MOUNTAIN BIKING
Reflection, adventure and some humor for all the DIY dads out there
OVERLAND HOUND
Man or womans best friend on the trail and at camp
NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES
SEVEN DEVILS, IDAHO
Idaho range near Hells Canyon, and the tale of a trip left undone
TCTEARDROPS ADVENTURE EDITION
The all-new TCTeardrops AE "Adventure Edition" offers our most popular features and a few new ones all rolled into one. Visit our website and build your TCTeardrop camper today!
5x10 with new trailer body style
3,500lb de-rated torsion axle
Custom tire sizes available up to 35"
Diamond Skid Plate (option)
Lock-n-Roll Articulating Hitch
10" Electric Brakes
Floor to Ceiling full front cabinet
6'7" Sleeping Cabin
Large galley with slide-out table and cabinet
Coming in summer 2024-try before you buy RTT rentals. Visit our new gear shop for RTTs, solar, awnings and more.
HAUL YOUR BOATS, BIKES, BED AND BREAKFAST ALL IN ONE EYE-CATCHING, AFFORDABLE PACKAGE!
THIS ISSUE
KOAR 2024
K O A R NEWS
ATTENTION DAY TRIPPERS
Our campground may be full, but you can still join in on the fun! Day passes are available on our website and get you access and entry to the KOAR grounds for one or two days day (7am-10pm) either Friday and/or Saturday Day passes include a KOAR printed guide, KOAR sticker, raffle ticket for the evening drawings and allows you to participate in all the fun basecamp activities, clinics, drawings, mine & radar base tours (NO camping, swag bag or tshirt provided with day pass ticket) See info on this page for area camping options!
MI DNR info on dispersed camping on State land.
“Backpacking or car camping (also known as dispersed camping) is permitted on state forest land as long as your site is located more than one mile from a state forest campground It's free of charge
The following applies:
Campsites cannot be located in a state park, recreation area, state forest campground or state game area and must be located more than one mile from state forest campgrounds
The campsite or adjacent area cannot be posted "No Camping"
A backpacking registration card must be prominently posted at the campsite for the duration of the stay It's your responsibility to ensure that the registration card remains legible Placing the card in a zip-top bag is recommended”
Area campgrounds
Ahmeek Coppermine Camp
City of Hancock Campground
City of Houghton RV Park
Dockside Resort
East Bluff Bike Park
Fort Wilkins State Park
Lake Fanny Hooe
Lake Linden Campground
McClain State Park
Schoolcraft Township Campground
Sunset Bay Campground
Wilderness Resort
Day Pass Included Activities
All classes and clinics at basecamp
Access to vendor village
Happy Hour
ADV Passport*
Open Skies Tour
Delaware Mine Tour
Morning Meetup & trail rides
Evening Gathering/bonfire
Giveaways and drawings*
Day Pass Optional Activities
*must be present to win
**tickets available on our website
***discounts will be announced soon
CUSTOMIZE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WITH DAN CUMMINS
As summer heats up, the call of adventure beckons, and what better way to answer it than exploring in a brand new Jeep! Whether you’re passing through city streets or conquering rugged off-road trails, a custombuilt Wrangler is more than just a vehicle it displays your passion and freedom to explore the world on your own terms. With its iconic appearance and unmatched off-road potential, the Jeep Wrangler is the best way to enjoy this off-road and overlanding season!
I was able to speak with the Dan Cummins Auto Group new car manager, Martin Mazzetti, about the process of ordering a customized Jeep Wrangler Martin has been working with Dan Cummins for nine years and knows how thrilling it can be to build your vehicle to your exact specifications. His ideal custom Jeep would be a Wrangler 392 in the beautiful Granite Crystal exterior color and Sky OneTouch power top to let the sunshine and summer breezes in with ease!
When you order a vehicle through Dan Cummins the options are endless! From selecting the perfect model to tailoring it with personalized features, the process of building a Jeep is an experience unlike any other We offer all factory and Mopar upgrades including 37” tires, AEV suspensions, winch-capable bumpers, and so much more! Ordering a custom Jeep is not just about the end result it’s about the journey itself From the moment you finalize your order to the day your Jeep arrives, anticipation builds
Dan Cummins is known for our incredible Powertrain For Life warranty When you customize a vehicle with us, you are eligible for this coverage aside from AEV builds. American Expedition Vehicles also offer their own lifetime warranty if you choose their parts for your one-of-a-kind Jeep! Knowing that you’re getting a vehicle that was crafted specifically for you adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
ORDERINGACUSTOMJEEPIS NOTJUSTABOUTTHEEND RESULT—IT’SABOUTTHE JOURNEYITSELF.
Martin explained the simple process of custom ordering your brand new Jeep. First, explore your options on the Jeep and AEV websites Then, contact Dan Cummins to begin working closely with Martin or a salesperson to build the vehicle and finalize payment options These steps can be done over the phone or in person Dan Cummins is able to then deliver your dream ride directly to you, or you may pick it up at the dealership Wait times vary depending on the type of Jeep and the manufacturer, but could be shipped as early as one month after ordering Finally, you take your first ride in the Jeep made just for you!
Excitement for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler is revving up! At Dan Cummins, we are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this legendary vehicle’s storied history. Specifically, the return of the famous Tuscadero Pink exterior color! Production of 2024 models will end in September, so Martin is expecting to begin orders for 2025 models in July or August of this year. Be one of the first to build a 2025 Wrangler and continue the tradition of excellence!
Dan Cummins and the Jeep community alike celebrate the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and push the boundaries of performance. So why settle for ordinary? Order your custom Jeep today and unlock a world of adventure that is uniquely yours!
KEWEENAW - HIGH ROCK BAY
By Kristan Krout
This is where the principles of Tread Lightly! come into play, advocating for mindful and responsible recreation to ensure Michigan’s pristine environments are protected for future generations.
The projects began on Friday in Mio, where volunteers replaced 1,120 feet of fence line along ORV Trail H58-5. This new fencing was installed to curtail illegal motorized activity off the trail and to safeguard the wildlife habitats in the area.
The project near Sand Lake involved the installation of signage indicating “No Motorized Access” around a 10-acre area currently undergoing rehabilitation. After placing the signs, volunteers proceeded to the Grass Lake Road ORV Trailhead to install a restrictor gate on the H9 trail. The gate was installed on the H9 ORV trail to restrict access to vehicles that are 50 inches wide or less.
At Holly Oaks ORV Park, volunteers conducted a thorough cleanup, collecting 1,850 pounds of trash. In addition to trash removal, they also focused on preventative maintenance around the park to ensure its continued usability and aesthetic appeal.
Meanwhile, at the Ottawa National Forest, three dedicated volunteers managed to remove an impressive 2,272 pounds of trash, making a significant difference in the cleanliness and health of the forest environment.
The final project took place in the Hiawatha National Forest, where volunteers removed a staggering 4,280 pounds of trash. This monumental effort not only improved the forest’s appearance but also contributed to the overall health of the ecosystem.
The success of Tread Lightly! Day Michigan was made possible through the generous sponsorship of onX Off-road, along with support from the US Forest Service, 4Fest Events, Holly Oaks ORV Park, and Hamilton’s Northwest. Their contributions underscored the importance of collaboration and community involvement in achieving conservation goals.
Link: https://treadlightly.org/learn/
Travel Responsibly on land by staying on designated roads, trails and area Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails Cross streams only at designated fords. when possible, avoid wet, muddy trails On water, stay on designated waterways and launch your watercraft in designated areas
Respect the Rights of Others including private property owners, all recreational trail users, campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed Leave gates as you found them Yield right of way to those passing you or going uphill. On water, respect anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers and those on or near shore
Educate Yourself prior to your trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies. Plan for your trip, take recreation skills classes and know how to operate your equipment safely
Avoid Sensitive Areas on land such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams. Always ride with caution any time water is present. Wet soils are more susceptible to damage Riding along river and stream beds causes erosion and habitat destruction Stay on designated routes This protects wildlife habitats and sensitive soils from damage. Don’t disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites On water, avoid operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds
Do Your Part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species and repairing degraded areas.
Kristan Krout lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her husband and son. While she has driven vehicles off road since she was a child, she recently found a love for rock crawling. She drives a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and when she’s not playing on the rocks, she also enjoys cruising the two tracks and camping off the beaten path with her family.
Presentedby
ANTIQUE IS UNIQUE
Our roots started at 8th Avenue Antiques & Salvage in Norway, Michigan in 2009 In 2018, we moved to the upstairs at True North Outpost, and in 2023 we’ve grown into a new-to-us building on-site that is dedicated to our love of antiques and upcycled pieces.
BRAVING THE ELEMENTS AND DISPERSED CAMPING AT “THE WALL” IN SOUTH DAKOTA
BAD LANDS
“The Wall” refers to a dramatic escarpment that rises sharply from the surrounding plain in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands It’s part of the Badlands, characterized by steep, layered rock formations and an arid landscape. For dispersed camping enthusiasts in the Midwest, the area is a welcome first stop on trips out west. It's a great spot for those looking to experience the wide-open spaces, rolling grasslands, rugged badlands, unique geological formations and diverse terrain of the Great Plains
Dispersed camping near The Wall in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and vastness of South Dakota’s landscapes. Just be prepared for the rugged environment and always follow best practices for backcountry and dispersed camping. Campfires may be allowed, but they are subject to local regulations and fire restrictions There are no amenities so be prepared to bring water and a way to “take care of business ” Leave no trace!
PHOTO: YOOPERS ONDA MOVE
PHOTO: GOOGLE EARTH
PHOTO: CINDY POPE
“The beautiful views and vast skies are better than we imagined! There's plenty of space to choose from and space between other campers Its peaceful and quiet You may hear a distant "Moo!" every now and then though” -Jill Carr, 1941 adventures
PHOTO: CINDY POPE
“The Wall” had amazing views, as good as the badlands themselves. It depends on how busy it is how much privacy/space you can get. When we went we were lucky to get a space away from others but there was a lot of RVs up there some of which weren’t very considerate and ran their generators all night. The wind was pretty wicked as well but expected for the terrain and being exposed without cover It was nice to be able to shoot drone videos and get the same terrain as the badlands without breaking any laws
Alex
Eschen, Northwoods Overland Adventures
“The wind was pretty wicked as well but expected for the terrain and being exposed without cover. ”
PHOTO: YOOPERS ONDA MOVE
PHOTO: JILL CARR, 1941 ADVENTURES
PHOTO: CINDY POPE
PHOTO: CINDY POPE
IDAHO’S SEVEN DEVILS
We knew there was a chance we would see snow in the mountains. What we didn’t know was exactly where we would be, and when. On this trip with Jill and Chris Carr, we all decided to play it loose, and go where we felt like when the time came to decide. One of those decisions was to meet up with our friends Jason and Cassandra in McCall to camp a night or two at the Avalanche Ranch, owned by our friends Ryan and Kristi. A shower and electricity sounded good right about then, and we headed east from the Malheur National forest in Oregon and through the Payette National Forest to our destination
BY CINDY POPE
Hell is still frozen over in July.
The Payette National Forest offers the visitor over 2.3 million acres to enjoy. Everything from the deep recesses of Hells Canyon to peaks reaching elevations of almost 9,500 feet. Dry desert grasslands compliment heavily forested acres. Gateways to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness allow the visitor to experience the solitude of seldom traveled trails. -NFS
“WE ALL DECIDED TO PLAY IT LOOSE, AND GO WHERE WE FELT LIKE WHEN THE TIME CAME TO DECIDE.”
Above: Heading back in defeat on Black Lake Road, I think the mountains in the distance are the Salmon River Mountains but I could be wrong- my Peakfinder app is very frustrating, especially the way you have to line the mountain outlines up with what is in your camera lens Especially when you are trying to drive. On a shelf road.
Above- we visited Sawtooth Flying in McCall. Ryan is a charter pilot and we kicked ourselves for not booking a joy ride Next time for sure!
Right- Jason & Cassandra’s camp setup at Avalanche Ranch It looks nice and remote but it is right by the garage and guest quarters
Below- We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day
Smith Mountain is the southernmost Seven Devils summit to top 8,000 feet. The summit has a Forest Service Lookout which is available for emergency use. USGS Purgatory Saddle Access is via Black Lake Road. A road leaves Black Lake Road and climbs to the summit in 0.7 miles with 360 feet of elevation gain. The road is not in good shape and you will need a 4WD with good off-road tires. Hey, if you are reading this you are a hiker and the road is a great trail. As with most fire lookouts, the views from the summit are amazing.” -Idaho Climbing Guide
Below- Smith Mountain fire lookout tower at the summit
Above- this poor guy with his little shovel, scooping up snow and chucking it down the side of the mountain on Black Lake Road. Ryan and Kristi did attempt this (their Sequoia having four cameras) but were turned back not much farther down.
The Seven Devils Mountains extend along the Idaho/Oregon border for roughly 40 miles between the towns of Whitebird and Council. They are bounded by the Snake River on the west and the Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers on the east. The range, which ranks high among Idaho’s mountain chains in terms of ruggedness and scenic quality, is the state’s most precipitous range. Elevations vary from just above 1,000 feet along the Snake River to 9,393 feet on the summit of He Devil.
-Idaho Climbing Guide
Above: Chris headed down to the tree line
Left- Jason & Cassandra’s super sweet Commander
Below: Ryan & Kristi kicking up dust It did not take much
You ever have one of those days when the decisions are hard? The urge to continue on to Black Lake was strong for some of us, who wanted to go for it, and some wanted nothing to do with it Discussions were had, jokes were made in the nervous afternoon sunlight and we felt better leaving the trek to Black Lake for another day. Belonging to a group of people who will push you to sharpen your skills while not pushing too hard when you are uncomfortable or the risk seems too great creates an environment where you feel free to make calculated decisions, not reactions based on fear or pride I would 100% travel with these fine folks again.
An Adventurer’ s best friend Overland Hound
In this special magazine feature, we honor the adventurous spirit of our four-legged pals Enjoy a heartwarming collection of photos shared by our reader community, showcasing the joy, camaraderie, and endless enthusiasm of dogs accompanying their owners on memorable escapades From tranquil lakeside getaways to thrilling mountain hikes, each picture narrates a distinctive tale of exploration and the strong bond between pet and human Let's take a visual tour through the lens of our readers, featuring their cherished canine friends and the fun and love-filled adventures they embark (get it, embark?) on together
Rylie &
Bodie
Bodie (Jack Russell mix) 9 months old and Rylie (Boxer/Bloodhound) 3.5 years old. We love camping and traveling with these two because they are Adventure Pups! -Todd & Carol Mowrer, TCTeardrops.
This is Nikon! Age 5. Love having a sidekick to explore the great unknowns and interesting places on the back roads. -Shawn Hamacheck
This is Daphne. She is 4 and is an incredible travel companion! Whether we’re hiking, off-roading, or having a lazy day at camp, she just wants to be by our side! -Jim Anderson
This is Millie. She hates adventures and would rather not be invited to offroading events.Christoper McGregor
This is Trixie, 3.5 yrs old. Pretty sure she daydreams of our couch back home. - Brad BaDour
Mr. Chibbs is our very handsome 10yo rescue heeler. He loves spending time in his TC Teardrops trailer. We travel with him because he deserves every sniff his life can hold!Nate & Christina Goodwin
This is Ranger. She’s 3 1/2 years old, loves riding in the truck and loves meeting new people and dogs. -Craig Bourland
Penny (8 months) and Copper (2.5 years) The best travel dogs who love to climb in your lap and snuggle during trail rides, steel your food at camp, then steel your sleeping bags at night to get cozy wouldn’t have it any other way! -Jeremy and Rachel Byington
Sadie is around 10 and has even been to Kentucky with Bill! She is the best overlanding dog! - Cory & Bill Hoffman
12 year old Australian Cattle Dog. She has become our grumpy
Riley is the biggest lover once she gets to know you, that is if she you get to know her. Her favorite place to be is under our
Trailer so she can have a good view of her surroundings. -Jake
old
Hiker
Middaugh
Aspen - 5 year old Australian Cattle Dog. Her 3 favorite things to do are playing with her frisbee for hours, taking a dip in a water source, and meeting new dog friends. -Jake Middaugh
Wesson (8, blue) & Walker (7, silver). If I go, they go. -Andrew Smith
Sieger, 3, my fourth adventuredobe. -Craig Bolen
Scoutinabout, overlooking the Mississippi River near Winona, MN. That's Wisconsin in the background. -Andy Nepsha
Submitted by Logan Wenzel
Our adventure weiners: Zeus (9) and Apollo (1). They travel wherever we go and love it! They also love to snooze! - Jill & Chris Carr
Rayne is just a year old, Daisy is nine years old. They are both rescues and we never leave them at home! Here they are in Oregon in front of our friend’s camper. We did a 5,000 mile, 14 day trip from the midwest to the west coast and even attended the Overland Expo PNW with them! -Cindy Pope
Miki has been traveling with me since she was 9 weeks old. She turns 5 in September and is now my Service Dog Best Partner in Crime ever!!!! - Christopher Frizzell
Bella doesn’t love the car ride but loves camping.
-Jason Fletcher
This is 8 year old Hank. He loves traveling and camping but not a fan of bouncing around on the trails. -Justin Anderson
His name is Wyatt Cooper, 2 1/2 year old Australian Shepherd and he’s always up for anything, camping, hard jeepin trails or a road trip, he just loves adventure! -Jeremy Clifton
My newest baby insists on helping me drive! -Kourtney Peterson
My adventure girl, Freyja (2) enjoys rock climbing, her rooftop tent, backpacking and all forms of camping in addition to chasing squirrels.
-Jen Banks
Naturally occuring minerals & electrolytes
Faster hydration
Aids in digestion, hearburn & acid reflux
Helps with blood pressure regulation
Helps balance acid (pH) levels
HOW MOTORSPORTS COMPLIMENTS THE PURSUIT OF SILENT SPORTS
BY CINDY POPE
Road trips and vacations don’t have to be limited to either motor sports or silent sports In fact, a well-rounded adventure can seamlessly integrate both, offering a diverse and enriching experience for enthusiasts of all kinds. It is not unusual to see mountain bike racks on overland vehicles, or fishing gear in a toy hauler. ADV riders find room on their bikes for pack rafts, and paddleboarders hit the trail in thier Jeeps, looking for those remote, quiet lakes. There is no “us vs. them” in a world where so many interests cross over in the recreation space By strategically planning your itinerary and balancing your activities, you can enjoy the thrill of motor sports while also immersing yourself in the tranquility of silent sports along the way
So is there a secret to enjoying the best of both worlds? One approach is to designate specific portions of your journey for motor sports, where you can explore off-road trails, rugged terrain, and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Whether it's navigating challenging 4x4 routes, tearing through sandy dunes on an ATV, or conquering rocky terrain with a dirt bike, motor sports enthusiasts can satisfy their need for
speed and excitement during these segments. Conversely, interspersing these motor sports segments with periods dedicated to silent sports allows for a harmonious balance. Take breaks from the roar of engines to hike along scenic trails, paddle through serene waterways, or camp in remote wilderness areas where the only soundtrack is the rustle of leaves and the calls of wildlife. These moments of quietude not only provide a respite from the intensity of motor sports but also allow for deeper immersion in nature and a chance to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes you're traversing
Furthermore, embracing both motor and silent sports on an overland trip encourages a holistic appreciation for the natural world and its diverse offerings. From the exhilaration of conquering challenging terrain to the serenity of watching the sunset from a remote campsite, combining these experiences fosters a deeper connection with the environment and a richer understanding of the landscapes you encounter So, whether you're revving up your engine or slipping on your hiking boots, an overland adventure that
embraces both motor and silent sports promises an unforgettable journey filled with the boundless wonders of the great outdoors Participating in both silent sports and motor sports can contribute to fostering understanding and cooperation between these two communities in several ways:
Shared Appreciation for Nature:
Both silent sports enthusiasts and motor sports enthusiasts share a love for the great outdoors and a mutual appreciation for the natural environment
Respect for Different Perspectives:
Experiencing both silent and motor sports helps participants to gain insights into the diverse ways people interact with nature.
Environmental Stewardship:
Through exposure to different outdoor activities, individuals from both communities can learn about responsible environmental practices and can collaborate on conservation initiatives and joint projects
Building Bridges through Events:
Events and festivals that feature a mix of silent and motor sports activities can bring together enthusiasts from both communities and provide opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and fostering friendships based on a shared passion for outdoor recreation.
Educational Opportunities:
By participating in each other's activities, individuals from both communities can learn new skills and broaden their horizons.
By finding common ground, individuals from both groups can contribute to a more sustainable outdoor recreation culture.
BY BEN WICKLUND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN WICKLUND
There are sill hidden gems to explore. Try those underrated, overlooked and overheard places, you might be surprised
SOLO ON THE NICOLETROCHE
Sometimes I wonder if I'm too old to continue to pursue mountain biking Biking, especially mountain biking, I've always had a passion for And it's been one of my biggest causes of scars and bruises At 35 years old, there isn't an arm, leg or hand at this point that doesn't have some mark left by a bike At the same time though biking has such a solid mental and physical reward to it. Heading 200+ miles from home to bike solo on some trail ranking in high difficulty seemed risky but admittedly I'm not going to get any younger
A HEALTHY CLUB
Nicolet Roche is a amazing trail system run the Langlade Area Mountain Bikers Association (LAMBA ) Their club seems very active and healthy I was very impressed with the trail maintenance there was hardly any dead fall or other issues within 8.5 miles I rode. Healthy club means healthy trails They had a group ride the morning of my arrival but I was just a bit late
THE TRAILS
The trail itself is a good mix of tech features and challenging climbs and downhills. The first thing I noticed was that it's true single track trail system There were a few areas my handlebars just barely stuffed through, as the bike climbed and descended the narrow bending flowing chutes of trail and trees
THE BOULDERS
The area had such unique boulder gardens Big rocks always seemed to throw a mild mix of trials and skill based riding into mix Multiple times I stopped just to have second or third try at the boulder obstacles. There were some rock lines that you had to hit, shove and turn just exactly right to make it through
BUCKSNORT
This bit of trail challenge provided a great thrill much like navigating a rough rocky trail in a 4wd. There were many optional lines that would send you jumping or rolling over boulders the size of riding mowers Taking my monster truck of a fat bike was definitely the right option when it came to the difficult rated Buck Snort trail The Buck Snort contained far more rock gardens and short punchy climbs and descents. On a few occasions Buck Snort did it's best to buck you off the bike
DOWNHILLS
Hanging on for the downhills was some of the most fun riding I've done this year There were nicely smoothed bermed sections you could sail through like a ore cart flying off the rails I was most shocked by how few users were using the trail This is a premier level trail system and I never once crossed paths with anyone during my ride. Definitely a 9/10 trail for me would recommend and will be back for sure
"If you have never ridden the Nicolet Roche Trails, you are missing out! These trails are some of the original mountain bike trails built in and around the Langlade County area Originally started as trails utilized for an off-road triathlon, the Wolfman Triathlon, have evolved into a network of beautiful single-track trails winding through the woods and large boulders of the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest These trails will not disappoint and will appeal to riders of a wide range of skill levels."
- L A M B A website
THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO TRANSPORTING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE WITHOUT A BIKE RACK: BECAUSE YOU’RE TOO CHEAP FOR ALL THAT FANCY GEAR
ByCindyPope,renowncheapskate Withapologies toBillBryson,PatrickMcManusandRedGreen
So,you’vedecidedtojointheranksof mountainbikers,ormaybeyou’redustingoff avintage90'sTrekthathasbeenlurkingin thebackofyourgarageinaefforttostaveoff thepoundagegainsofinactivityandoldage Congratulations!Butnow,afterspendinga mintonthebike(orifyouarejustina perpetualstateofbrokenness,)yourealize there’satinyproblem:howonearthdoyou getthatgloriouslymuddymountainbiketo andfromthetrailheadwithoutsplurgingon anactualbikerack?Weareheretohelp!With afamilyhistoryof“itcan’tbethathard”and anattitudeof“thereisnowayIamspending thatmuchforarackthatcostsmorethanmy firstcamper,”hereisareviewofsomegreat andnot-so-greatmethods
The “For Jeepers Only” method
IfyouhaveaJeepWrangleroravehiclewith atiremountedontheback(luckyyou),useit Simplyrunafewropesfromyourbike throughtheslotsonthesparetire Ensure thatthebikeisprecariouslybalancedand strategicallyplacedsothatitwillsurelyfall offatthefirstsignofaspeedbump WhoamI kidding,thisisprobablythebestwayto secureabikewithoutarackwhilealsotelling theworldthatyoueitherdon’trotateyour tiresordon’tcarewhatyourwheelslooklike
The
Method
Convinceafriendwhodoeshaveabikerackto takepityonyouandtransportyourbike The strategyhereinvolvesliberalapplicationsof yourfinestsnacksandpostridebeers This methodnotonlysolvesyourproblembutalso allowsyoutobondovermutualbike-related storiesandexistentialmusingsaboutthe absurdityofthe“overlandtax ”
The “Bike in the Back” Gamble
Let’sstartwiththesimplestapproach: placingthebikeinthebackseatorcargoarea ofyourvehicle Thismethodisforthosewho believeintheprinciplethatthingswillstay putifyoucramenoughstuffaroundthem Carefullypositionyourbike,ensuringthat thehandlebarsandwheelsarestrategically placedtomaximizethelikelihoodofatangled mess Foraddedeffect,throwasmanyloose campingsuppliesto“secure”thebikeand addanelementofunpredictability The result?Anadventureinitselfwhenyoutryto untanglethemessandlocateyourtoilet paperinanurgentsituation
The pickup truck advantage
Let’sthinkinsidetheboxhere Youhavea truck,whynotuseitasatruck?Putyourbike intheback!Youcanjusttossitinandhopefor thebestorhangthefrontforksoverthe tailgate,mimickingtheexpensivecovers designedtoprotectthetailgatewithyourold tatteredZarapefromcollegethatislanguishinginyourbasement
In
conclusion
Thesemethodswillnotwinyouanyawardsfor safetyorstyle,buttheymaygiveyoua starringroleinthestoriesyourfriendstellat thenextcampfire Justremember,sometimes thebestadventuresaretheonesthathappen whenyou’remakingdowithwhatyou’vegot Happybiking,andmayyourtransportmethodsbeeversocreativeandmildlyeffective!
The “Do-It-Yourself” Bike Rack (aka “The 2x4 of Doom”)
Ah,theD I Y dad’soptimismknowsno bounds,anddeservesnophotos(toprotect theguilty ) Allyouneedisawoodenbeam, somerope,andanoverabundanceof confidence Attachthebeamtotherearof yourvehicleusingrope,ratchetstrapsand sheerwillpower Then,strapyourbiketothe beam,makingknotsthatwilltakehoursto untie Ignoretheclankingsoundsofyourbike swingingagainstyourcar That’llbuffout
“Bribery”
VELCRO-BACKEDLEATHER
Wanderlust on two wheels and in 4 wheel drive
WhyMountainBikingand OverlandingGoHandinHand
AccesstoRemoteLocations
VersatilityandAdaptability
A semi-regular dispatch from a famously remote adventure epicenter with little cell service by our intrepid correspondent, Nick Koch
June 21, 2024 - Friday
This is my first entry into what is hopefully a long term thing However, between ADD and MDD, who knows
I have been driving the shuttle truck for, East Bluff Bike Park, a couple of weekends now. After the very first day, this has become quite a job The fun was bounced out of it after the first weekend of going up and down east bluff The only thing that makes it bearable is the fellow staff members and the neighbors at camp are great and it's only for a few months. Perhaps if I did not have torn rotator cuffs or a crumbling femur, hopping in and out of the LMTV would be a lot easier If I could just get out of my head and just enjoy the beautiful scenery, this seasonal adventure would be a lot better
I have swam quite a few times in Lake Superior, at Hunter's Point However, due to the flies a different venue was needed. I went to Bete Gris beach and it is a beautiful sandy beach Then the flies came On my drive back I stopped by Mt Bohemia, as I had heard they had a sauna I am so glad I stopped by The Nordic Spa is $35 for the day or $70 for the season. I bought a season pass because there are actually three saunas (Himalayan, Herbal, Finnish), one steam room, a cold soak pool, lap pool and hot tub It's about 15 miles from Trails end Campground, with most of it being along the meandering scenic part of US41.
June 28th - July 2nd
Arrived last night to begin a Friday/Saturday shift Unfortunately the truck had mechanical issues The mechanical genius that is Dave, diagnosed it with a clogged fuel filter and fixed it Then the rains came Between mechanical issues and weather, the weekend was canceled
I began my extended weekend before the crush of a Thursday (4th) through Sunday (7th) shift Off to the Nordic Spa I went There is nothing better than the juxtaposition of sitting in a hot tub with the cold rain pouring down upon you A couple of shivers when the errant drops of rain make their gravity powered descent along your spinal column A quick rinse to wash some of the chlorine off and into the steam room I went This week with eucalyptus added to it It is quite relaxing to sweat out and steam rinse away all the impurities of life.
One usually sunny day, I decided to go to Agate Beach Park, in Toivola Beautiful beach with a nice little campground, about an hour and a half from Copper Harbor Would make for a nice overnight stop after KOAR or a KORC event I posted some photos and a caption on my Instagram account There are agates there, but the usually rocky beach was covered by sand from all the recent storms It still made for a very nice day of walking the shores of Superior Full disclosure, I only found out about the beach because I was meeting someone there She was in the area for a week while house sitting. A very nice lady who after our beach date asked me if I wanted to go see some dogs She had brought her pit bull with, but who am I to turn down meeting more So off I went to be murdered. Upon arrival the three other dogs started barking, a German Shepherd, Corgi and I forget the other They were all very nice I then was petting the “supposedly doesn't like people” cat, I thought it was very friendly There was also a supposedly skittish horse and two donkeys that I pet as well. Out of all the ducks and chickens, I only got to pet one though After some good conversation, I departed with a dozen eggs
Well it is Tuesday, the 2nd and I plan on heading back to the Nordic Spa for a little more juxtaposition from this bone chilling, cold and damp air
About Nick
“I am a qua dirtbag tha world. I enj Superior an
You can fin @idimwadv
S I L V E R L A K E S A N D D U N E S
Toyota Takeover 2024 It was a beautiful Saturday in July for the annual Toyota Takeover at Silver Lake Sand Dunes - an event that draws Toyota 4x4 enthusiasts from across the Midwest. A wide variety of builds and models were in attendance, from a SAS Tacoma on 40s, to long travel pre runners, classic land cruisers, or a gang of 4x4 Toyota tercels and everything in between.
The morning was spent making connections, checking out builds, and giving away some great prizes, courtesy of Midwest 4x4s, Across the Tracks Outfitters, Miolle Gear, and Rigs and Coffee Michigan.
After the giveaway the crowd dispersed to run some laps in the dunes and hang out by the beach.
Report by @vspro09 photography by @wolfe overland
TAKEOVER
Requirements by vehicle type
Truck / Jeep
Mount orange safety flag on front-most portion of the vehicle.
Seat belt for each occupant.
Eye protection and/or windshield.
94 dB sound level or less
USFS-approved spark arrester exhaust system / reverse flow exhaust
Driver must be protected by metal roof and/or roll bar above and behind head
Passengers not protected by metal roof/roll bar above and behind head must wear U S Department of Transportation-approved helmet (or equal) 16 years and older - must have a valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license
“Silver Lake State Park encompasses 3,000 acres along the Lake Michigan shoreline It’s home to nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a modern campground, a day-use area on inland Silver Lake and a popular 500-acre ORV scramble area.” Find out more at MI DNR
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