Pedal Driven Adventures, Part 1

I'm sure I don't need to make an argument for bikes. Everyone already they're better for the environment and are more accessible in most areas than cars, they're faster than walking, and best of all, you get a pretty decent exercise. I've made a post in the past in which you don't really experience the street unless you're walking it. You drive in a car, you turn up your radio, you forget everything you see as you drive by and don't really absorb the community, the neighborhood. Well, look at biking as sort of, walking really fast. So you get to really experience a street...slightly faster.

...granted you don't mind your ass hurting for an inordinate amount of time after a ride.

I've had my share of bike rides in different cities, and everywhere I go I'm never disappointed at the exceedingly picturesque natural (and even man made) scenery these rides have to offer.

So, over the course of the next few days, I'll be featuring one of the many rides I've made here and there and whatnot...mostly because there's just so much to say and post, I don't wanna do it all on one post (and plus it's getting late and I'm too tired to write anymore)

So, today:

Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a small 3.8 square mile island located on the northern tip of Michigan, smack dab in the middle of one of the Great Lakes, Lake Huron. For those of you unfamiliar with Midwestern U.S. geography, here:


80% of the island itself is a national historical landmark, and thus most of the island has been kept in its natural state. The island itself was originally a Native American settlement in the 17th century, and was the site of a British fort during the War of 1812. The island itself has banned automobiles completely, and can only be reached by ferry from nearby Mackinaw City, which has a museum that boasts "the largest moccasin collection in the U.S." (which in actuality, probably just means "most Native Americans pillaged.")


Much of the island's colonial past has been preserved, regardless of the fact that it's a popular tourist destination for natives of Michigan. Circling around the perimeter of the island is a bike path that is not only an relaxing, calm, flat ride, but also offers breathtaking views of the both sides of the US/Canadian border. Only downside? Watch out for the horse droppings.

what happens when you don't watch the path you're riding on? splat.

Ride around long enough and you can stop and enjoy some of the many nearly untouched and serene beaches that touch the clear, cool waters of Lake Huron.


Ok, the water was pretty fucking cold, especially when I visited in August. It is pretty far up north.


But all in all, it's a pleasant, non-challenging , even short ride around scenery us folks on the West Coast probably don't hear about or see often. If for whatever reason you find yourself in Northern Michigan, be sure to check it out!

"Grapes? No thank you. Those are healthy."
-overheard on Amtrak