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
All photos by Eric M. Cox 2020 All Rights Reserved
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
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
Though it’s obviously not connected to anything Michigan, Indiana University’s celebrated Little 500 bicycle race is nevertheless an interesting story, especially for cycling enthusiasts. The event would’ve seen its 69th installment this weekend, had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s race – for the first time in its history - … Continue reading The Little 500 Bicycle Race: ‘The World’s Greatest College Weekend’
I wasn't prepared for the staggering beauty of a Northern Michigan autumn. An Indiana native, I was used to eruptions of brilliant color and long-lasting leaves. But, Indiana isn't thick with Birch trees, and Hoosiers often don't get to see their electric yellow leaves which pop out like reflective road signs amid the other … Continue reading FRESH EYEZ: Fall 2019 Cycling Shots
What an incredible year it was for cycling in Northern Michigan. As you know, I'm a little new to the area. But, it's been a truly moving adventure discovering just how much natural beauty there is here. Most of these photos were taken between June and September 2019, mainly along the Little Traverse Wheelway and … Continue reading FRESH EYEZ: Summer ’19 Cycling Shots
" … I just wanted to introduce myself and share with you some of my favorite images of this beautiful, magical place at the Tip of the Mitt."
(This is the second in a two-part series detailing a recent bikepacking trip taken by seven Latitude 45 employees.) Seven Latitude 45 Bicycles and Fitness staff members enjoyed great weather and good times on an annual, two-night/three-day bikepacking trip that departed from the shop on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and returned Friday, Oct. 11. This year's … Continue reading Latitude 45 Staff Bikepacking Part Two
Checking the weather radar just before departing on a ride is a very good practice. But, sometimes storms can appear faster than modern technology can predict. I'd checked the weather radar repeatedly recently prior to embarking on a 30-mile ride, an out-and-back to the outskirts of Charlevoix along the Little Traverse Wheelway. There was rain … Continue reading Scene from the Wheelway – Part 2
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