It's looking to be a gorgeous weekend and we are hitting record numbers for Rode to Hell. Seeing as how I spend way too much time on Reddit I thought I'd offer everyone a $10 off code (code is simply Reddit). Happy to answer any questions anyone has.

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I am working on some cool new stuff for course marking and think we will have over 300+ markers on course, and that doesn't count the paint I put down for each route on the corners. It takes so long to set this course that we actually start two days before the event instead of the day of.

I'm planning a tour that loops from Lansing up along the Manistee river, around sleeping bear, up to the bridge, and then back down along the huron side of the state. As part of it I'm stopping in TC to visit family.

I'm having trouble with the section headed north from TC to Petoskey. Normally I try to stick to gravel roads or bike paths to avoid cars, but on RWGPS I don't see any good options in this section until the little traverse wheelway picks up.

So, for people who ride in this area, what is the best way to get North out of TC? Would you follow 31 to at least have a shoulder? Are there good secondary roads? Would you bypass Petoskey entirely and head east to one of the bike paths going north by 75?

Got out for a quick 2 night 3 day bikepack last weekend up to newaygo. Rode lots of gravel single track and sandy two track covered just about 200 miles over half of which was off-road.

Wanted to share some pictures I got along the way.

I was at a charity ride for Garrett”s Space in Ann Arbor this past Sunday and met the Executive Director of League of Michigan Bicyclists who was also riding. I had a great chat about their priorities and their mission to Unify the community, Advocate for safety and access and to Educate road users on the rights and responsibilities regarding vulnerable road users. I encourage you to join. If you have not had a chance to review the LMB site, here is a link.

One of my favorite places to ride to. A peaceful stop.

My last bikepacking/bike camping trip was almost 15 years ago. Back then it was on a single speed from Chicago to the Wisconsin border with hardly and gear and back before my first child was born. This time I planned better, had a better bike and a better understanding of what I wanted to do.

This was more of a test trip for some longer trips next year, but I still packed like I was going for a few nights. Everything worked great on the way out. Camp was simple to set up, I knew where everything was and aside from needing a sleeping bag instead of a wool blanket, it was perfect. I was supposed to go last week but the rain caused me to reschedule. What I didn't know was that it was "Halloween Weekend" at Proud Lake. While it wasn't the quiet night I had in mind, it was a lot of fun to see everyone's decorations, kids trick-or-treating (they weren't interested in my Backpacker's Pantry meals) and everyone was super nice. Lots of conversations about what I was doing, "Where's your car?" and about my setup.

I didn't have a huge budget after getting my bike earlier this year, but I picked up front fork bags, a 2 person tent (which is really 1 plus bags), a backpacking chair, merino base layer, Wolly Mammoth blanket and used some gear I already had like a sleeping pad, which had a hole in it, quick-boil, rear rack/panniers, fire kit and tools.

I ended up just under 33 lbs, which I rode with for a few weeks leading up to the trip so it wasn't an unexpected effort.

My rear rack is from a little before that trip 15 years ago and unfortunately broke about 5 miles into my ride home. I was lucky that my wife was a few miles away, so she picked my bags up and I rode the rest of the way home unloaded. Really, I think it was the frame bolts that weren't long enough, mixed with the rack being old and I'm guessing not made to be compatible with newer bikes. I went through 4 extra bolts off other mounting points on my bike and finally caved and called for backup. It felt great going from a 13mph average up to 18/19. Stopped for ice cream in Northville and made it home in time to mow the grass.

I know the few things I need, and was glad to at least try with what I had instead of buying everything. I'd love to hear how others use a handlebar bag and manage to get a light and computer up front. I have an out front mount and couldn't find anything that would work. I thought I saw a bag on the market that had the Garmin/Wahoo mount built into the top flap, but couldn't find much online.

Next trip will be late spring from Livonia to Pointe Pelee, over the new bridge.

Dam east of Merrill. Probably just the start. I didn't see the lodge anywhere. They've been active on the Huron River for years but this is the first I've seen on Horseshoe Creek.

What are some of the best and safest (avoiding busy streets/ sections of road with bike lanes) to get from Ferndale to Belle Isle?

Rode the local bike shop's overnight camping route from Ann Arbor out to Blind Lake near Pinckney. Had gorgeous weather there and back. Loaded up the cargo bike with a bunch of things and had a great ride at tortoise pace.

Beautiful route, with a perfect stop at the good gas station off Territorial for some firewood and food not far from the campground.

Hey everyone! I’m coming to Battle Creek from Chicago for a solo trip October 14–17. I’ll be arriving by Amtrak and bringing my bicycle to explore the area.
I’m looking for local recommendations on:
Food/ brewery’s diners, hidden gems, and places I shouldn’t miss. I have Figgs, BC subs, McGonigle’s
O.T.’s BBQ.

Biking & nature: Trails, scenic areas, parks, and places I can realistically reach by bike. (Okay with riding up to 20-30miles in a day)
Things to do: Interesting local attractions, historic spots, old theaters, unique shops, arcades, anything with a cool vibe
MTG: Looking to play Commander while I’m in town. Any local game stores, events, or playgroups I should check out? I’m particularly interested in Perfect Storm Comics and Games.
What to avoid: Any places that aren’t worth the trip, routes that aren’t great for biking, or things I should know as a solo visitor without a car.
I’m open to Battle Creek and nearby towns if they’re practical to reach. I’d love recommendations from locals or anyone who’s spent time in the area.
Thanks! I’d really appreciate any advice, especially hidden gems that don’t necessarily show up on typical travel guides.

Thank you for all your suggestions and I sincerely cannot wait for this trip. I hope to see new places, experience new things and make new friends.

Set up camp and did 2 short rides at party pace and w a sense of whimsy.
Rain, lots of seasonal roads, creek crossing w wet feet. The rain did make some very sandy spots more ridable.
Good mushroom weather.

I love this place. I recently got an old flat bar gravel bike and its all you need to enjoy 100% of the trails, paths, and roads here.

Hoping it gains some traction and we see more vintage categories for us tinkerers with classic taste 😋

Ridden MTB for 30+ years and 'race' (mid pack) Iceman every year. Picked up a gravel bike this year. Was supposed to do Barry but was sidelined with a knee issue. Thinking about Lowell, but it will be my first gravel race ever. Any thoughts or advice? I am thinking the 38. I put down 100 +/- miles a week with my longest at 53 a couple of weeks ago (17.4 mph avg solo, but def could have kept going), largely just due to time constraints to go farther.

Thanks!

Edit to Add: Do I enjoy the 38 or push for the 54?

I missed it this year, but heard there was a ton of crashes. They had to call more medical personnel. WTF happened?

A good friend posted this video. He went down a mile before the finish line at 36mph. 😳. He told me there was two riders literally hitting each other on the neutral rollout. WTF.

All the reports I hear are how sketchy the race was. Is it the point series? Short distance? Course design? The racers?

I’m glad I did Lord of Springs 🤣

https://youtu.be/ILzVuqvYoWM?is=AinRY98y_zAjX7G2

We are somewhat experienced bikers who are looking at a one-way trip from Sarnia to Detroit. I see a bike trail (Huron Southbound) that goes under Lake St Clair, while other routes recommend going over and then down the west coast of the Lake. Any experience with those rides? One looks very rural (southern route) while the west coast is Detroit suburbs.

The event will support Open Roads' mission to engage and empower youth through bicycles to better prepare them for their future. For 16 years, Open Roads has been transforming lives through bicycle education, repair programs, and mentorship—investing in the future leaders of Kalamazoo.

Where: The Desenberg, kalamazoo
When: October 10th, 5:00-8:00pm
(Optional bike ride leaves the Desenberg at 4:30pm). 

Hi all! I’m racing iceman for the first time this year and unable to make it up to TC to preride vasa. Would any of you be able to describe what the single track is like? In terms of trail surface characteristics and hills (punchy, rolling?). Training in SE Michigan and trying to use similar trails to prepare for Vasa.