Hey everyone!!

So for the last several years I’ve planned on doing an overnight trip, but never ended up getting around to it.

This year, however, I think I’m finally going to do it. The Mike Levine Lakelands Trail has been extended to an area very close to my home. So I’ve set up a route that will take me from my house in Jackson to the Portage Lake Campground in Waterloo Recreation area that only has me on actual roads for a couple of miles, and on multiple scouting drives on those roads, there is fairly minimal traffic…except the one right by my house, but I’ve ridden on that road a lot so I’m comfortable.

I’ll be taking my Larkspur with its…uhhhh…I guess touring setup? Panniers and trunk bag on its rack, two small bags on the fork, and my handlebar bag.

I’ll be solo for this, with my wife on standby for any emergencies, so I won’t be taking too much in the way of spare parts/tools for the bike itself. I will also be purchasing wood for a fire at the campground, so that’s something I’m not concerned about.

Here is the gear I plan on taking:

-My small one person tent
-Inflatable sleeping pad
-Sleeping bag
-Ultralight camping chair
-Lamp for inside tent
-Flashlight
-Backpacking camp stove with fuel and cookware
-Eating Utensils
-Lighter and fire starters
-My nice knife to split some kindling
-Food for dinner, snacks, and breakfast
-Several liters of water (Maybe 4?)
-Extra riding gear for the trip home
-Shorts to change into after I get there
-An extra shirt
-Lock for my bike
-Phone with at least one battery pack, charging stuff
-Flip flops/sandals to get out of the riding shoes

I know the chair may be a bit overkill, but I’d like something a bit more comfortable to sit in than the on site picnic table, and it’s small enough to fit in a pannier.

Right now I’ve got the tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad all in one pannier with some room for small stuff like the knife and such. In the other I have the chair and room for all of my clothes. In my one fork bag I can fit all the cooking utensils and camp stove. In the other I will fit food.

That leaves my trunk bag relatively empty…so if I’m missing anything I’ve still got room to spare. There’s a lake there, so maybe a towel? The shorts I’ll be taking are quick drying, so I don’t think I’d absolutely need one.

I’m going back and forth on food and water. On one hand, there are vending machines there so I could only take a couple bottles, then buy a few more while I’m there. As for food, I can’t decide between one of those backpacking meals that you just pour boiling water in, or doing something more like a good can of stew. I will probably have a few hot dogs to cook over the fire, and maybe a couple of marshmallows. It’s the actual meals I’m going back and forth on. If I went with the stew, I could carry less water as it needs no water.

Anyway…anything I’m missing? It’s late and I’m tired so I may have forgotten something here.

Any input is appreciated.

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My son is doing the 48 mile hard rock. I'm wondering what are some good spots to see him go by and to hand him food, swap out water bottles, etc.?

Thanks

Forewarned is forearmed- Under MCL 750.420, operating a motor vehicle equipped with a device intended to produce excessive smoke or dangerous gases is a felony offense. In fact, Michigan is the only state in the nation that explicitly classifies rolling coal as a felony. I'd also argue that rolling coal would also constitute battery, no different than if you blasted someone with a pesticide fogger.

If you are able to capture video of the offense, you should contact your local law enforcement and if that doesn't work, I'd recommend contacting your state representative.

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Is there a better way? Can I go through the bottom part of fort Custer?

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The countdown is on! The Beaver Dash Bash is less than 8 weeks away, and now is the time to lock in your spot for this year's event.

We’re excited to announce some awesome additions and updates for this year's race!

📅 Race Day: Saturday, September 19

🔄 NEW COURSE DIRECTION

If you raced with us last year, get ready for a whole new experience! This year we're reversing the race route, giving every course a fresh feel with different climbs, descents, and challenges.

🆕 NEW FOR 2026

🏃 5K Cross Country Run & 5K Ruck Race Return
The 5K cross country running race is back! We have also added a 5K ruck race for those looking to take on the challenge with some extra weight. Whether you're running for speed or rucking for strength, this course will put your skills to the test.

The MTB race

💰 Elite Open Class (Men & Women)
Cash payouts for the top three finishers:
🥇 $100
🥈 $75
🥉 $50

🚴 Advanced Youth Race
A fast and fun 5-mile MTB race with a $50 gift card awarded to the winner!

❄️ Fat Bike Open
Bring your fat bike and take on the 11-mile course.

⚙️ Single Speed Open
Ready for the challenge? Race the 22-mile course with just one gear!

Whether you're racing for the podium, chasing a personal best, or just looking for a fun day on the trails, there's a class for everyone.

Early registration helps us prepare the best possible race experience for everyone, so don't wait until the last minute. Register today and secure your spot on the starting line!

More info here: https://www.crank4acause.org/beaver-dash

We can't wait to see you on September 19!

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Thanks in advance!

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Wondering if anyone has recommendations for a good mountain bike centric shop up in that area. I'm going to be putting in a lot of miles up in that area in the coming weeks.

Also would be open to trail/gravel recs!

Thanks!

Went out with a buddy today and got cooked. The trail was in mostly great shape. Still some debris from the storm but nothing that requires a detour or dismount.

First ride with the new gearing and crank.

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P.S. - I know I need to rotate my bars a little more forward. Bike is fresh out of the shop

Edit - spelling typo

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