Letter to Governor Snyder: Importance of Volunteers for Michigan Trail Development
In recent years, mountain bikers in Michigan have taken more of a defensive approach to mountain biking advocacy on the state level. As we prepare to elect legislators, I strongly believe that we need to take a proactive stance on advocacy by informing them about our efforts and our value before we discover any threats to our trails. Also, the State of Michigan is addressing the importance of trails in Michigan, and they … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Governor Snyder, Michigan, Rick Snyder, State Parks and Recreation Areas, Trail Development, volunteers
Apply for a 2013 Suburu/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visit
It’s that time of year again when mountain biking clubs from all over the nation apply to host the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Trail Care Crew Visit. I’ve had the privilege of attending three of these visits and found them to be incredibly informative. The first one provided hands-on trail building, so we came in as passionate mountain bikers and left as eager trail builders. The visit was two parts: classroom … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, IMBA, IMBA Trail Care Crew, Trail Building
25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers: America’s First Mountain Bikers?
Perhaps you were told the same tale of the birth of mountain biking as I. The tale goes something like this: the sport began in the 1970s when Gary Fisher left the road riding scene to outfit beater bikes with more rugged parts—some coming from motorcycles—for riding on the fire roads in California’s famous Marin County. Well, that’s not quite the birth of mountain biking, but it certainly prompted the surge in … Read entire article »
Filed under: 25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers, Advocacy, Gary Fisher, Mountain Biking
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comments on “Right to Ride” Legislation
“Right to Ride” legislation is a major threat to mountain biking and other multi-use trails throughout Michigan. Currently, there is much state land that is closed to equestrians, and one of those is much of the Pigeon River Country State Forest Area located northeast of Gaylord.This piece of land became a rather large issue for other user groups when both equestrians and mountain bikers were banned from the state forest area due to complaints … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Equestrian, Featured, HB 4684, HB 5175, Mountain Bike Trails, Right to Ride
Blocked Bike Lanes and Traffic Tickets
The popularity and incidence of bikes lanes is increasing in Michigan, but does that mean that cops will be more absurd? Casey Neistat of New York City created a humorous public service announcement about the harsh reality surrounding bike lanes. My reaction to Neistat’s demonstration was, “What the hell?” followed by, “Oh my Gosh!” and finally: laughter; lots of laughter. This video is hilarious, but it demonstrates a very real problem. Bike … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Bicycle Advocacy, Bike Lanes, Road Riding
Recreation 101 at the Holly Recreation Area
I made the last-minute decision to head to the Holly Recreation Area on Saturday. I really didn’t think that I could afford to drive there, but I managed to conserve some gas by taking the back roads. I’m glad I went. I showed up to a single MMBA Holly/Flint Chapter trail coordinator setting up the tent and pulling the trail building tools out of the trailer. I jumped right in to help … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Women, Beauty, and the Media
One of my friends posted this on Facebook. Please take the time to watch it. It is very interesting and makes an important point about a real problem. 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 … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Beauty, Bicycling, Bike Culture, Mountain Biking, Women
Michigan House Bill No. 4684 Introduced May 26 Endangers Mountain Bike Trails
The Back Country Horseman, Michigan posted a copy of House Bill No. 4684 on their website. This bill seeks to amend the “Right to Ride” bill that was passed, last year. Under the current legislation, equestrians many not ride on trails in Michigan state parks and recreation areas unless otherwise granted in writing. Conversely, they may ride in state forests unless otherwise prohibited in writing.House Bill No. 4684 updates some of the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Equestrian, House Bill No. 4684, MMBA
2011 Ride of Silence
I had the pleasure of joining the MSU-Lansing Ride of Silence, last night. I didn’t actually ride it. I didn’t have time to find a bike, prepare for the ride, run an errand while in Okemos, and then start on time…in the rain. That’s okay, though. I wasn’t feeling particularly hardcore, but 58 other cyclists were. Apparently, I was included in the count even though I was sans bike and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Bike Advocacy, Ride of Silence
Ride of Silence Tonight!
The Ride of Silence is tonight. If you haven’t thought about doing it, now is the time to take it into consideration. Opportunities abound throughout the world. Yes, the world. This is an international event. The ride time is at 7:00 p.m., although some places may have a different ride time or day. Check out the Ride of Silence website to find a location near you.Last year, I attended … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy, Bicycle Advocacy, Ride of Silence
