I had to ride my mountain bike the last day I was in Copper Harbor. It would simply be wrong to do otherwise. The problem was that I didn’t feel like climbing all the way up the hill just so I could ride back down. I wasn’t in the mood for climbing-climbing-climbing, although I am usually in the mood for descending-descending-descending. I chose to take a ride towards the tip of the Keweenaw, instead.

I ventured down some singletrack, through Ft. Wilkins State Park, and down to the end of US-41 to reach the dirt roads. I took the path to Horseshoe Harbor. I expected it to be fun. I had driven out there for a camping trip a couple of years ago. The road wasn’t exactly vehicle-friendly, although we had all made it safely.

The ride started with some gentle climbing followed by some fast descending. It was fairly smooth. As I got closer to Horseshoe Harbor, the road got more technical. There were slabs of bedrock across the road. They weren’t just smooth slabs, but chunks of uneven rock. I chose some interesting lines through those sections of road. There were many technical uphills and equally exciting downhills. It wasn’t your typical two-track, and the return trip was just as fun.

This picture was taken during a camping trip, two years ago. I admired this same view, on a sunny day, when I reached the harbor.

As I admired the rocky road, I thought to myself, “Oh my God, this is SO COOL! It’s like a buffet of lines!” I could choose the easier line, the harder line, or one of many in between. It was a lost adventure long forgotten by the mountain bikers.

When I arrived back into town, I saw my friend, Sam, and eagerly expressed my excitement about the ride. He echoed that he loves riding out that way and would like to take some group rides out there, but we’ve all become singletrack snobs.
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The Examiner.com is looking for writers! As some of you may know, I am the Michigan Mountain Biking Examiner (my article prints with the Grand Rapids edition). I really enjoy my position and I think this is a great writing opportunity. If you are looking for some residual income, and you’re looking to build up a freelance career, the Examiner is looking for local writers to share what they know.

The Examiner application will ask for the following:
• Website or blog URL (if applicable)
• Other online writing examples
• Question: What’s your insider knowledge?
• What would some of your articles be?
• What qualifies you?
• What makes you the best candidate for this role?
• Sample article (200-300 words)
• Your bio
• How did you hear about becoming an Examiner? Please provide them with the referral code 13912.

Many of you are readers of the Fat Cyclist. As many of you know, Fatty’s wife is battling cancer. Her cancer set something pretty amazing into motion: thousands of people have come together to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

This week, I am doing a series on cancer for my Mountain Biking Examiner column. Fatty was kind enough to let me use some photos from his blog. This is really exciting for me because he is a bit of an e-hero. I am certainly a fan.

I figure that since the Tour de France is going on, this would be the perfect time to plug Lance, his Foundation, and do my little part in this process by spreading the word (this is about all I am able to do at this time ).

It was kind of difficult to write about Fatty because, while I’ve read his blog for a little while, now, it was like going back through my own blog. I had simply forgotten how many things were accomplished. I had to sift through his achievements and highlight some key points. You can read the story here:

I will continue to write my personal experiences, here. This blog continues to be an excellent outlet for my frustrations, a realistic reminder of how much I really do accomplish, and a fun place to showcase my art. It is therapeutic for me. I also value the opportunity to share my experiences with you.

There will be times when my online column and my blog will compliment each other. It will be very interesting to see where this leads.

I happen to know that some of you are good writers, yourselves, and the Examiner is looking for more examiners. There is currently an opening for a Detroit Mountain Biking Examiner. If you apply, I’d appreciate it if you would use my referral number: 13912.