FRESH EYEZ: Summer/Fall 2020 Cycling and Hiking Shots

Latitude 45 Staff Bikepacking Trip 2020

Latitude 45's fifth annual staff bikepacking expedition took place Sunday, Sept. 13, and Monday, Sept. 14 and featured a 150-mile route that included circumnavigation of Bois Blanc Island (Boblo). Inclement weather altered the trip itinerary, pushing departure back a day to Sunday. This year, only four staffers opted for the adventure, with each departing from … Continue reading Latitude 45 Staff Bikepacking Trip 2020

FRESH EYEZ: Spring/Early Summer Cycling Shots

All photos by Eric M. Cox 2020 All Rights Reserved

Covering Ground – Stories from Emmet Smart Commute: Emily Hughes

    Name: Emily Hughes Age (optional): 31 Transportation Mode: Carpool & Bike Commute Length (roundtrip): 12 miles Avg. Weekly Smart Commutes: Summer – everyday; winter 2-3 days a week SCE Participant for How Many Years: 3       In a few sentences, please explain what motivates you to participate in the Smart Commute … Continue reading Covering Ground – Stories from Emmet Smart Commute: Emily Hughes

Covering Ground – Stories from Smart Commute Emmet: Marc Collier

    Name: Marc Collier Transportation Mode: Bicycle Commute Length (roundtrip): 26 miles Avg. Weekly Smart Commutes: 4 SCE Participant How Many Years: 4          In a few sentences, please explain what motivates you to participate in the Smart Commute Emmet program. "Getting in early morning rides is probably one of the … Continue reading Covering Ground – Stories from Smart Commute Emmet: Marc Collier

Ohio Native Brent Bolin Named New Trails Council Executive Director

   Sometimes seemingly small things can have a big impact on one’s life.    New Top of Michigan Trails Council Executive Director Brent Bolin grew up playing in the creeks around his childhood home in Cleveland, Ohio. As a high schooler there, his appreciation for the water nurtured a keen interest in environmental issues.    … Continue reading Ohio Native Brent Bolin Named New Trails Council Executive Director

Great (Local) Destinations: Oden State Fish Hatchery a Fun, Educational Place

About nine miles northeast of Petoskey is a great bicycling destination for the whole family. A day trip to Oden State Fish Hatchery, 3377 U.S. 31, can be fun and educational for everyone. Though the hatchery’s official visitors center and replica fish transportation rail car are currently closed due to the pandemic, the grounds, ponds … Continue reading Great (Local) Destinations: Oden State Fish Hatchery a Fun, Educational Place

FRESH EYEZ: Winter/Early Spring 2020 Cycling & Hiking Photos

   Snow fell early and often last winter. But, all in all, it was a much more manageable season than last year's winter, which seemed unending when the snow and ice lingered into late April.    Our most recent winter saw a more regular freeze/thaw cycle that kept streets clearer and safer more frequently.    … Continue reading FRESH EYEZ: Winter/Early Spring 2020 Cycling & Hiking Photos

FRESH EYEZ: Northern Michigan Nature Preserves Offer Cabin Fever Relief

"With social distancing in mind, we first aimed for the Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve east of Indian River in Cheboygan County."