaking

26

6 Feeling the BurnSoigneur Embrocation Cream

16

PHO

TOS

copyB

MC

Tim

De

Wae

les

PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


Cyclists in Europe have been slathering iton for years and the trend has reallypicked up recently in the United States Incold weather for training or racing ridersrub on the cream to get their muscleswarmed up to perform in the cold and wetweather of spring or late fall


In the early spring months the temperatures tend toget in the way of laying down a firm foundation foryour tan in northern Michigan While we see exotic

pictures of European racing featuring light jackets andthe occasional long-sleeve the racers usually finish inshort sleeves and without leg warmers While abeautiful summer canrsquot be too far off Michigandersadopt the same techniques as the Pros What is evencooler is that we now have our very own embrocationcream from Grand Rapids Michigan Soigneur

First off if yoursquore unfamiliar with embrocation creamherersquos a crash course Itrsquos IcyHot without the icy andwith a lot more hot Cyclists in Europe have beenslathering it on for years and the trend has reallypicked up recently in the United States In cold weatherfor training or racing riders rub on the cream to gettheir muscles warmed up to perform in the cold andwet weather of spring or late fall

Often times itrsquos the work of a dedicated soigneurin Europe doing the rubbing Since you probably donrsquothave your own personal masseuse Soigneur steps upfor you While there are a number of brands to try Iwanted to see how the local product stacked up againstanother brand Irsquove used in the past DZNutz

I tested out Soigneur over a period of two weeksin Michigan As yoursquod probably guess the temperatureextremes in that period ranged from frigid Arcticblizzards to breezy comfortable days in the saddleand on more than a few occasions I experienced bothin the same ride Soigneur claims to get your legswarmed up before yoursquore even on the bike as anotorious and admitted slow-starter I was interestedin the benefits Also many riders use it as analternative to tights on slightly warmer days How warmcan a cream keep you I tried it out

Using a plastic sandwich bag to cover my hand Ithrew on some Soigneur and hit the road The lsquotinglersquo

PHOTOS copy Dan Socie from Soigneur


of the cream took about three to five minutes toreally kick in and of course the tingle meansitrsquos working Sticking to my normal routine of lightstretching my legs definitely felt a bit morepeppy right out of the gate Even on days whenI was testing how cold using cream without legwarmers was I noticed the first few minuteswere a little smoother My legs didnrsquot need toloosen up as much

While Soigneur doesnrsquot claim that their creamcan replace leg warmers I was interested inseeing at what temperature using the creamalone would still be helpful After a few roughdays of trying at temperatures too low I rode foran hour and forty-five minutes in a stiff wind thatbrought the temperature to 35 degrees My legswere fine even as I walked out the door andslowly got up to speed In addition with no wetwarmers to weigh me down or cool me off laterin the ride it was very beneficial It also gaveme a huge head start on my summer tan

So it works But is it as good as DZNutzAbsolutely It also is a bit cheaper comes in acooler-looking tub and is a Michigan companyto boot Plus owner Dan Socie is heavilyinvolved in several Michigan cycling teams andevents A tub will last you a long time so investwisely and locally

Authorrsquos note This is serious stuff Keepaway from sensitive areas Even a smallaccidental dab of embro in the wrong spot canleave you hobbled for a solid 45 minutes cryingfor help Also donrsquot over do it A little bit goes along way and if you layer this stuff on like coatsof paint your post-ride shower will be tortureUse less than you think at least until you knowhow much you need Pick some up onSoigneurrsquos website httpwwwsoigneurnet $22

Pros Works great smells good cool logo localMichigan product

Cons Limited bike shops need to mail order

Rating 455 Sprockets

PHOTO Action Sports Images





Barry-Roubaix 2012By Danielle Musto

Photos Danielle Musto


The biggest appeal of gravel road racing is thatracers from all disciplines and abilities can competeThis was especially evident at the Barry-Roubaix

start line The huge field was comprised of road racersmountain bike racers cyclocross racers and triathletesEveryone was ready to kick-off the 2012 race seasonand test his or her early-season fitness

The weather the day before the race kept manyracers guessing about which bike would bring home themoney While the rain helped pack down some of theloose sections of road it also created some new muddysections Mountain bikes would have an advantage inboth the muddy and sandy sections but cyclo-crossbikes with skinnier tires would roll faster on the hard-packed dirt roads Decisions decisions The only racerswho could rest contentedly with their bike choice werethose racing in the new Fat Bike category Obviouslytheir choice was made the moment they registered

As usual the menrsquos 62-mile race was incrediblycompetitive At the start line it was evident that therewere more then a few potential winners in the crowd Ahigh pace and a few attacks whittled down the group ofracers until a small group of riders including Brian MatterMike Anderson and Nathan Williams broke away Thefinal sandy doubletrack section forced the racers off theirbikes and both Mike Anderson and Brian Matter wereable to run fast enough to create a small gap from theother racers From that moment on the two racers (bothwere on cyclocross bikes) worked together and tradedpulls on the road until the finish line Mike Anderson tookthe sprint (and win) with a time of 25105 and BrianMatter finished right behind with a time of 25108Nathan Williams finished in third with a time of 25157and was the first finisher on a 29rsquoer mountain bikeRounding out the podium were Shawn Adams and SteveBroglio in fourth and fifth place



Thanks to an equal prize money the womenrsquos 62-mile race had its biggest and most talentedfield yet Returning to the race were both last yearrsquos winner Samantha Brode and runner-up KimThomas as well as a local favorite Amy Stauffer A crash early in the race separated Amy Staufferfrom the lead pack and forced her to chase for several miles When she finally found a group ofmen that she could work with out on the open roads she had no idea what place she was in orhow many women were in front of her Eventually she and the group she was riding with bridgedup to another group that included Samanatha Brode From that point on both Brode and Staufferwere together until the final doubletrack section Stauffer took advantage of her mountain bikebackground and was able to power through the sand When she eventually looked back Brodewas nowhere in sight Stauffer rode alone to the finish and crossed the line with a time of 31824Samantha Brode finished a few minutes back with a time of 32116 and Kathy Everts finished inthird with a time of 32823 Stephanie Swan and Amelia Moore rounded out the podium in fourthand fifth place respectively

Although shorter in distance the 36 and 24-mile races were NOT short in talent Both the maleand female categories had really large fields with racers vying for both age group and overall wins

With 1500 cyclists competing the Barry-Roubaix otherwise known as the killer gravel roadrace is one of the largest cycling races in Michigan It is held the last weekend in March and offersracers a choice of 3 distances 65 miles 36 miles or 24 miles The Barry-Roubaix is named after

Tara Jansen and Barry Vanvolkinburg


a famous race in Europe called the Paris-Roubaix as well as the location of the race Barry CountyMichigan This year Barry-Roubaix was race 2 of the American UltraCross Championship Series

Both Jordan Diekema and Michael Wissink finished the 36-mile race with a blazing time of14407 Don Cameron followed in third place overall with a time of 14413 Marie Dershem tookthe overall win in the womenrsquos 36-mile race with a time of 15927 followed by Lauri Brockmiller insecond place in 20055 Jane Van Hof finished third in 20419

Similar to the 36-mile men the two top male finishers of the 24-mile race also had identicaltimes Both Greg Brown and Tj Seiwert finished with a time of 12418 John Neal rounded out theoverall top three in 12453 Katie Tomczyk was the overall female winner in the 24-mile race LiseLoberg finished in second with a time 13238 and Jan Toscano was third overall with a time of13415

Once again Barry-Roubaix was a stellar race A beer tent and food vendors added a ldquobikefestivalrdquo ambience to the event and racers stayed long after the awards already plotting for nextyear

And just for the record the overwhelming consensus from racers in all categories was that thecyclocross bike is the fastest bike for the race


MIDDLEVILLE MI - Saturday was the highly anticipatedmuch feared Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race(BRX) The BRX offers three distances 62 (for the

ProElite and the Daring) 36 and 24-miles of grinding painthrough the rolling hills of scenic Barry County Michigan In the last few weeks Michigan has experienced an unusualrecord-breaking August-like heat wave with 80-degree weatherand sunny skies Irsquove uttered many prayers of thanks Irsquod be racingin shorts and a short sleeve jersey A line of storms dropped over an inch of rain on the eve ofBRX 2012 and the temps cooled to a race-perfect 60 degrees Pre-Race Race morning I loaded my gear and to my dismayI had a flat A really flat flat tire I pumped some air into it and thenleft to meet my friend Michelle When I unloaded my bike the tirewas flat again We quickly pumped it full of air but it was depletedbefore we were able to reload it onto her car Oh nooooooo As we hastily made our way to the race venue we ldquochickedrdquomany guys driving cars topped with bikes As Michelle said wehad a flat tire to fix For others a flat tire may not be a big deal But the last timeI tried to put a tube in a tubeless tire it took 2 failed hours and 4bike ldquomechanicsrdquo to fix it Upon reflection I question theirqualifications as actual lsquobike mechanicsrsquo When we arrived I was able to find one of my favorite realmechanics ready and waiting for a bike to wrench I left mycurrently un-trusty steed in his care and went on to packet pick-upFifteen minutes later I found my bike race-ready with a new tubein the front tiremdashfaith reinstated Thanks Bill There were approximately 1500 people racing BRX It was anoverwhelming sea of brilliant colored bike jerseysmdasha beautifulsight for an overcast morning The group had swelled and I wasforced to line-up in the grass for the wave start The Race The tangled mass of bikes began to inch forwardI thought we were moving up for the next wave start but everyonekept going My wave had started Ooops I quick clipped in andwe were on our way for a couple hours of pain and suffering The course rolls out on pavement for several miles before thefirst assault of gravel The cross bikes had the definitive advantagehere I held on as best as I could on my mountain bike averaging22 mph for the first three miles Around 7 miles in BRX holds up to its reputation as ldquoThe Killerrdquowhen the course turns upward onto a sandy tire-sucking two-trackcalled Sager Road Here the tables turned and it was the mountainbikers that gained an advantage I steadily weaved my waythrough a maze of toppling cross-bikes and hike-a-bikers I was joined by another mountain bike ridden by Roxane Krusea friend of mine wearing Team Priority Health green Roxane is a

By Heather Brewer GTMTBA Cycling Team


strong and steady competitor and I wasglad to see a friendly face She inched herway past me and I was happy to follow herline of safe passage through the maze ofcarnage Off Sager Road and onto wide-opengravel roads I leap-frogged my way fromgroup to group and managed to get aheadof Roxane This was a first for me I was hoping to find a pack of 10 or soguys to get in with for the bulk of the racebut I wasnrsquot having any luck I spent manymiles alone or with just one or two othercyclists Around the 16-mile mark a group ofabout 8 cyclists passed me tucked in themiddle of the group was Roxane I knewshe wouldnrsquot be far behind and that at anymoment during the race she could comealong and take me back a place I tried toaccelerate to catch a ride with their groupbut there wasnrsquot enough power in myengine I made a valiant effort for the next twomiles to catch them but on my own I didnrsquothave the speed I settled in for a longsecond-half of riding alone Considering how my race was goingI was delighted when the gravel roadturned once again onto another ldquoKillerrdquomdashShaw Road This marked the last sectionof two-track before hitting the pavement forthe last 5 miles into the finish

I was hopeful that my mountain bikewould once again allow me to ride pastsome cyclo-crossers Unfortunately therewas an impenetrable wall of hike-a-bikersI jogged up the hill pushing my bike Ihopped back on the saddle as soon aspossible for a fun and super-muddydescent The rainfall the night before hadcreated massive lakes across the road We were back on the pavement for thefinal run to the finish and my legs felt strongI steadily increased my pace up a longclimb doing a lot more passing than I wasgetting passed On the downhill I revvedmy engine and managed to pass quite afew more cyclistsmdashI was feeling good And thatrsquos when I spotted anotherwoman I had a chance to take back oneplace in the standings At this point I knewI was only going to get faster as the finishline came closer I breezed past herputting the hammer on the cranks andsteadily accelerating the last two miles fora strong and satisfying finish My time was 21948 15th place 30-39Women

The top five women overall in the36-mile race were Marie Dershem with atime of 15927 Laurie Brockmiller at20055 Jane Van Hof at 20419 DanielleMusto at 20556 and Chelsea Strate at20649

Around 7 miles inBRX holds up to itsreputation as ldquoThe

Killerrdquo when thecourse turns upward

onto a sandy tire-sucking two-trackcalled Sager Road

PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple

SheBikes on a weekend mountain bike outing last May to Arcadia DunesPHOTO Linda Deneen


Any woman who bikes can tell you this Ifyou run into another woman on the trailtherersquos an instant kinship Therersquos always

a hello a nod from one gal to the other twowomen representing among the men they areinvariably with

Women despite all the advances in women-specific bikes and gear still make up only a smallfraction of the cycling community The followerson GTMTBArsquos Facebook page offer thisperspective just 27 are women

The arearsquos biggest mountain bike race offerssimilar stats Of the 35000 riders in the 2011Iceman field 345 were female a 10 showing

Local bike teams show more promisingnumbers Einstein Racingrsquos website lists 36 ridersnine of which are women (25) The HagertyCycling team has 18 women in their 53 riders(34) Last year Hagerty added one woman but2012 brought a nice jump - four new womenriders according to team president Tim BarronsGTMTBArsquos new 2012 cycling team has sevennew racers three of which are women

The Bikes Belong Coalition(wwwbikesbelongcom) reports that in theUnited States 24 of all bicycle trips are madeby women This comes in low compared to othercountries In the Netherlands 55 of riders arewomen In Germany 49

So where are the women in Michigan andwhatrsquos keeping them from the sport

British Cycling did a recent survey to find outwhat discouraged women from riding and theresults cited safety concerns lack of knowledgeof routes and having no one to cycle with ridingability and physical discomfort

Letrsquos take a look at what area cyclists andbusinesses are doing to address these concerns

Physical discomfortKris McLain of McLainrsquos Cycle in Traverse Cityhas seen first-hand the advent of women-specificriding equipment in the last 15 years

ldquoThe original thought was to take menrsquosequipment and lsquoshrink it and pink itrsquordquo she said

ldquoIn recent years though theyrsquove gotten seriousabout truly fitting equipment to women andlooking at the science to itrdquo

For example McLain recently helped afemale rider move to a woman-specific helmet

ldquoThe first one she tried on fit but it was bigand bulky The womenrsquos model fit her too but itwas smaller streamlined and looked goodrdquo shesaid ldquoAnd it wasnrsquot pinkrdquo

Everything from bikes to gloves to shoes nowhas female versions And women donrsquot need tobuy pink to get the right fit

ldquoSome women donrsquot want the pink but theywant the fitrdquo McLain said ldquoOn the flip side somemen are buying womenrsquos models because it fitstheir build better It comes down to what yourshape and size isrdquo

McLainrsquos recently completed their secondannual ldquoWe Love Women Who Riderdquo promotionand the shop coupled with unseasonably warm70+ degree March days was swamped

ldquoWe have seen a huge rise in women in thesportrdquo McLain said ldquoItrsquos good to seerdquo

Safety concerns No one to cycle withKris McLain doesnrsquot necessarily like to bike alonebut does so on the Traverse Area Recreation andTransportation Trails (TART) which is close topeople and places On secluded trails she prefersto ride with friends She urges cyclists to seek outa group to ride with if they arenrsquot comfortableriding solo

ldquoDry Hill Lindardquo PHOTO Paula Dreeszen


ldquoWhen yoursquore with a group it can boost yourconfidencerdquo she said ldquoBut do what you can dofind the group that is your speedrdquo

There are occasional skill workshops offeredat area bike shops that will help riders becomemore confident with bike repairs that wouldotherwise leave them stranded on the trailRiding skills are also covered as well in someclasses

One area group caters specifically to womenand beginners SheBikes led in part by LindaDeneen They do weekly rides typically roadrides but they occasionally head out on theirmountain bikes

SheBikes fills a niche for women who wishto begin group riding Deneen said but who feelunsure about their level of skill and fitness Andwhile the need is certainly there throughout theentire season SheBikes is only offered at thebeginning of the season Initial participants goon to join in other area group rides whether itson the roads or trails

ldquoWomen enjoy each others company supportand camaraderie especially while learningsomething newrdquo Deneen said ldquoAs the seasonlengthens the group does split up into subgroupsbut no one gets dropped EVERrdquo

Another event to watch for is Brick Wheelsrsquoevent called ldquoWine Women and Wheelsrdquo heldeach May This yearrsquos May 6th event is afundraiser for Traverse Health Clinic but itrsquosalso a great place to meet other women cyclists

Lack of knowledge of routesArea maps are readily available for cyclistsincluding GTMTBArsquos new Traverse Area Trailsmap which includes the VASA Single TrackTART downtown Traverse City and majorlandmarks Again consider riding with a groupto learn area trails and become more comfortableThe TART and VASA continue to improve trailmarkers each season

Intimidation factorNo one can deny the intimidation factor as awoman walking into most shops Unless you doit about 10 times And survive each time Therersquosonly one way around it to go and go again (Mytake Yoursquoll find the boys are not only harmless

but easy on the eyes See my post on this verytopichttpkandacechappleblogspotcom201102view-at-shophtml)

Kris McLain has two women on their salesforce and she has seen women prefer one or theother ldquoSome women come in and they want totalk to a guyrdquo she said with a laugh ldquoThen wehave a brand new rider who comes in andgravitates to the women on the sales floor Wecan help either wayrdquo

Something else that changes the intimidationfactor A new generation of women who willnever know a bike shop without women-specificgear Ali Bridson who used to race on the CityBike shop team decided recently to step downfrom racing and begin mentoring young womenin cycling

Her new club as yet unnamed will have bothan adult group of women riders and then anothergroup of girls 12-18 years old

ldquoIrsquom looking to attract women who like to rideand would also be interested in leading the girlsgroup on occasionrdquo Bridson said ldquoI hope to get10 to 12 girls ridingrdquo

The goal To take away all the factorsmentioned above and then some

ldquoIt will be educational ndash they will learn howto change a bike tire and the rules of the roadrdquoBridson said ldquoBut they will also gain confidenceand develop skills while meeting emotional andsocial needsrdquo

While women are still in the minority theplethora of womenrsquos products tells us theindustry is willing and able to invest in womenriders and that our buying power is keeping themin stores Herersquos to the upcoming season of evenmore women on the trail

Reach Linda Deneen atdeneendaisycharternet for information onSheBikes and Ali Bridson atabridsongmailcom for information on her

womenrsquos group

Kandace Chapple is a freelance writer publisherof Grand Traverse Woman Magazine and lovesto mountain bike Visit her website and blog atwwwkandacechapplecom


May 25 ndash Ride the Keweenaw Copper Harbor MI

June 2 ndash The Grind at Boyne Mountain Boyne Falls MI

June 2 ndash Harbor Springs Cycling Classic Harbor Springs MI

June 8 ndash Le Tour de Mont Pleasant Mount Pleasant MI

June 9 ndash Michigan Mountain Mayhem Boyne City MI

June 16 ndash Lumberjack 100 Manistee MI

June 16 ndash Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon amp 5K Glen Arbor MI

June 23 ndash Meijer State Games of Michigan Cannonsburg MI

July 14 ndash Boyne Challenge Marathon Boyne Falls MI

August 10-12 ndash Cherry-Roubaix Traverse City MI

August 11 - Ore to Shore Marquette MI

August 19 ndash 4th Annual Traverse City Triathlon Traverse City MI

August 25 ndash North Country Run Manistee MI

Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer

Presented bySouthwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association

Augusta MichiganSunday May 06 2012

Race 2 in the Championship Point Series (MMBA)

PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy



The weekend of May 5th and 6th was bigfor Michigan mountain bikers with MudSweat and Beers taking place on Saturday

in Traverse City and the Fort Custer Stampedein Augusta on Sunday We were left askingourselves which race to attend or daresay makean attempt to race both Irsquoll admit that thethought had crossed my mind

In the end I chose Fort Custer Stampede Thecourse was almost exclusively on single-trackThe Southwest MMBA chapterrsquos efforts to domaintenance build new and advocate for thetrail system is obviousFort Custer has someof the best maintainedand fun single-trackIrsquove ridden in lowerMichigan

A couple of rainydays leading up to theweekend made for afast course possiblytoo fast Two seriousinjuries reported onthe ldquoCamel Humpsrdquosection caused racedirectorsrsquo to changethe course at the last minute bypassing them andrejoining the trail just after the stoned berm

Fort Custer Stampede hosted over 450competitors The Elite and Expert racers set offat 10 AM while Sport and Beginner raced at1230 PM The course was approx 96 miles inlength and featured sections of newlyconstructed trail that included a bridge The Elitemen raced 4 laps Elite Women and Expert raced3 Sport 2 and Beginner 1 lap Winners wereawarded with pint glasses

Over 56 children tested their legs in the kidsrsquorace a 14-mile loop that consisted of singletrack and groomed field The kids received giftbags and were treated to snacks and Orange Soda

Womenrsquos Expert RaceSeven women lined up for the Womenrsquos Expertrace late Sunday morning I recognized Marnie

Tencate of Founders Alger Racing who I racedagainst at Mud Sweat and Beers in 2011 Ichased her for several miles before a flat tire nearthe finish took me out of the competition I wasglad to see Marnie she is always in good spiritsand I enjoy being around her Danielle Shaveralso of Founders Alger was at the line on hersingle speed Custer Cyclery Team ActiveRacingWSI and Cycletherapy SpecializedRacing were also represented in the field

3-2-1-Go And we were off at break-neckpace a fight to be the first to get our wheels on

track Four of us took thelead at a steady fast paceHard-packed single-trackkept our wheels spinningthrough the course Allfour of us stayed togetherfor the first 5 miles as weheaded into the Trenchesa series of off-camberturns and whoop-de-doos

I slowed my pace togive myself room tomaneuver through thetechnical section Butthen second-guessed that

decision and sped back upNever second-guess yourselfmdashalways go

with your gutI took one of the turns too fast and hit a tree

that jumped onto the trail (they sometimes dothat) I went over the handlebars in a spectacularendo landing on my head and shoulder

Marnie just behind me slowed to see if I wasokay I yelled ldquoIrsquom fine Go Go Gordquo I didnrsquotwant to ruin her race I got up as quickly aspossible and climbed on the saddle a little shakya little sore but my legs still worked It was timeto get back to work Rolled 5 feet then inmy shakiness I fell down a ravine

I got up brushed myself off again Now itwas time to get to work

These women are fast but we also still hadtwo and a half laps to go I needed to put the


hammer down but it was not a panic situationyet

Once I was alone on the trail I started toenjoy myself Fort Custer has a little ofeverything some technical sections scenicareasmdashit is a beautiful fun trail and I couldnrsquothelp but have a good time

Nearing the end of the first lap I hadmanaged to pull Marnie back in sight and hada lap time of 43 minutes I could catch glimpsesof the leading 2 women I knew they werenrsquottoo far ahead

A third of the way into my second lapMarnie and I were passed by a TeamActiveWSI racer And now I was down to fifthplace

Following Marniersquos pacing for most of thesecond and third lap brightened my spirits Iwas having a good day After all Marnie blewpast me at Barry-Roubaix like I was goingbackwards

In the last lap in tandem we headed into asection with short punchy climbs with rockbeds I once again decided to slow downcreating a gap that would allow me to carrymomentum up the hills You think I wouldknow better Marnie took that extra space andshe was gone I was not able to recover

Top three places went to local ridersSummer Olmstead Angela Bowers and KathyRoche-Wallace

Expert Women Results1 Summer Olmstead Custer Cyclery

214022 Angela Bowers Team Active RacingWSI

214353 Kathy Roche-Wallace Team Active

RacingWSI 216234 Marnie Tencate Founders Alger Racing

219195 Heather Brewer GTMTBA 219536 Danielle Shaver Founders Alger 220187 Heather McNamara Cycletherapy8 Specialized Racing 22112

Elite Women ResultsElite Women smoked the course with lap timeshovering near 40 minutes

1 Heather Spencer Team Fast 201162 Erin Vicary Quiring Cycles 204453 Jill Meredith Cross Country Cycle 21502

Sport WomenThe Womenrsquos 40+ Sport Category is provingto be a fierce competition this year There wasa full-out brawl to the finish line for first andsecond place with just 1 second separating KimOwens (13135) and second place TammyMoran (13136) Heather Kubiak (13207) inthird place was hot on their trail

Sport Women 19-39 Top 31 Kati Rikke Freewheeler Racing 127532 Laurel Peak 131533 Stephanie Sainsbury Cannondale Midwest

Racing 13206

Full Results can be found herehttpwwwraceservicescomresults12htm


By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s


West Michigan native BrentBookwalter 28 is on his fifthyear traveling the

transcontinental globe as adomestique on the elite pro BMCRacing Team a formidable force ofcyclists who proved their mettle atlast yearrsquos Tour de France finishingwith the yellow jersey as champions

Hersquos raced the treacherouscobbled streets of the Paris-Roubaixconquered the infamous rollers toplace second in Stage 1 of the GirodrsquoItalia shredded skin in Beijing andshattered bones in Belgium Austriaand Spain But when it comes tomountain biking this roadiersquos mindreturns to Michigan where he firstdiscovered his passion for the sporton a fat-tire Trek 800 onneighborhood trails in Comstock Park

ldquoI love Michigan mountain bikingrdquoBookwalter said fondly of the GreatLakes State home to fluid well-maintained trails ldquoAt some point Ijust wanted to go out to theCannonsburg Ski Area and rip thisnice flowing single-track on this hard-packed dirt through the woodsrdquo

With a keen specialty for timetrials climbing and stage races

Bookwalterrsquos career highlights spanlonger than his sponsor list but if youwere to ask his younger self wherehersquod be in 10 years he would neveranticipate wearing the proud colorsof a team jersey

His childhood is one you couldeasily recognize as your ownmdashbeingjust a kid on a bike with a thrill to rideHe rode often giving all he hadsprinting hills and racing friends onthe then unpaved White Pine trail

ldquoIt was full gas all the timerdquo saidBookwalter ldquoIrsquod ride every daydestroy myself and come limpinghome Still it was always 100 percentpurely fun and I was driven by thedesire to compete and improverdquo

Bookwalter deemed his earlytraining routines as primitive withsimple markers for improvementHersquod tell himself ldquoIrsquom going to sprintup this hill as fast as I can and seewhat gear I can make it up in Oh Iwas three gears down in the backthat was pretty good todayrdquo

At 12 Bookwalter signed up forhis first race the Pando ChallengeKids Race and won first place Fromthere a fire was ignited and quicklyhe rose up the ranks racing

ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele


statewide mountain bike races on the weekendsand building a network of talented athletes andmentors along the way He drew from theirexperiences gained motivation and confidenceand adapted into a more regimented trainingprogram

ldquoWith any competitive pursuit itrsquos aboutidentifying people who are better than youlistening to them and filtering all their advicetaking the good parts that are going to work foryou and passing on the parts that wonrsquot work foryourdquo Bookwalter said

The more he advanced the more he becameaware of the importance of details like bikecustomizations and maintenance ldquoOriginally itwas pump the tires up as hard as they would goand let lsquoer riprdquo he recalled

That was until fellow cyclist Russ Tiles tookhim under his wing teaching him optimal tirepressure fork pressure and other technicalnuances to maximize performance ldquoThatrsquos oneof the layers of the sport that you donrsquot seeimmediately as a beginnerrdquo said Bookwalter By senior year of high school he had becomea force to reckon with earning trips to the cyclo-cross and mountain bike Union CyclisteInternationale (UCI) World Championships His

efforts landed him a scholarship at Lees-McRaein North Carolina a college with a competitivecycling program and a natural transition for thenext stage of his career

ldquoThe Lees-McRae program was a good fit anda nice middle ground where I could continue todevelop in school to keep my life in balancerdquo saidBookwalter ldquoItrsquos a big part of making me into therider I am today and the person I am toordquo

Nine collegiate national champion titles laterBookwalter was introduced to road racing He metcyclists with a salary paid travel and freemechanical support opportunities not prevalenton the mountain biking scene He entered aMichigan-based development program co-created by business owners and passionatecyclists Mark Bissell Rob Wynalda and KevinCusack and received coaching and financialsupport that allowed him to compete in nationaland international collegiate races in the off-season

In 2005 he was presented with an opportunityto go pro for Advantage Benefits Endeavor adomestic cycling team ldquoAt the time thatrsquos notreally where my heart was atrdquo he said ldquoBut myheart was with the bike and I wanted to race to

PHOTO Grand Rapids PressTJ Hamilton The local newspapercaptured this candid photo of young Brent age 5 as he rides for the firsttime without training wheels Dad Harry Bookwalter stands by forsupport and encouragement


the highest level I could and max out mypotentialrdquo

And as the cards would have it Bookwalterrsquosroad career kicked off in Belgium that summerstaking his position on the professional circuitand rising into the 6-time USA WorldChampionship Team athlete he is today

Bookwalter attributes his success on theroad to skills he learned off-road in Michigan Itrsquosthose roots in mountain biking that have servedhim well technically providing him a good basefor bike handling skills confidence in adverseconditions and the ability to do sharp shortefforts at a hard start

ldquoMountain biking teaches you about pacingit teaches you about suffering and it rounds yououtrdquo he explained In the off-season he takesout his BMC Speedfox 29er to keep his skillssharp

Bookwalter cautions aspiring athletes to staybalanced and keep the sport in perspective ldquoForyoung [riders] especially it needs to be all funThatrsquos the reason we start riding and racing bikesIt canrsquot be too serious or too uptightrdquo

PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a


Mountain Bikingis a Family Affair

Mountain biking can be a fun andadventurous activity to do as a familyThere are many reasons to mountain

bike with your kids from spending time togetherto developing a healthy lifestyle to buildingself-confidence and strength in your children Iguarantee that the feeling you had whenfinishing your first cross-country race will palein comparison to seeing the mile-wide smile thatyour child will be wearing when they clear theirfirst log pile

Below are some tips to keep in mind whenconsidering taking your kids mountain biking forthe first time

Age appropriate bikesAges 1-3 Able to ride in a trailer bike For

off-road riding I recommend the Chariot ChildCarrier equipped with 20 wheelsmdashmost childcarriers have 16 wheels The larger wheelsoffer a smoother ride for your child and allowsfor greater clearance on the trail

Ages 2-4 Strider or running bikes that donot have pedals These are great tools to teachbalance and bike handling skills at an early ageRunning bikes give young children theopportunity to be independent while they arenot quite ready for their own pedal bike If youdonrsquot want to invest in a running bike make your

By Heather Brewer

Is your child ready for off-road ridingBefore you go to the trailhead spend time determining yourchildrsquos general fitness level Take them on a few rides alongthe bike path kick a ball in the backyard or even take themfor a short jog


Helmets

Gloves

First Aid Kit(Band-AidsNeosporinSpray etc)

Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map

own by simply removing the pedals from a bicycleAges 3-7 and up Can ride a tag-along bike A

tag-along bike is a one-wheeled bike that attaches to theseat post of the parents bike

Ages 4-6 and up Can ride their own bikesWhen shopping let children help choose their bicycle

It will make it more fun while letting them be a part of theprocess Giving them some control will signal that this isan activity you are doing together not another chore theirparents are forcing them to do

Is your child ready for off-road ridingBefore you go to the trailhead spend time

determining your childrsquos general fitness level Take themon a few rides along the bike path kick a ball in thebackyard or even take them for a short jog

Can your child ride 4-5 miles on the bike path If sothen they are probably ready to attempt a 3-mile trail ride

Bike handling skillsAfter countless bike rides through our neighborhood

I was convinced our 5-year-old daughter was preparedfor her first trail ride We went to what I considered aneasy trail It wasnrsquot until I saw her careening out of controldown a slope that I realized how wrong I had been

While she could easily brake when coming to a stopsign she did not know how to use her brakes to controlher bike That was just the beginning of a long list of waysI had failed to prepare her

To help you avoid the mistakes I made here is a listof basic bike handling skills you can practice at home

1) Brakes Try playing a game of red lightgreen lightin the backyard to practice braking Once they have thatmastered find a gradual hill and have them practicecontrolling their speed as they descend You can adapta game of red lightgreen light to include yellow light

Krista age 7with Mom Sarah at LuttonPHOTO Bernie Riehl


Green is coasting or pedaling yellow is slowdown and red is come to a complete stop

2) Power Pedal This is a technique usedto begin riding To execute a power pedal haveyour child straddle the bike (not sitting on thesaddle) put a pedal in the upright position Inone smooth motion have them step on thepedal propelling the bike forward while they siton the seat and begin pedaling

3) Turns There are some twisty turns onMichigan trails To prepare your child for tightcornering set up several cones in yourbackyard creating an obstacle course Or havethem ride in tight circles around just one coneHow small can they make their circle Then trygoing in the opposite direction

4) Bike Position Have your child practicestanding while riding their bike coasting andpedaling This will help them becomecomfortable with the proper body positionneeded for off-road riding

5) Obstacles Urban areas are filled withfun obstacles that can simulate the off-roadexperience Try riding up and down curbs downa shallow flight of stairs and ramps etc Explorehave fun and find new challenges when ridingwith your kids

Keeping your child energizedLittle bodies use a lot of energy Keep in

mind their fuel tanks are a third the size of anadultrsquos Children will need lots of breaks withwater and snacks to help them stay fueled

Granola bars fruit snacks orange slicesapples and bananas are all good options topack when planning your ride Avoid

performance and energy gelssnacks anddrinks that may contain caffeine or otherstimulants that can cause unhealthy side effectsin children

Time to shredSetting your child up for success will help

them build confidence and enjoy mountainbiking For the first ride choose an easy sectionof trail that does not have steep hills

If possible ride to a destination Kids likehaving a goal setting a destination gives themmotivation to ride their bikes Pick a streamlake interesting wooded area etc where youcan stop for a break

Make it a gameKeep a scavenger hunt list in my

hydration pack for our trail rides When we stopfor our breaks I pull out the list This gives usa chance to explore while creating a gamekeeping the kidsrsquo interest piqued

Remember this is not your training rideTake lots of breaks and enjoy being togetherYou are helping to develop an active andhealthy lifestyle for your child While trail ridesmay require lots of patience in the early yearsbefore you know it you will be chasing afterthem while enjoying having a life-long cyclingpartner

PHOTO Bernie Riehl Photos Thanksgiving MTB trip to Lutton Sarah Lily and Krista Riehl




Irsquove been in a few bike clubs over the yearsall of them informal - changing falling andclimbing from one season to the next And

each year whatever group of riders Irsquove falleninto has become this my salvation

The first group came the summer after mymother passed away Nothing was darker thanthe moments at dusk when I was alone with mythoughts Nothing was a sweeter escape thanMonday nights when I matched pace with myfriend Rodney who liked cycling and pizzaconsumption as much as I did

In a few short summer weeks we hadgathered a group of five all women except Rod(smart man) We wheeled the trails at Lost LakePathway and Lake Ann Pathway sometimesending the night with a pizza at the Hofbrau inInterlochen As we passed the nights togetherI found that my bike and the friends that camewith it proved salvation indeed

When the group fizzled the next year Iinstead rode with friends here and there

enjoying both solitude and companionship inturns A few summers later I was adopted intoa group of yellow jerseys quite by chance AndI remembered again the heady enjoyment thatcomes with a pack of like-minded people whomake you laugh and race you up the hills

If yoursquove never been in a pack of cyclists(big or small serious or giggling) this is theseason to give it a go Here are some things toconsider if you want to form your own posse

Punch in at work on two wheelsYou might find the guy in the cubicle next to youwouldnrsquot mind knocking off a bike ride after workonce a week With a little smooth talk you anda few co-workers might be able to talk the bossinto bike jerseys with the company logo on itItrsquos built-in camaraderie Yoursquore a part of theclub whether yoursquore on a single speed takingthe podium or on a cruiser navigating the singletrack for the first time At the end of the rideyoursquore all the same team

The crew at Boonersquos Long Lake Inn inTraverse City has been riding together for fiveyears ldquoIt started as a social and competitivethingrdquo said Jake Kaberle assistant generalmanager ldquoNow it has evolved into more of alifestyle thing for many of usrdquo

The group started with five riders thenadded a couple each year They now numberabout 15 from beginner to expert Some of theirregular customers have also joined the outingsand sport the Boonersquos bike jersey sold at therestaurant

Several riders sign up for the Iceman orSlush Cup each year so the rides get moreintense in the late summer and early fall Then

Iceman pre-ride Kandace rides the Iceman route a few weeks before the 2011 race with a group of ridersPHOTO Kandace Chapple

Some of the Boonersquos crew gathers at the Peak2Peakfinish line at Crystal Mountain last fallPHOTO Kandace Chapple

Chapple


texts are going out in a flurry most days to seewho can ride and when

ldquoBecause we all work together we get anopportunity to rib each other quite a bit aboutpast races and upcoming eventsrdquo said Kaberlewho is still smarting from his 2009 Iceman wherea regular Boonersquos customer beat himhellip andwonrsquot let him forget it

Look into non-cycling social clubsThere are groups in town that might have theirown subset of cyclists in hiding If you are amember of anything from a professionalnetworking group to a knitting club put out theword The handlebars might start surfacing

The Traverse City Senior Center forexample has a regular group that bikes allaround the area according to Ericca Hovieprogram coordinatorThe age range of the group is 55-75 and thegroup size ranges from 8-12 and sometimes upto 30

ldquoThe group goes all overrdquo Hovie said ldquoThere arerides out in the Betsie Valley and Green Lakeareas that the group enjoys There are also ridesin town along the trailrdquo

The group is free and is led by a facilitatorwho monitors attendance and carries a cellphone for emergencies

ldquoNo one is left behindrdquo she said ldquoItrsquos non-competitive unlike some cycling clubs Thestructure is loose and ride days are e-mailed afew days ahead of time There is no need toRSVP whoever shows up at the designatedplace and time can participate in the riderdquo

The Senior Center has a SpringSummerSports Rally scheduled for May 19 from 10 am

ndash 2 pm where those interested can register forany of their summer sports programs They will

have the sports facilitators including the cyclingfacilitators on hand to answer any questions

Facebook itFacebook is all about camaraderie so put it towork for you Post about your bike rides and seewho comments Watch for friends who also chatabout biking I have Facebook connections thatI never met but instead ldquometrdquo through my bikingfriends and then eventually on rides Make theconnection first online and then later on the trail

Call the bike shopsArea bike shops have the latest on clubs andwant to get you the information Check out theirwebsites or stop in to chat and check theirbulletin board

Get organizedSmall groups sometimes stay just that smalland intimate a few friends on a quiet trail inInterlochen Sometimes they grow into moreand begin to formally organize for socialpurposes or activism You might considerseeking out a group whose focus is keepingtrails open or seek out a group who simplygathers each spring to clean debris If you anda few friends want there are many resourcesonline to take your group to the next level andformally organize

With a little footwork and the willingness tomeet new people you will soon find a group ofpeople to pedal with be it for sport exercise orlaughter


Kandace is the adopted child in the Boonersquos group Notice her missing yellow jersey Theygranted her one after her Peak2Peak finish at Crystal Mountain PHOTO Kandace Chapple

36 gtmtbacom SPRING 2012 Northern Motioncycl

ing

TEA

M B

IOS

City Traverse City MI

2012 GTMTBA Races YankeeSprings TT Mud Sweat andBeers Arcadian Grit and GravelBattle at the Burg Peak2PeakIceman Cometh and more

Favorite Place to Ride VASASingle Track and Arcadia Dunes

Started Mountain Biking Dave started riding in August 2010 His firstrace was in October 2010

More Details About Dave Dave says ldquoIm a 40 year old former Marineand father of six (think the Brady Bunch) Im happily married to mybest friend Mrs Stacy Walston a real keeper Ive worked insalespurchasing and management of the forestry and lumber industrysince 1994 I enjoy all types of outdoor activities especially the onesthat can be done with my family Camping kayaking backpacking andarchery all top my list of top outdoor activities to dordquo

Daversquos favorite place to visit is anywhere in the Caribbean with his wifeHis favorite foods are Mexican and Italian cuisine and just aboutanything with chocolate or peanut butter

Hersquos Most Looking Forward To Dave says he is most looking forwardto improving his fitness and abilities on a bike this year 2011 was hisfirst season of competition of any sort in a long time and he cant waitto see some more changes

ldquoI want to feel physically and mentally better each year by being moreactive on the bike and training more between rides I cant wait toenjoy this upcoming season with this biking community that Ive soluckily stumbled uponrdquo

Editor Note You can also check out Daversquos personal blog atdeedub12blogspotcom

DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI

2012 GTMTBA RacesIceman ComethChallenge and severalMichigan triathlons

Favorite Places to Ride Danrsquos favorite place to ride is ldquoMannMountainrdquo also known as his back woods Hersquos been building trailsthere for several years He also loves hitting the trails at BoyneMountain Boyne Highlands the VASA and the North Country Trail

More Details About Dan Dan has been biking for over 20 yearsDan has two cycling trips that stand out from the rest He says ldquoIn1994 I rode 3200 miles across the United States from Seattle toMichigan In 1997 I rode down Highway 101 along the Pacific OceanI would do these again at the drop of a hatrdquo

Dan started doing triathlons thereafter followed by mountain bikeraces after moving back to Michigan from Duluth MN in 2000 If youlive in the Charlevoix area you may also recognize Dan as he bikesto work every day ndash no matter the type of weather

Interests include spending time with his kids cross-country skiingtelemark skiing home brewing and jamming on his guitar

Hersquos Most Looking Forward To Dan is most looking forward toracing in the 2012 Iceman Cometh He couldnrsquot compete last yeardue to an injury Hersquos also super excited that his son will be competingin the Icemanrsquos Sno-Cone race this year for the first time Dan says

ldquoWe are both in heavy training ndash watch outrdquo

Dan also hopes to conquer Metallicarsquos Fade to Black solo on his guitarmake a beer run by bike to the famous Founders Brewing Companyin Grand Rapids Thatrsquos a pretty good trip by bike from Charlevoix toGrand Rapids

DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER

City North Muskegon MI

2012 GTMTBA Races Barry-Roubaix FortCuster Stampede Lumberjack 100 Peak2Peakand Iceman Cometh

Favorite Places to Ride Heatherrsquos favorite place to ride was Owasippe Theclosing of Owasippe in 2010 was devastating and left many Muskegon areamountain bikers with nowhere to ride Her support goes to the WMMBA whohas been working hard to get mountain bikers back into Owasippe

Started Mountain Biking Heatherrsquos love for mountain biking started as a kidShe says ldquoWhen I was a kid my parents rented an RV and we traveledcross-country to Durango Colorado to visit relatives One of my older cousinsthere raced mountain bikes I thought that was the coolest thing ever HoweverI didnrsquot think anyone in Michigan mountain biked considering we donrsquot havemountains in Michigan

Many years later a hot young man approached me at a bar After talking for awhile I learned that he raced mountain bikes I was still curious and wantingto try the sport Now Irsquom not saying that I gave him my number because ofmountain biking but it helped A few short months later we were married

My husband took me on my first trail ride at Owasippe My longest ride at thatpoint was about 5 miles on the bike path I was not prepared for an 11-mile loop on technical hilly singletrack There may have been tears but I did not quit One thing I learned that day was that mountain bikingterrified me I took up road riding

Eventually I met several women who liked trail riding and I started mountain biking with them While it stillscared me there was a great sense of accomplishment when I somehow managed to survive each ridewithout fatal injury

My first mountain bike race was the XTERRA Blackhawk Triathlon Once the gun fired at the start myadrenaline kicked in and my competitive side took over Sections of trail that typically paralyzed me withfear became mere blurs in my peripheral vision I was focused on the trail ahead and the rider in front ofme I became a different person I was no longer timid and afraid I was confident and strong

After that I was addicted

More Details About Heather Heather and her husband have two kids Their son Bear is almost 3 yearsold and their daughter Sage is 6 She is a Senior Designer at a publishing company and has workedthere for 13 years Heather enjoys reading and spending time with her family in the great outdoors includingbiking camping hiking going on adventures and trying new things Watch for Heatherrsquos new family sectionin our magazine

Shersquos Most Looking Forward To Heather says ldquoIrsquom mostly looking forward to sharing my love of cyclingwith my kids This will be the first year that we will bring them to the Iceman and my daughter is hopingto tackle the beginnersrsquo lap at Peak2Peak We also have an epic trip planned to Brown County this summerIrsquom equally excited and nervous about attempting my first Lumberjack 100 The longest trail ride Irsquove doneto date is 30 miles I should probably start riding longer distances soonhellipldquo

Editor Note You can also check out Heathers personal blog at momrunningonblogspotcom


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Saint Joseph MI

2012 GTMTBA Races Barry-Roubaix Lowell50 Mud Sweat amp Beers Arcadian Grit amp GravelTK Lawless MTB TT Lumberjack100 IcemanCometh and probably a few more scatteredraces throughout the season

Favorite Places to Ride TK Lawless RumVillage (Northern IN) Yankee Springs and theBarry-Roubaix dirt road course (Middleville MI)

Started Mountain Biking Emily beganmountain biking (after the glory days on theHuffy White Heat) in May of 2010

Started Racing In July of 2010 and the rest ishistory

More Details About Emily Emily describesherself as ldquoIrsquom sarcastic love to laugh love myfamily I named my 29er MTB ldquoDickrdquo and I canrsquotexpress how much fun I have introducing himto new people since I ride him a lot Mynickname is ldquoAwesome Badassrdquo or ldquoABArdquo forshort My license plate reads 29RCHIK I am anAdapted Physical Education and Health teacherfor K-12 students Oh and I LOVE Detroit - Igrew up in Dearborn Heights MI and it willforever be considered ldquohomerdquo in my heart Myfavorite professional sports team is the DetroitTigers I enjoy wine tasting good sushi andhomemade pasta noodles ldquo Emily has aMasters from the University of Virginia and aMasters Teaching Endorsement from GrandValley State University

Shersquos Most Looking Forward To Attemptingto break 12 hours at Lumberjack100 since therace is ON her 30th birthday The sooner shefinishes the sooner she gets to celebrate

EMILY ldquoABArdquo SAVICKIS


ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI

2012 GTMTBA Races RustShaker Mud Sweat and Beers

Boyne Marathon Battle at the Burg Pando Challenge Peak2PeakLowell 50 (Fall Event)

Favorite Place to Ride While Joe is pretty much up for most any ridehis favorite trail is the VASA single track off Supply Road He also oftenrides a 21-mile dirt road loop near his home in Interlochen

Started Mountain Biking Joe says ldquoI started mountain biking around1986 out in Jackson Hole Wyoming That was a couple of years beforemy boys were born I rode with a few guys I skied with they were the onesthat got me into mountain biking I knew nothing about mountain bikinguntil they took me out in the canyon outside of town

I rode competitively a few times in 1993 here in Michigan After that Ihelped and sponsored my boys racing bikes until they were old enoughthat I felt comfortable riding when they were out on the trail Ive beenracing a little more since about 2009 doing maybe four or five races aseason

Im looking forward to riding for GTMBA I feel its a great chance to domore events than I have in the past

More Details About Joe Joe loves to ride with his twin sons Cody andWes (Cody is a writer for GTMTBA) Joe saysldquoThey are fast so its fun to try and keep themin sightrdquo

Hersquos Most Looking Forward To Joersquosbiggest goals for 2012 are Mud Sweat andBeers and Peak2Peak in the fall He says

ldquoThey are great races right around TraverseCity both are very fun coursesrdquo


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI

2012 GTMTBA Races Iceman and Mud Sweat ampBeers

More Details About Chad and Aimee With fourvery active kids Chad and Aimee spend a lot of timetrying to schedule time to work out They havebecome active mountain bikers for the past fiveyears and enjoy competing and testing their capacityin tough conditions When they are all done they loveto relax and enjoy a nice cold local Michigan brew

When they arenrsquot mountain biking they also love tocamp run kayak and compete in triathlonsHowever they have made it a habit to base theircamping trips with their four children (Alaina 15Natalia 12 Lydia 6 and Sara 5) around the mountainbike trails of Northern Michigan A new favorite ofthe Bissonettesrsquo is to mix up their camping trips withsome backpacking and tent camping aroundnorthern Michigan The Bissonettes say ldquoThere isso much to do and to explore here in the north woodsand a lot of it is not very well known - we tend to likethatrdquo

Most Looking Forward To The Bissonettes agreethat they are both looking forward to promoting andrepresenting mountain biking in the area throughGTMTBA and look forward to a successful raceseason

CHAD amp AIMEE BISSONETTTE


PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f


The first thought that enteredmy mind was Irsquom notattached to anything

There was of course LutherKurtz ndash my instructor whostrapped to my back by bucklesand clips served as my onlylifeline The difference betweenlanding softly or meeting mydeath as we hurled 120 mphtowards earth

I was skydiving and whilethe plane we exited just momentsbefore floated farther and fartheraway it dawned on me howdangerous this could be Then the next thought enteredmy head Irsquom kind of chilly

IN THE BOOKSSkydive Harbor Springs has beenthrowing people out of perfectlygood airplanes since 2002Located in the Harbor SpringsAirport the company serves asthe call center for other skydivingschools and dropzones located inVirginia Florida Phoenix andLos Angeles

Kurtz has jumped as far asHawaii and New Zealand but itrsquosnorthern Michigan he says that isthe most beautiful ldquoThatrsquos why I live hererdquo hesays matter-of-factly ldquoI couldlive in San Diego or Phoenix butitrsquos not the same as hererdquo

Kurtz started skydiving aftermulling over the idea for twoyears

ldquoMy friend gave me this cardafter he did it and I just carriedit around for awhilerdquo said Kurtz

The same summer he madehis first jump Kurtz was jumpingevery weekend Since then hehas made over 8000 jumpsincluding a record he and hissister accomplished last summer

On June 30 Angela andLuther completed 105 tandemjumps in 24 hours breaking theGuinness Book of Recordsprevious number of 103

With a crew of 60 people theteam fought fatigue nausea andnumbness In the process theyraised money and awareness forthe Top of Michigan Trails

Council As an avid mountainbiker Kurtz also utilizes the trailsystem to access severaldropzones throughout the area

COMBINING LEISURESLast August Kurtz and his crewmade a second tandemjumphellipthis time from a hot airballoon ldquoNo one in my circle has donea tandem jump from a balloon asfar as I knowrdquo said Kurtz ldquoAballoon pilot I jumped solo within Phoenix awhile back said hersquodnever heard of anyone jumpingtandem from a balloon eitherrdquo Kurtz and his fianceacute MaryBerg made the leap togetherfrom Jeff Geigerrsquos aerostat ldquoOnAirrdquo ndash a 10-passenger hot airballoon that is part of the GrandTraverse Balloons fleet Along with a friend who wasmaking his first solo jump froma balloon the three boarded andwe climbed to nearly 9000 feetthat morning We floated in that thin layerof air for a few moments Below

By Erin Crowell


the roads appeared as tiny veins In the basketeveryonersquos adrenaline was pumping Berg who had only skydived twice before inher life kept her eyes closed like vices as Kurtzclimbed up to the edgehelliphis back to the void ldquoJust fall back donrsquot kick offrdquo Geiger advisedafter hitting the propane one last time Everyone inthe basket crouched preparing for the basket toshoot up due to a sudden loss of weight With that the pair let go They disappeared overthe edge like a pebble brushed off a bridge ldquoAhhhhhhrdquo Bergrsquos voice faded farther and farther away We watched as they fell closer to earth Fromour perspective that moment didnrsquot appear too faraway as they blended in with thelandscapehellipthenhellipa sudden burst of blue and whiteas Kurtz released the parachute ldquoThat Was Awesomerdquo I laughed The experience was also off the charts for Kurtz ldquoItrsquos different jumping from a balloon versus aplanerdquo he explained ldquoIn a plane yoursquore movingforward at about 85mph When you jump off aballoon you just tumble Yoursquore not used to it anditrsquos actually kind of scary You get a little of thatstomach droprdquo

THE LOGISTICS OF A JUMPSkydiving or parachuting as it was referred toactually originated from ballooning The modernhistory of the sport began in the late 18th centurywhen Jacques Garnerin a Frenchman performeddisplay jumps from balloons flying over Europeaccording to the US Parachute Association

It wasnrsquot until 1922 when an airplane pilotperformed the first aircraft bailout with a parachuteThen in 1925 people began experimenting with

ldquostable extended freefallingrdquo (aka skydiving) By the mid-1950s skydiving schools beganpopping up all over the US Today millions of people skydive every yearThe US Parachute Association reports that nearly3 million of their members along with first-timestudent jumpers make the leap every year Like most recreational sports skydiving alsohas a competitive side with categories inFormation Skydiving Canopy FormationFreestyle Skydiving Freeflying Freefall StyleAccuracy Landing and Vertical FormationSkydiving But for those who just want to experience thatfree-fall here is the logistics of how skydivingworks as I experienced jumping with Kurtz acouple years ago First you drive to the airport For me the jumpwas happening in Traverse City a trip SkydiveHarbor Springs makes at least once a year We metat the old airport terminal where we signed ourwaivers and got geared up This includes a full-body harness and goggles The majority ofskydiving gear is handled by the instructorincluding the ever-important parachute There were a handful of people skydiving thatday but only two pairs could fit at a time into theplane We sardined ourselves into the plane sitting onthe floor with our back to the pilot As the planemade a switchback pattern ascent Kurtz madecasual conversation asking me what I did for a


living where I grew up and any other questionsthat would get my mind off the fact that we weregetting higher and higher ldquoThe best tactic for making peoplecomfortable is just talking to themrdquo said Kurtz

ldquoYou can banter ask them questionshellipjust keepthe conversation going I also do safety checksso they know whatrsquos supposed to happenrdquo Kurtz said hersquos had plenty of nervous jumpersbut not one has ever backed out When we reached our optimal altitude Kurtzslid open the door sending a wall of air and noiseinto the plane With Kurtz firmly attached to my back heslid us over to the edge and I sat on airmdashsuspended over Grand Traverse Baymdashjustmoments before we tipped forward The actual fall lasted only a few secondsenough for me to register what we were doing Iwas literally falling yet it simply felt like a wallof air as the bay didnrsquot appear to be coming anycloser than when we first exited the plane Out of the corner of my eye I could seeKurtzrsquos hand move forward as he checked thealtimeter attached to his wrist Then a slightjostle and WHOOSH as Kurtz pulled our chute Only then did I feel the effect of gravity asthe expanding nylon slowed our speedeventually leaving us floating feet down overthe landscape below us With a pull of his armKurtz turned us a sharp right and we spiraled Hedid it again with his left He even let me take a turn with the canopydirecting us wherever I pulled with my arm butI couldnrsquot stomach the spins for long

ldquoIrsquove been puked on 10 timesrdquo laughed Kurtzwho has taken jumpers from age 18 to 93Although vomiting never happens during freefallthe speed of the descent on parachute is enoughto force anything from below to come up ldquoPeople throw up when yoursquore movingforward at about 25 mphrdquo he explained ldquoItrsquoslike sticking your head out the back window andsomeone puking in the front seatrdquo As the ground slowly made its approach Isaw where Kurtz was directing us the whole timeWe soared just a few feet over the flag held in theoutstretched hand of a Skydive Harbor Springsemployee and glided gracefully into the fieldnext to Black Star Farms landing on our feet It was a peaceful ending to a spectacularadventure

If you are interested in skydiving contact SkydiveHarbor Springs at 231-242-8822 or visit themonline at skydiveharborspringscom Tandemjumps as well as an accelerated jump programfor those brave enough to go solo are available


Spring Tune-Up Cautiously we mightbe able to say it is spring in NorthernMichigan With the weather more than

capable of turning on a dime and coaxing onelast snow flurry from Mother Nature we are farenough along to bring out the bikes for goodBut before you go off for a ride make sure yourtrusty steed is in solid and safe workingcondition Whether you are just heading aroundthe block or for your first century of the seasonherersquos a simple checklist you can follow to makesure everything is still bolted on that should be

We wonrsquot get into extensive repairs For afull-on tune-up that will look at every detail andreplace worn parts head down to your pals atthe local bike shop But before you do that takea look at the bike and see if there is anythingglaringly wrong Are the tires flat Doesanything look like it is especially worn rustedor broken Check the handlebars grips pedalsand seat to make sure they are secure andperform correctly Even this simple visual onceover is a pretty effective way to make sure thebike is working safely

Tires - After a long winter itrsquos worth makingsure your wheels are still in good shape startingwith the tires Check for any cracking or baldspots For a mountain bike see how much treadis worn down If the rear tire is much more wornout than the front you may want to look atreplacing it in the near future Less tread meansless rubber and more flats not to mention losttraction

Bearings - Next check the bearings by tryingto tilt or move the wheel laterally It should bestiff If therersquos any play or side-to-sidemovement you may need to have the bearingsrepacked or replaced completely While yoursquoredoing some light pushing and pulling grab thefront brake and try to push the bike forward andback If the stem and handlebar are moving theheadset may need some attention The steeringbearings in the headset can come lose or seizeup but it is a relatively quick fix for anexperienced mechanic

Transmission - A lot of cyclists would alsorecommend checking the transmission which

Getting Your Bike Ready To Roll By Cody Sovis


is the chain chain rings cassettes and derailleurs

Chains and Chain Rings - A worn out andstretched chain can cause some serious shiftingissues and wears out the other parts of your bikevery quickly There is a tool to measure chainstretch but you can tell if you need a new onetwo ways First look at the bottom of the chainring with the chain in the biggest gear If therersquosa gap or you can see an entire tooth on the ringthe chain is pretty much shot If you ride a lotand ride hard itrsquos pretty common to go througha chain every other month or so

Cassettes - When the chain goes the cassettesare sure to follow Chains and cassettes wear atthe same rate and they actually wear to eachother Putting a new chain on an old cassettewonrsquot do much to improve shifting because thecassette is worn a particular way and wonrsquot lineup very well with a fresh tight chain Somemechanics preach that replacing the chain whenit is at about 75 wear makes it possible to keepthe same cassette for much longer A somewhatcommon practice is to use switch the cassetteevery two chains or roughly 3000 miles If youride hard and push a big gear it might be betterto change both at once

A chain ring however lasts much longer thanboth When the teeth of the chain rings getshorter and sharper it may be time to replace itAsk your mechanic when the right time comes

Derailleur - The derailleur is a complex fickleand testy component that has a huge impact onthe quality of your shifting Luckily making surethey are working is as easy as turning the crackand trying to move the chain around the cassetteMake sure the derailleurs are tight by grabbingthem and moving them side-to-side If there issome lateral play carefully tighten them if youfeel comfortable If the derailleur is way offlook to see if there is worn paint above or belowthe derailleur If you see some chipped off theentire derailleur may have moved throwing itoff-line of the cassette or chain ring Try to lineit back up and make sure everything is lined upstraight before tightening the derailleur backdown

These are some quick and easy ways to makesure your bike is up for a new season of fun andadventure These simple checks make your ridesafer and the bike last longer so try to look themover every once in a while Keep it safe keep itclean and keep it rubber side down in 2012


Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan

Image Description Taken in dormroom while my roommate yelled atme for all the dirt dropping off thebike

Where I ride

When Im supposed to be studyingCopper Harbor Michigan TechTrails and the Marquette SouthTrails

When Im home Bloomer ParkStoney Creek and Addison Oaks

Why it rocks

It has survived 4 incredibly roughseasons While the only stockcomponents remaining are the fork(which is blown out and works atrandom) and brakes the bike hasnever let me down It has survivedmy attempts at dirt jumps and all thedownhills that I have thrown myselfdown over the years Upgradesinclude Azonic Outlaw wheels aSLX drivetrain and Crank Brothers5050 flats

Kingsley Michigan

Image Description Pre-season skillstraining My backyard at my housewhen I lived by Silver Lake Mybrother and I had built a short pumptrack complete with a see-saw and ashed set inside of a small hill that Iwould use for technical training whenI couldnt make it to my local trails

Where I ridehellip

State Hospital Grounds TraverseCity

Why it rockshellip

The State Hospital is my local trailand it is not for the faint of heart Iused it for my climbing workoutbecause it is just as fun to worktoward the incredible views ofdowntown TC as it is to descend tothe historical hospital buildings andtoward town My friends that racedXC and Nordic ski couldnt even keepup with me there I hike run and ridethere whenever I need a momentaway from town Its also fun towatch downhillers and free riders onthe more extreme terrain

Grawn Michigan

Image Description Friday NightLive Demo iTrials group 2Wheel Technique putting on ademo of controlled bike skills indowntown Traverse City duringFriday Night Live

Where I ridehellip

On the trials I bike anywherethat is feasible on the mountainbike mostly Copper Ridge andthe VASA singeltrack

Why it rocks

Showing people what they arecapable of not only on a bike butalso in a more general sense inthe world while having a greattime

Photo credit goes to Jessica Nichol 2009as part of her photography class at NMC


Wersquore investing in ultra high qualitymaterials and working with some of thebest talent to deliver premium quality gearthat you will want to be seen in


PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


For a completedirectory ofpaddlesport

providers and otherresources visit

wwwmichiganpaddlesportscom and

browse rentals andliveries by river

Kayaks are a familiar sight intowns everywhere Strappedon roof racks and banked on

riversides these candy-colored watervessels are icons of the fastest-growingoutdoor sport Paddlers of allexperience levels flock to NorthernMichigan a region carved by a networkof picturesque lakes and streams Wenarrowed it down to our top seven picksto consider trying this summer

1 PLATTE RIVERThe spring-fed Platte River is adichotomy where adventure meetstranquility A fast thrilling currenteventually slows to a casual pace as itflows through Loon Lake and emptiesinto Lake Michigan Those who takeon the Upper Platte should be preparedfor choppy waters coupled with sharpnarrow turns and overhangingbranches In contrast the Lower Platteis family-friendly providing a scenicand leisurely float

Rentals Kayaks Canoes Tubes

2 TORCH LAKESee why National Geographic namedTorch Lake the ldquoThird Most BeautifulLake in the Worldrdquo Kid Rock evengave props to its famous sandbar in hissong ldquoAll Summer Longrdquo Despite itsreigning popularity Torch Lake is anatural vista of serenity with clearCaribbean-hued waters enhanced onlyby majestic swans and bald eagles thatcall it home

3 CRYSTAL RIVERAkin to its name the Crystal Riverboasts clear waters and a gentle currentthat winds through fragrant pine andcedar forests of the Sleeping BearDunes National Park Observantpaddlers may see bald eagles whitetaildeer blue herons turtles frogs andeven otters

4 BOARDMAN RIVERRanked as one of the top 10 troutstreams in Michigan the Boardman isa sandy-bottomed Blue Ribbon Streamwith crystal-clear waters that flow into

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


Grand Traverse Bay Boardman Riveris the only major wintering area tonon-native mute swans and thus adraw for bird watchers Opt for the tripfurther upstream if itrsquos a challengeyoursquore after

5 GRAND TRAVERSE BAYTo experience the open water ventureout to the picturesque Grand TraverseBay off Lake Michigan Lined bycherry orchards its sparkling bluewaters lap the sandy shores of thegreat Cherry Capital of the Worldattracting vacationers from near andfar

6 JORDAN RIVERNestled in a wide sloping valley theJordan River is the first designated as

ldquowild-scenicrdquo in the Michigan NaturalRivers Program The largest tributary of Lake Charlevoix Jordan River has superior water quality arobust trout population and rugged shorelines of northern hardwoods

7 BETSIE RIVERThe Betsiersquos moderate to fast current flows through the Betsie River State Game Area stomping groundsfor whitetail deer ruffed grouse snowshoe hares wetland mammals and other small wildlife To makeyour trip more interesting look for signs of beaver activity such as skid trails leading up the bank andcut branches gathered by a den

Got a favorite river destination that didnrsquot make our list Post your pick (and photos if you got lsquoem) tothe GTMTBA Facebook page

T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher


Platte River Rentals

Honor Canoe Rentals (Honor)Rentals Kayaks Canoes TubesCall (231) 325-0112wwwhonorcanoerentalscom

Riverside Canoe Trips (Honor)Rentals Kayaks Canoes Tubes RaftsCall (231) 325-5622wwwcanoemichigancom

The Honor Trading Post (Honor)Rentals Kayaks Canoes TubesCall (231) 325-2202wwwcanoeplatterivercom

Torch Lake Rentals

Alden Outfitters (Alden)Rentals Kayaks Guided ToursCall (231) 331-6979wwwaldenoutfittercom

Crystal River Rentals

Crystal Lake Adventure Sports (Beulah)Rentals Kayaks Canoes Stand-upPaddleboards Skim Boards and MoreCall (231) 882-2527wwwcrystallakeadventuresportscom

Crystal River Outfitters (Glen Arbor)Rentals Kayaks CanoesCall (231) 334-4420wwwcrystalriveroutfitterscom

The River Glen Arbor (Glen Arbor)Rentals Kayak Canoe RentalsCall (231) 334-7888wwwtheriverglenarborcom

Boardman River Rentals

Lyf Motiv Adventures (Traverse City )Rentals Kayaks Stand-Up Paddle SurfingBeach Cruiser BikesCall (231) 944-1146

Ranch Rudolf (Traverse City )Rentals Kayaks Canoes TubesCall (231) 947-9529wwwranchrudolfcom

The River (Traverse City)Rentals Kayaks Canoes Paddleboats TubesCall (231) 883-1413wwwtherivertraversecitycom

Grand Traverse Bay Rentals

Blue Sky Rentals (Traverse City)Rentals Kayaks Water Trampolines andMotorized BoatsCall (231) 645-2628wwwbluesky-tvccom

Breakn Waves (Traverse City)Rentals Kayaks Sailboats Paddle BoatsWater Trampolines Parasailing and MoreCall (231) 929-3303wwwbreaknwavescom


Paddle Away (Traverse City)Guided Kayak ToursCall (231) 715-1454wwwtraversebaypaddlercomPaddleAway

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


Jordan River Rentals

Jordan Valley Outfitters (East Jordan)Rentals Kayaks Canoes Tubes RaftsCall (231) 536-0006wwwjvoutfitterscom

Betsie River Rentals

Alvinarsquos Canoe amp Boat Livery (Interlochen)Rentals Kayaks Canoes Boat RentalsCall (231) 276-9514

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er




ASSOCIATION

Managing Publisher

Editor

Heidi Jones

Dave Mann

Erin Monigold


Heidi Jones

Photographers








GTMTBA

Dave Mann









Dave Mann





MTB RACE RECAPS

FEATURES



21 Upcoming Events









COLUMNS amp STUFF

PRODUCT REVIEWS




42 Freefalling


26


16

PHO

TOS

copyB

MC

Tim

De

Wae

les

PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker






















































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er



ASSOCIATION

Managing Publisher

Editor

Heidi Jones

Dave Mann

Erin Monigold


Heidi Jones

Photographers








GTMTBA

Dave Mann









Dave Mann





MTB RACE RECAPS

FEATURES



21 Upcoming Events









COLUMNS amp STUFF

PRODUCT REVIEWS




42 Freefalling


26


16

PHO

TOS

copyB

MC

Tim

De

Wae

les

PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker






















































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er





MTB RACE RECAPS

FEATURES



21 Upcoming Events









COLUMNS amp STUFF

PRODUCT REVIEWS




42 Freefalling


26


16

PHO

TOS

copyB

MC

Tim

De

Wae

les

PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker






















































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er



MTB RACE RECAPS

FEATURES



21 Upcoming Events









COLUMNS amp STUFF

PRODUCT REVIEWS




42 Freefalling


26


16

PHO

TOS

copyB

MC

Tim

De

Wae

les

PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker






















































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






















































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er




















































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er












































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er



































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er
































PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er





























PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er
























PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er























PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


















PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er












PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








PHO

TO

And

rea

Tuc

ker


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


By Kandace Chapple









































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








































womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er



















womenrsquos group
















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er















Photo Cody Sovis


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


By Heather Brewer




PHO

TO

copy

Jack

Kun

nen

Phot

ogra

phy





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er





































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er




































Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


















Racing 13206



By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


By Leah Clark

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

s












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er












ldquoI love

Michigan

mountain

bikingrdquo

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

PHO

TO copy

BM

CT

im D

e W

aele

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

















PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er







PHO

TO

Bre

nt B

ookw

alte

rPH

OTO

R

ui Q

uint

a









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er









By Heather Brewer



Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


Helmets

Gloves


Bug Spray

Cell Phone

Snacks

HydrationPackWater

bottles

GTMTBATraverse Area

Trails Map















































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


































Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

















Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er















Chapple



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er



















ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


ing

TEA

M B

IOS










DAVE WALSTON


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Charlevoix MI









DAN MANN


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


ing

TEA

M B

IOS

HEATHER BREWER














cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


cycling

TEAM B

IOS










ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


ing

TEA

M B

IOS JOE SOVIS

City Interlochen MI











cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


cycling

TEAM B

IOS

City Kalkaska MI







PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


PHO

TO

Joel

Gaf

f














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er














By Erin Crowell



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er



























Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






















Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

















Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er









Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


Readerrsquos Rides

Houghton Michigan


Where I ride



Why it rocks


Kingsley Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rockshellip


Grawn Michigan


Where I ridehellip


Why it rocks






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er




PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er


PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er













PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er








T

PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

erPH

OTO

Ja

son

Off

enba

cher






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






Torch Lake Rentals















PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er






PHO

TO

Jaso

n O

ffen

bach

er

Documents

Northern Motion Magazine - Spring 2012