Summer Part 2: Up North
This weekend I was granted the keys to our long term GMC Sierra Denali 1500. It was a bit too long for my garage but I managed to make due.
If this was my truck I would go with a spray in bedliner then put carpet on top of that. But this Bedrug was pretty nice to my Yeti's frame.
I got out to the trail before the rest of the guys so I got my bike setup, snagged a few shots and took off to do some laps.
I got in about three laps or so before Dan and Adam showed up. They were rocking two 27.5" stainless steel hardtails fabricated by Dan himself. For more information on the bikes check out Rogue Cycle Works.
I love the raw metal, single speed, and Odyssey Twisted pedals. It gives the bike an almost BMX feel and I absolutely love it.
After full day of riding we were ready for some food.
So we headed to the Rogue shop for some sustenance.
Dan put the finishing touches on a sub 17lb singlespeed cyclocross bike...Adam and I watched.
I can get over the raw simplicity of Dan's frames...and how light they are. I might just have to work out a deal with him for a fatbike build, more on that later.
With the master's work complete it was yet again time for food and friends.
So we headed to East Grand Rapids and met up with my buddy Jess and his wife for some pizza.
On our way to drop off Dan we happened across this little beauty. We're not ones to pass up having a look at some classic German wheels.
With Dan dropped off Adam and I made our way westward to Grand Haven. From there I made the solo trip up to my aunt and uncle's cottage just outside Bitely.
I got in a little late but woke up to yet another beautiful day at the lake.
After the quiet hours were up it was time for a day full of water activities. Still working on my wake surfing skills.
Photo Credit: Sherra Vehlewald
After full day of water activities and BBQ there's nothing better than retreating to my favorite spot on the beach in my hammock.
The next morning I woke up to a bit of fog so I hopped in the Sierra and snagged some photos before it was all burned off by the coming sun.
We spent Sunday slowing it down and relaxing on the pontoon boat (that's my big sister). Sunday on the lake was cut a bit short since we all needed to get home and wanted to beat the storms that were rolling in.
On my way home I stopped off at the farm to see what my cousins were up to...
They were getting the tractor ready for their next pull. Water injection and 70lbs of boost means that intake manifold needed to be welded together to keep the bolts from stripping out.
Remember when I pulled a stump out of my buddy's yard with my Jeep...this is only making about 1000hp more. The 4" inlet on that turbo might have something to say about it.
Gotta love the custom milled components like this massive valve cover. I could sit and talk shop with my cousins all day but more on this beast another time.
My weekend was coming to a close and with good timing. We evaded the storms all three days right up until the last leg of trip home.