Monday through Friday, Josh Hovey, 26, works for a Lansing public relations firm. Chris Mensing, 31, clocks his nine-to-five protecting Michigan's environment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
But you can find both of them ripping across the mountain bike trails at nearby Burchfield Park anytime they can break away from the office.
The trail is harrowing twists and turns that give way to gnarly obstacles with names like Kentaro's Monster and Dragon's Back—not to mention ladder climbs, rock piles and bike teeter-totters. It's far from a smooth ride across blacktop, and is as challenging and invigorating a ride as bicyclists can find around Lansing.
Hovey and Mensing are just two of Lansing's dedicated mountain bikers, and part of a quiet community of thousands across Michigan who enjoy bike trails that crisscross our state.
"I've been biking pretty much since I was little. My dad was always into mountain biking and we'd go up to Canada once a year for a big trip. Now I try to get out every other weekend in the summer," Hovey says.
"I'm into it because it's a way to get out in nature, but it's a little more exciting than walking the trails. There's a little more adrenaline involved."
Burchfield Park, Hovey and Mensing agree, is the best local spot for a pedal through the greener, quieter side the area. But both say Michigan offers a myriad of opportunity for bicyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Also known for its two 700-foot tobogganing runs, Burchfield Park is located in Holt along the banks of the Grand River. The mountain bike trails are among the most challenging in the region. It is managed by the Ingham County Parks Department.
Anderson Nature Park is located on Old Lansing Road andmay be challenging only because of unmarked trails. Its' also a favorite of local hikers. It's managed by Delta Township.
Better known for its skateboarding park and handicapped accessible trails, Bennett Park is located a few miles off Interstate 69 in Charlotte. It boast nearly seven miles of mountain biking trails.
Mensing is on the board of directors of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA), which has been involved in developing more than 1,000 miles of trail at over 100 separate locations across the state.
The organization represents approximately 2,000 members and works with land mangers across the state to promote trail use.
"We build advocacy for the sport and help establish mountain biking as a legitimate use of public land and resources," Mensing says.
Beside Burchfield, he recommends Lansing-area mountain bikers hit Anderson or Bennett Parks where the MMBA recently helped install new trails. They're not as robust or challenging as the obstacles laid out at Burchfield Park, but the trails offer solitude and greenery.
Longer term, Mensing says the MMBA would like to work with the local government to convert Lansing's Waverly Golf Course into a mountain biking playground.
"It just sits empty now, and we could build multiple things in that location. Build a smaller cross-country loop and a simple trail," he says. "It's a project that will require a lot of manpower and resources."
Both say you can find a simple, gentle ride on the Lansing River Trail, but lamented the lack of any widespread bicycle network connecting the major parts of Lansing and its immediate surroundings.
"Every major street is a problem right now for bicyclists. You can't take a bike down any major corridor in this city. They need to find a way to connect all the major destinations: Grocery stores, Eastside, Downtown," Hovey says.
"If there was a bike network that actually connected all those things, it would really be beneficial to a lot of people."
Beyond Lansing
Within an hour's drive of Lansing, there are tremendous mountain bike trails at Yankee Springs in Grand Rapids and Fort Custer in Augusta.
Mensing says despite the local trails that take advantage of the natural beauty of southern and mid-Michigan, the best area to ride remains the Upper Peninsula.
"When you get further north, you can't go anywhere without outdoor recreation," he says. "Michigan is one of the tops in the nation for outdoor recreation opportunity, and a lot of people don't realize how beautiful it is up there, when you are able to get away from all the people."
He says the area around Marquette is especially good.
"You get some pretty technical terrain up there, and you have to be proficient with your bike. It's a lot of fun," he says. "There's decent elevation and decent outcropping, which gives you a lot of opportunity for different challenges."
Hovey has been biking up north and also covets the connection with nature.
"You definitely don't run into many people, and that's sort of the point," Hovey says. "It's a lot like you are out there by yourself—just you and the trail."
Denny Vandecar, who owns Denny's Central Park Bicycles, says long time bikers have long relished the relative wealth of opportunity to get out and bike around mid and lower Michigan. But last year's meteoric gas prices and health concerns have fueled growth in the sport even more, and increased his business.
"That's been an important thing for us, "he says. "People are realizing that biking is not just a fun thing to do every now and then. It's really good exercise and just about anybody can get out and ride in some way.
He advocates more people turn to their bikes for the daily commute.
"If you live within 10 miles of work, it's not a big deal to ride to work. It depends on the individual," Vandecar says. "Some people might ride 30 miles to work, others may ride two miles. It depends on how dedicated you are. But it's easier than you think."
For those looking to get into mountain biking—or any biking for that matter—Vandecar had some basic advice.
First, pick a bike that fits your body and always wear ahelmet. And like your car, the bike needs maintenance—tire pressure, gear calibration and brake inspections will go along way in making your experience enjoyable.
To that end, Hovey sums it up best: "Don't be intimidated to get on a trail," he says. "Get on your bike and just have fun. Enjoy the view and work up a sweat."
Bryan Mitchell is a frequent contributor to Capital Gains.
Dave Trumpie is the managing photographer for Capital Gains. He is a freelance photographer and owner of Trumpie Photography.
Photos:
Josh Hovey (photos 1 & 4) and Chris Mensing (photo 2) on their mountain bikes.
Photographs © Dave Trumpie
Mensing photo courtesy of Chris Mensing