At the minute we live in Denver. The Mrs wants to move to TC to be closer to her Dad. I've only been there in the winter but I hear the summers are awesome.
Hows the riding? How many months a year is it possible to ride the trails?
Is the economy as bad as everybody says? I'm a Master Electrician so I'd be looking to work for a contractor or possible self employment.
At the minute we live in Denver. The Mrs wants to move to TC to be closer to her Dad. I've only been there in the winter but I hear the summers are awesome.
Hows the riding? How many months a year is it possible to ride the trails?
Is the economy as bad as everybody says? I'm a Master Electrician so I'd be looking to work for a contractor or possible self employment.
The Northwest Lower part of Michigan has tons of amazing trails and lots of groups to ride with. Even coming from Colorado you will enjoy the trails and there diversity. If you road ride the roads are also great and the traffic is mild.
How long are the trails open, that is a tough question. Depends on the winter and what conditions you like to ride in. TC can get over 200" of snow in a season and average around 160". This was a record year for low snow, I would be surprised if we are over 50". This year (not the norm) the trails have been rideable most of the winter. Normally you need a fat tire bike even then dirt roads are your best option as we get tons of snowmobiles on lots most of the trails. The snow starts Nov-Dec and runs through April-May.
The economy like everywhere has affected jobs. Most jobs in the Northern Lower have been affected less than the other parts of Michigan due to the tourist traffic. The building trade however is tough up here right now. For an electrician I would have the job lined up ahead of time.
I have been riding my CX bike all winter this year, at least twice a week. I am actually from Petoskey about 1.25 hours north of TC, Trails are abundant in this part of the state from mild to fairly techy. I actually rode my MTB on trails this past season from second weekend in April to the middle of December, long season it was great. As far as the jobs go If you are a master electrician I would look to one of the bigger firms that do industrial as well as residential. I know they are still staying pretty busy. Good luck with your move you won't regret it.
Thanks for the replies guys. The riding sounds promising. I think I'm going to call a few contractors and scope out the job prospects.
Where is a good place to live to be close enough to ride after work?
Tons of great places to mountain bike in the Traverse City, MI area! We're giving away free Traverse Area Trails Maps too if you'd like to pick one up from our website gtmtba (dot) com. We can't post links on here yet. :thumbsup:
Trevrev,
where do you ride in Petoskey? I have riden the highlands many times and love those trails but would also enjoy finding more trails. I am from leelanau but am currently in Marquette for school. riding up here is great, give a shout if you or any of you guys come up here to ride before mid may!
I ride the NCT a lot and the highlands and boyne mnt, For my long rides I combine riding the NCT with the Highlands using some secret connecter trails.
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