I admit, I sometimes see pictures of women and think, “Why can’t I be like that? Why can’t my legs be skinny or my arms look like a 20-year-old’s?” Well, there are a few reasons. The reasons I can’t control are:

• My metabolism noticeably changed for the worst within the last couple of years.
• My arms can’t look like a 20-year-old’s because I’m 34.
• I am a real woman.

It is very difficult to be skinny, and while my weight is much more than I believe is healthy for my joints, the rest of me is healthy. I eat well and I exercise. I’ve cut my alcohol consumption considerably. My blood pressure is directly related to the amount of activity I get—it’s usually about 112/something.

I’ve tried things that have worked for me in the past, but they don’t work anymore. I’ve tried following Weight Watchers, which helped me lose 35 pounds in the past, but I’ve found myself very hungry in recent attempts and, when I followed it religiously, I saw no results. I very rarely drink pop or use added sugar (I only add a little sugar when I make cinnamon toast). I opt for whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean meats. I’ve switched to organic eggs and milk. What else is there?

My personal solution is this: accept who I am as I am. At the BOW clinic, when I said that I weighed 200 pounds, I heard a couple of women gasp in disbelief while one of them uttered, “You don’t look like it!” Thank you. I guess I don’t look as bad as I thought. I know I don’t, but I don’t look like I wish I could, either. When I can afford to repair my bikes and drive to mountain bike trails, the weight will come off. I will once again take up my addiction and my favorite clothes will fit me. I don’t think I will ever weigh less than 160, although I think I look pretty fine at 160.

The following are photos of women who I think portray real beauty. They aren’t supermodels, nor could they ever be for various reasons, one of them being that they are too smart. These women are beautiful, not just because of their exterior, but because of their accomplishments, their attitudes, and their ability to “own it” on a bike. These are women who I think have been positive influences on me.

Marty Shue of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association and Kelly Bishop, formerly of the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Trail Care Crew.

Ali is a talented racer.

Lori H. (far right) is a fierce singlespeeder and advocate in the Keweenaw.

Melanie S. is talented, adventurous, and kind.

Amanda (right) taught me to look for the good in everyone.

Di riding Copper Harbor.

Even though I struggle with the negative “self-talk” that is common among so many women, I had to throw myself in there. It doesn’t take much for me to think less of myself, but when I go through the archives of this blog, I think, “Gee, I’ve really accomplished a lot. I’ve done a lot of things. I’ve lived.” How easy it is to forget.

I include myself not only for what I’ve done, but for what I want to be. Not only do I want to get in better shape and resume racing, but I want to be a better person. I want to be better to the people around me. I want to do for those who have done for me. I want not only to experience the wonderful things I’ve experienced in the past, but I want to help others experience their own joy.

That is beautiful.

Sec. 504. (7) The department shall issue orders necessary to implement rules promulgated under this section. These orders shall be effective upon posting. HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ISSUE OR ENFORCE AN ORDER UNDER THIS SECTION THAT RESTRICTS THE USE OF PACK AND SADDLE ANIMALS ON PACK AND SADDLE TRAILWAYS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 72101.

Sec. 504. (8)(h) “Pack and saddle trailways” means Trailways TRAILS and equine access locations that may be CURRENTLY ARE OR AT ANY TIME PREVIOUSLY WERE used by pack and saddle animals.

(i) “Rail-trail” means a former railroad bed that is in public ownership and used as a trailway AT ANY TIME.

Sec. 72102. (B) IN PROVIDING AND DEVELOPING FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION UNDER SECTIONS 503 AND 70301, THE USE OF TRAILS, TRAILWAYS, AND PACK AND SADDLE TRAILWAYS BY PACK AND SADDLE ANIMALS AND OTHER NONMOTORIZED USERS IS AN ALLOWED RECREATIONAL USE AND IS PERMITTED UNDER CHAPTER 21 OF PART 522 OF THE SERVICES MANUAL OF THE FEDERAL FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

Sec. 72114. (2) After the plan for a statewide trail network is established under subsection (1), if the department is informed that additional trails should be added to the plan or that uses on particular trail segments should be modified, the department may modify the plan to include additional trails or to modify the uses on particular trails. However, any modifications shall be in conformance with section 72115. and determinations made under section 72115.

Sec. 72115 is particularly important because it is the section that protects the mountain bike trails that are built and maintained by mountain bikers. Of particular interest are the following parts of Sec. 72115 that have been struck out:

(a) Access on land of the state forest system is allowed unless restricted by statute, deed restriction, land use order, or other legal mechanism, in effect on the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(b) Access on land of the state park system or state game area system is prohibited unless authorized by land use order or other legal mechanism in effect on the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(c) Access on other land managed by the department is allowed according to the specific authorization or restriction applicable to the land.

(2) Access by pack and saddle animals may only be restricted on lands described in subsection (1) after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section if conditions are not suitable for pack and saddle animals because of public safety concerns, necessary maintenance, or for reasons related to the mission of the department. Restrictions related to the mission of the department shall be supported, to the greatest extent practicable, by a written science-based rationale that is supported with documentation that is made available to the public. Prior to determining that access by pack and saddle animals be restricted, the department shall make every effort to resolve any public safety or maintenance concerns.

Sec. 72115. (2) (4) A person shall not use pack and saddle animals on state-owned land except on pack and saddle trailways. that are open for access by pack and saddle animals.

Fortunately, this bill was only introduced on May 26, 2011 to the Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

Bike-to-Work Week is May 16—20, with Bike-to-Work Day occurring on Friday, May 20. Some communities hold special events and randomly award bicycle commuters on these days. This is the perfect time to try bicycle commuting if you haven’t, already.

The Ride of Silence will be held at a location near you on May 18 at 7:00 p.m. This is a memorial event for cyclists who were killed in bicycle-automobile accidents. It also serves as a reminder that cyclists and drivers need to be safety-conscious.

The Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day will be held at the Michigan State Capitol on May 25. This is an excellent opportunity for cyclists to speak with their state legislators about important issues concerning bicycle laws.

The first annual Great Lakes Mountain Bike Summit will be in the rugged country of Copper Harbor the weekend of May 27. The event is hosted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association in coordination with the Keweenaw Trails Alliance and Copper Harbor Trails Club.

This ad has been causing a cycling mini-outrage in the cyber world, today. Someone had always intended to post it when the Internet finally provided him with the right cyber tools, and today, he found the ad and did just that.

I first saw it on Facebook when it gained attention through the League of Michigan Bicyclists Facebook page. I knew there would be hell to pay. I thought about posting it on the MMBA forum, but chose not to, knowing full well that someone else was going to do it. They did. Not only did several people comment in that passionate forum, but some even called the dealership to chew them out.

So what’s the truth behind this ad? Well, it is about five or six years old, and word on the street is that the dealership published this ad with the safety of cyclists in mind.

Okay.

Vandeman is a radical environmentalist who believes that forests should be closed off to humans, especially mountain bikers. He cites studies that “prove” that mountain bikers damage the environment, and ignores studies that show that mountain bikers have no more of an impact than hikers, and that hikers often have more of an impact on the surrounding environment because they are more likely to leave the trail.

To gain an understanding of Mr. Vandeman, check out his websites:

• Wildlife Need Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
• A pictorial overview of “Wildlife Need Habitat Off-Limits to Humans.”
• Mike Vandeman’s Environmental Letters, Articles, and Book Reviews

According to Henry K. Lee’s article for the San Francisco Chronicle, “Tools used in Berkeley Hills bike rage case,” the handsaw incident is one of many assaults on mountain bikers. On June 19, 2009, Vandeman used a sharp tool to puncture a cyclist’s tire. Lee reported that Vandeman “angrily yelled at the victim regarding his bicycle ruining the trail and the environment.” Together with the handsaw assault, Vandeman faced charges of vandalism and assault.

Vandeman is well-known to mountain bikers from his attacks on many Internet forums and chat rooms. The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance published “The Mike Vandeman Frequently Asked Questions.” It includes lots of fun and interesting information such as:

He hates mountain biking, and wants it banned. It conflicts with his desire to hike on trails he wants to himself. He doesn’t want you mountain biking past him when he’s hiking, and really gets pissed when it happens on a hiker only trail.

The alliance advises that ignoring Mike’s attacks is the best solution, but they recognize that “Some of his posts are so obviously out of whack you’ll just *have* to reply, if for no other reason, than to get it out of your system.”

Vandeman found one of my Examiner.com articles, “Mountain biking 101: How to get women into the sport,” and left the following comment:

Exactly the point! Journalism is not for “promoting” mountain biking. It is for presenting an unbiased look at events. For some reason (money?), Diane Ursu wants us to believe that mountain biking is a harmless, fun activity, when the truth is that it is a very environmentally destructive activity that is extremely dangerous for participants, wildlife, and other trail users. Serious injuries and even deaths are quite common!: home.pacbell.net/mjvande/mtb_dangerous.

According to the KTVU.com article, “Berkeley Man Charged in Handsaw Attack on Bicyclists,” from June 3, Vandeman’s bail has been set at $12,500.

KTVU further reports:

UC Berkeley police are still seeking information about other possible incidents involving Vandeman. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Department’s criminal investigation bureau at (510) 642-0472 or (510) 642-6760.

Read more at my Examiner.com page: Marquette considering closing parts of the Marquette South Trails for development.

And now the part you all love – PICTURES!

The freeride trail, Flow, would be preserved under the new plan.

This part of the Carp River Loop would be developed.

The Gorge-ous trail would be preserved as it is along a waterway.

Don’t forget to visit my Examiner article. Do it! NOW!

We enjoyed a pig roast served by a local caterer. Thursday night was social hour(s) spent imbibing beer provided by Founders Brewing Company, in Grand Rapids, a sponsor of the Summit and supporter of many activities of the Western Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association.

Friday brought classroom presentations regarding mountain biking advocacy. The presentation I attended was about the economics of cycling. The speaker raised many interesting points about the benefits of cycling within a community, the effects it has on increasing the local population and acquiring new talent for employers, and the desirability of trails near homes.

I also attended a presentation regarding grant acquisitions. One of the points most stressed upon by the speaker was to choose a foundation that provided grants closer to the value of the project for which you are applying. The gateway trail presentation was given by Ryan Shutz of the International Mountain Biking Association. He presented the new idea of trails produced in small areas in urban settings. Small parks may have pump tracks or tight, twisty trails combined with other playground equipment or family recreational opportunities. These parks allows people a simple introduction to mountain biking in a safe environment close to home. Another excellent example is a super-tight, twisty section of singletrack located under Interstate 5, the I-5 Colonnade, in Seattle, Washington.

Collins Bishop of the IMBA Trail Care Crew.

I spent my afternoon repeating the IMBA Trail School presentation that I participated in, last summer (Please Apply, Again!). They provide a lot of great information, and I knew I wouldn’t retain a lot of it after one trail school experience. The second presentation filled in the holes created by forgetfulness. It was well worth the second sitting. It was enjoyable, and I was able to use the information by discussing the different concepts with other people. It was an excellent reinforcement opportunity.

I really wanted to ride, Saturday night, but didn’t really have the gumption after a full day of sitting in conference rooms. I headed to dinner with some MMBA friends, Nick, Marty, Brad, Jon, and Mike. Believe me when I say they are all characters and our dinnertime conversation was most likely less than acceptable by most standards.

Top: Marty Shue learning to use the inclinometer as Kelly Bishop looks on. Bottom: The trail school participants practicing their trail layout skills at the Cannonsburg State Game Area.

Saturday brought the opportunity to use some Friday’s lessons in the outdoor setting at the Cannonsburg Ski Area. I attended only one session: the IMBA school trail layout. After that, I rode the Cannonsburg Ski Area mountain bike trail with Nick, Marty, Brad, and Mike. It was a great trail. It started with a lot of [painful] climbing. After that, it was mostly fast and flowy. I certainly did not expect a trail like that in western Lower Michigan. I was impressed.

Nick, Marty, and I then joined a group ride at the Luton mountain bike trails not far from Cannonsburg. Luton is a gateway trail in itself. The Western Chapter has been working with the local government to allow access to that land. It is a relationship that is developing slowly, but some excellent mountain biking now exists, there. I personally feel that Luton trumped Cannonsburg Ski Area. Both are nice, but Luton was much faster, quite flowy, and offered plenty of opportunities to practice tighter turns with lots of speed.

Top: Marty Shue showing how it’s done at the Cannonsburg Ski Area. Bottom: A little fun on the group ride at Luton.

After a full day of playing in the woods, I headed to Founder’s tasting room to meet up with my friends, Sam and Aaron, of Copper Harbor. We watched the Red Wings win their game. Unfortunately, the Founder’s experience was not for me. Apparently, it is an immensely popular place where conversation is not easily heard. It is packed and loud. To Founder’s credit, the food was excellent, although the hoppy beer isn’t quite my style. After the game, I returned to my campsite and went to sleep.

Sunday, I woke up, packed, and headed to my parents’ house. There was a 40-mile ride scheduled, that day, but I didn’t have it in me. I was tired of living out of an over-packed vehicle. The excitement of the weekend didn’t end there, though. We were surprised to learn that a little fawn had taken residence in the tall grass alongside my parents’ yard.

It turned out to be an excellent weekend. I am looking forward to next year’s Midwest Mountain Bike Summit.

It is my understanding that the House Bill 4610 has been updated. The bills I am working with are the ones provided by the Michigan House and Senate web sites. When an updated bill is provided on those sites, I will provided further information.

A Letter

State Representative Mike Lahti & Senator Mike Prusi:

Unfortunately, House Bill 4610/Senate Bill 0578 shows no regard for the diverse landscape of Michigan and the continual, inevitable environmental changes to which it is subjected. It is my understanding that this bill stems from the ban on horses from trails in the Pigeon River Forest. I do not claim to understand the dynamics of this trail system, and can only hope that this ban was the result of the careful consideration of the impact of equestrian traffic in that area.

As a former equestrian of 20 years, I know that many do not understand the building and maintenance of trails on state land, who does the work, and where the financing comes from.

The majority of trail systems within the state parks, especially in Lower Michigan, are built and maintained by mountain bikers for use by low-impact traffic such as hikers, trail runners, and cyclists. These trails are built using guidelines presented by the International Mountain Biking Association. These guidelines are used to build sustainable trails that are not susceptible to erosion. The purpose of these trails is to contain traffic and reduce impact on the surrounding environment.

Many older trails have been rebuilt or rerouted due to erosion over the last 10 years. Many trails are built on hillsides and over trail surfaces that will not support the impact of horse traffic. Some trails cave or collapse under the pressure of a small hoof supporting 500 pounds of a 1,000-pound horse. That is a considerable amount of pressure per square inch for the period of time it takes a horse to complete one stride. Other trail surfaces are easily torn up, making erosion a huge issue. The Potawatomi Trail at the Pinckney State Recreation Area is a good example. Equestrian traffic was a key contributor to the large erosion issue that has, and still is, being addressed by local volunteers.

With the financial and volunteer assistance of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association and its local chapters, with little or no assistance from other user groups, a great number of trails are being built and maintained on state land. This provides a wonderful, sustainable resource for low-impact traffic. This is money and man hours that is not being spent by the DNR, an organization that is currently in financial distress.

While I am strongly in favor of bridle trails on state land, it is more responsible to consider each trail system on a case-by-case basis. Most trails are not built to support equestrian traffic. Trail construction has changed drastically over the last 10 years, because trail construction was not sustainable for many types of traffic. With that said, many trails are not what they were when equestrians were previously allowed access. The development of new bridle trails on terrain that is sustainable for that type of traffic, with the maintenance and funding provided by equestrians, is a much more responsible alternative.

Please DO NOT support this bill.

Contact your house representative and state senator:

• Michigan State Representatives
• Michigan State Senators

I got my first horse when I was 11 years old. I really got into it when I got my beloved Paint, Ima. I loved that horse, and I still do. We were the same age and she passed away when we were 25 years old. It was a difficult time. If I could have that horse, today, I would. I would sacrifice a lot to have her back.

My trusty, equine companion of 14 years, I Am A Pleasure. I’m the human. Photo by Mom.

I learned how to ride on Ima. I practiced many riding disciplines and even got a little adventurous. Ima and I would ride in the surrounding fields and woods, with permission from the neighbors. We jumped, raced around barrels, fought over passing through streams, ran up steep banks, and even had our slow, lazy days around giant country blocks when I would rest the reins on her neck and just let her lazily trod along. Life was good. Life was fun.

I learned that riding was much more than just sitting on a horse. Extremely subtle cues, mostly in the form of weight shifts, were the key to controlling the horse and telling her where to go. When she didn’t have the strong mind to head back to the barn, it was as if I could merely think of what I wanted her to do and she would do it. Being a naturally tense person, I had to learn how to relax the muscles of my body in order to gain a firm seat on her. A relaxed body translated into the ability to stay on the horse when she pulled crap on me, like little bucks and big spooks.

Some people were quite surprised at how well I did on a mountain bike during my first summer with the sport. When a comment was made, my reply was, “It’s from horseback riding.” It’s very true. Whenever I do something like jump a log, usually a very small one because my bunny-hopping skills need work, I find that I’m moving very much the same way I did on a horse. When I stand on the pedals to allow for great speed over rough and uncertain terrain, it’s the same as galloping on a horse: stand, relax the body, and allow the bike to freely move under me. It’s muscle memory that I’ve been developing and using for over twenty years.

When I was an equestrian, I had no knowledge of trail sustainability, and I really had no idea that Michigan was a mountain biking scene, yet alone a pretty competitive one with lots of great terrain to offer to cyclists. This might be because, while there were some serious mountain bikers, here, there really weren’t many trails available to them. I was completely unaware of their presence.

As an equestrian, my local 4-H club participated in fundraisers that would support building new bridle trails at our local state park, Sleepy Hollow, in Laingsburg, Michigan. That was the first time I ever heard of a group of citizens building and caring for trails on state land. I was one of those people who thought the state park fairies took care of everything.

With that said, I completely understand the thinking of today’s equestrians when trying to gain access to state park trails, today. There are bridle trails at various state parks and equestrian access to some multi-use trails. The equestrians want access to all of the trails they used to have access to. With this in mind, read the following bill. I will comment on it, tomorrow.

House Bill No. 4610

A summary of the bill follows:

HORSEBACK RIDING ON STATE-OWNED LAND

House Bill 4610

Sponsor: Rep. Tim Moore

Committee: Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Complete to 4-24-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4610 AS INTRODUCED 3-18-09

The bill would amend Part 721 (Michigan Trailways) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to do the following things:

• Preserve and facilitate the use of pack and saddle animals (e.g., horses and mules) on all state-owned lands where there is a historical tradition of this use.
• Keep open and accessible for use by these animals all “trailways and other areas” on state-owned land that were open on May 7, 2008 and reopen those “trailways and other areas” that were available for this use before that date.

Network. In addition, by July 31, 2009, the Natural Resources Commission would have to establish a network of trailways on state-owned lands for use by pack and saddle animals that included “trailways and other areas” where there was a “historical tradition” of these animals being used. A trailway designated for use by these animals could have other uses as well. The commission would have to facilitate the inclusion of other public and private lands, in addition to state-owned lands, to provide a comprehensive network of pack and saddle trailways throughout Michigan.

(Under current law, the term “trailway” means “a land corridor that features a broad trail capable of accommodating a variety of public recreation uses. This definition would be retained. Under the bill, the term “trailways and other areas” would include “trailways, open access roads, management roads, forestry access roads, and established two-track and single-track trails.”)

MCL 324.72101, 324.72114

FISCAL IMPACT:

Although there could be some administrative costs, no increase in the Department’s budget would be necessary to implement this bill.

Legislative Analyst: Shannan Kane

Fiscal Analyst: Kirk Lindquist

House Legislative Analysis of House Bill No. 4610

National Bike Month has arrived, again! See National Bike Month for the nice little introduction I gave a year ago. Last year, I gave a suggestion for what to do each day (click here to peruse through last May’s posts). This year, I really don’t know what I am going to do.

Here are a couple of key dates to plan for:

• May is National Bike Month
• May 11-15 is Bike to Work Week
• May 15 is Bike to Work Day
• May 20 is the Ride of Silence.