Is the Midwest Really Flat?

In a recent visit to Marquette, Michigan, I learned how much it hurts to fall off a double teeter-totter. But, the pain of dropping those 8 feet to packed earth is nothing compared to leaving a town that had the best riding since our stop in Whistler nearly a month ago.

The Touareg in front of Lake Shore bike shop.

I was traveling with my brother and we expected nothing more than a few cross-country trails in a nice lakeside community. We wanted only to stretch our legs and move onto our next destination in Vermont.

Dave Ollila, owner of Viosport.com, made sure that these expectations were blown away. He showed us what Marquette wasn't known for--its North Shore-style trails built with incredible precision and flow.

In the background, the Trioler Hof -- soon to be known as the Nordic Bay Lodge.

After our restful night in the '70s vintage Trioler Hof, soon to be called the Nordic Bay Lodge, we were to sample trails that would make even the most competent riders pee their pants.

The Nordic Bay Lodge--currently being remodeled to become a rider-friendly hotel with shuttle services, high-speed Internet access and rider-specific closets--has 12 acres of prime cross-country riding in the backyard. Their trails are connected with 800 acres of more trails owned by the Northern Michigan University and a forestry group in the area.

Unfortunately our time was limited, so, after breakfast at the lodge, we walked the cross-country trails, but only had time to ride the stuff Marquette isn't known for.

Before we started, we were warned that we needed to be padded up. Dave and his buddy were garnishing full-body armor, big-hit bikes and full-face helmets. Since we didn't come with any pads, we made a stop at the Lakeshore Bike Shop, where we bought enough body armor to enter a demolition derby.

Our shuttle driver for the day, Doug, was kind enough to warn us of a step up, a few drops and other potential problems on the Marquette Ski Hill's DH course.

Around the first corner, my chain dropped into my spokes and brought my bike to an abrupt stop. Dave, following me, nearly piled into my bike as I looked down to fix the problem.

I realized that I had forgotten about my brother and our other guide, Mike B., when my brother Ben bounced off me and flipped over Dave's bike, which was on the ground. Luckily, no one was hurt and we were ready to finish the trail.