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A career indoors to finally live outdoors

Read more about the article ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Cameron Bridge Rd NE to Pickerel Lake

ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Cameron Bridge Rd NE to Pickerel Lake

  • Post author:Scott M. Thede
  • Post published:June 3, 2025
  • Post category:ATV

This video is a day of solo ATV riding on the Kalkaska Mid Loop via a starting point at Pickerel Lake. The fall colors were spectacular and the animals were…

Continue ReadingATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Cameron Bridge Rd NE to Pickerel Lake
Read more about the article ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – N Forest Trail Rd to Cameron Bridge Rd NE

ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – N Forest Trail Rd to Cameron Bridge Rd NE

  • Post author:Scott M. Thede
  • Post published:June 2, 2025
  • Post category:ATV

This video is a day of solo ATV riding on the Kalkaska Mid Loop via a starting point at Pickerel Lake. The fall colors were spectacular and the animals were…

Continue ReadingATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – N Forest Trail Rd to Cameron Bridge Rd NE
Read more about the article ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Junction Near Blue Lake Rd NE to N Forest Trail Rd

ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Junction Near Blue Lake Rd NE to N Forest Trail Rd

  • Post author:Scott M. Thede
  • Post published:April 25, 2025
  • Post category:ATV

This video is a day of solo ATV riding on the Kalkaska Mid Loop via a starting point at Pickerel Lake. The fall colors were spectacular and the animals were…

Continue ReadingATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Junction Near Blue Lake Rd NE to N Forest Trail Rd
Read more about the article ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Pickerel Lake to Junction Near Blue Lake Rd NE

ATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Pickerel Lake to Junction Near Blue Lake Rd NE

  • Post author:Scott M. Thede
  • Post published:April 14, 2025
  • Post category:ATV

This video is a day of solo ATV riding on the Kalkaska Mid Loop via a starting point at Pickerel Lake. The fall colors were spectacular and the animals were…

Continue ReadingATV Riding the Kalkaska Middle Loop – Pickerel Lake to Junction Near Blue Lake Rd NE
Read more about the article Paddling the Pigeon River – Day 2

Paddling the Pigeon River – Day 2

  • Post author:Scott M. Thede
  • Post published:January 3, 2025
  • Post category:Boating/Multi-Day River Trip/Paddling/River

This video is paddling the Pigeon River from the Tin Bridge Road to M-68. This paddle is in the lower peninsula of Michigan. The river was clear, but low due…

Continue ReadingPaddling the Pigeon River – Day 2
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My Life's Reward

Paddling, ATV riding, backpacking, Jeeping, and some fishing along with other outdoor activities possibly accompanied by a Golden Retriever named Pixie and/or Irish Setter named Brynleigh. Follow the first part of the journey working towards retirement in 2026 and afterwards, spending even more time in the outdoors. Maybe we can even dabble into some remote property and a cabin build!

Good day, I am Scott Thede. I love spending time with friends and family in the outdoors. I also cherish the peace and solitude when doing activities solo that often includes my Golden Retriever, Pixie. It is time I cherish to reflect and reset.

As retirement approaches, I plan to have a cabin somewhere in northern Michigan. Join me and my pups in our adventures.

Please SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss any. Thanks for watching!

My Life's Reward
Are you ready to crush some dirt, tackle massive sand dunes, and explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness? Welcome to your ultimate 2026 Michigan ATV Trail Guide! Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro looking for a rugged challenge, this video breaks down the absolute best riding spots across both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

We are giving you a fast-paced, high-octane look at the best terrain Michigan has to offer this season!

✨ What’s Inside This Guide:
👀 A Sneak Peek at the Trails: Get a firsthand glimpse of the trail conditions, stunning scenery, and unique terrain for each location.
🎙️ Quick Audio Highlights: Listen to the stand-out features, hidden spots, and exactly what makes each trail worth the trip.
⚠️ Expertise Rating: Gain a clear idea of the skill level required—from easy, family-friendly gravel paths to expert-level deep sand and technical ruts!

🎬 Want to See the Full Ride?
Don't stop at the highlights! If a trail catches your eye, we have full-length, point-of-view riding videos for each spot featured in this list.

👉 CLICK HERE to browse our channel playlist and watch the complete, uncut trail rides! 🏁⏱️ 
https://www.youtube.com/feed/playlists

Video Timestamps:

00:00 - Start of Video
00:20 - Title Page
00:25 - Intro
00:48 - Criteria
01:18 - #10 - Gladwin Trail
02:00 - #9 - Leota Trails
02:32 - #8 - Black Lake Trail
03:16 - #7 - Cedar Creek Trail
04:04 - #6 - West Higgins/Stratford Trail
04:37 - #5 - St. Helen Motorsport Area
05:41 - #4 - Frederick Trail
06:15 - #3 - Tomahawk Trail
07:18 - #2 - Kalkaska Trail
08:24 - #1 - Drummond Island
10:16 - Summary List

🚨 Helpful Resources for Your Trip:
Get your updated 2026 maps at the Michigan DNR Forest Roads Guide.
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/orv-riding/state-forest-roads/proposed-maps

Purchase your trail permits online through the Michigan DNR Licensing Portal.
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/orv-riding/state-forest-roads/proposed-maps

Check out regional Upper Peninsula conditions via MI-TRALE.
https://mi-trale.org/news-blog/

Hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more off-road adventures, and let us know in the comments: What is your absolute favorite trail to ride in Michigan? 🛞👇

Remember to always Ride Right—ride sober, wear your helmet, control your speed, and stay on designated trails!
Can you really ride an ATV all the way from Big Rapids to the Tin Cup ORV trail in Michigan? 🤔 In this video, we set out to find the answer by hitting the trails and exploring the route firsthand.
Join us as we navigate scenic backroads, trail systems, and potential obstacles along the way. From smooth riding sections to unexpected challenges, this ride gives you a real look at what it takes to attempt this journey.

Whether you're an experienced ATV rider or just curious about Michigan trail riding, this video will give you insight into what’s possible—and what you need to know before trying it yourself.

Michigan has some of the best ATV trail systems in the country, but connecting routes between towns can be tricky. This video helps you understand the real-world possibilities—not just what maps suggest.

00:00 - Start of Video
00:12 - Title Page
00:20 - Animated Map
00:27 - Start of Ride
00:31 - Crossing 15 Mile Road (Perry Avenue)
00:42 - Driving on 220th Avenue
01:00 - Turning onto Woodward Avenue
01:12 - Continuing on Woodward Avenue
01:27 - Continuing on Woodward Avenue
01:33 - Changes to E Hungerford Lake Dr
01:39 - Turning onto Beech Avenue
01:56 - Turning onto 11 Mile Road
02:18 - Changes to 5465
02:42 - Turning onto Skiberian Drive
02:51 - Turning onto E 12 Mile Rd
03:07 - Turning onto Cedar Drive
03:44 - Turning onto 13 Mile Road
04:05 - Turning onto Cottonwood Avenue
04:27 - Turning onto E 14 Mile Road
04:46 - Turning onto Cypress Avenue
05:13 - Turning onto E 17 Mile Road
05:56 - Turning onto 6800
06:25 - Turning onto N Locust Avenue
06:55 - Road Changes to Bonney Road
07:31 - Turning onto E 72nd Street
07:48 - Turning onto S Frank Smith Road
08:15 - Turning onto E Webster Street
08:48 - Lunch at Chase Creek Smokehouse!
08:55 - Location of the World's Second Largest Ceiling Fan!
09:00 - Photo of the Second Largest Ceiling Fan in the World
09:17 - Turning onto S Depot Street
09:40 - Chase, MI
10:59 - Turning onto Joiner Avenue
11:14 - Turning onto S Frank Smith Road
11:33 - Turning onto E 40th Street
12:09 - Turning onto State Road
12:31 - Turning onto 16th Street
12:45 - Tin Cup Just Ahead!
12:58 - Made it to Tin Cup!

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Join us for a scenic paddle down Michigan’s pristine Bear River! In this video, Jim C. and I navigate the crystal-clear waters near Petoskey, MI in a Mad River Revelation canoe while Fred is paddling his Kayak.  The day was pure sunshine for a perfect afternoon on the river.

In this video:
🛶 Canoe: Mad River Revelation
📍 Location: Bear River (near Petoskey, MI)
🌦️ Conditions: Blue Skies and Sunshine

If you enjoyed this trip through one of Michigan’s rivers, don't forget to like and subscribe for more paddling adventures!

Below is a chapter listing that can help if you are looking for something specific.

00:00 - Start of Video
00:12 - Title Page
00:16 - Animated Map
00:26 - Start of Paddle & Intro
00:34 - Bear River Road Bridge & Access
02:43 - 8x Speed
08:59 - Evergreen Trail Bridge
11:49 - Click Road Bridge
13:05 - McDougal Road Bridge (C81)
13:15 - Bear River Canoe Livery
17:33 - North Country Trail Bridge
21:17 - Standish Avenue Bridge
21:51 - Railroad Bridge
22:01 - Outro
22:57 - West Sheridan Road Bridge & Access

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MyLifesReward
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyLifesReward1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-thede-my-life-s-reward-82ba53232/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/my-lifes-reward
Join us for a scenic paddle down Michigan’s pristine Jordan River! In this video, Jim C. and I navigate the crystal-clear waters near East Jordan in a Mad River Revelation canoe.  The Jordan is a protected gem and one of the most beautiful waterways in the USA. We started the day under some light rain, but the weather eventually cleared up for a perfect afternoon on the river. Along the way, we pass through some of the state's most untouched wilderness, just a stone's throw from the local fish hatchery.

In this video:
🛶 Canoe: Mad River Revelation
📍 Location: Jordan River (near East Jordan, MI)
🌦️ Conditions: Rain to Shine

If you enjoyed this trip through one of Michigan’s most beautiful protected rivers, don't forget to like and subscribe for more paddling adventures!

Below is a chapter listing that can help if you are looking for something specific.

00:00 - Start of Video
00:12 - Title Page
00:16 - Animated Map
00:27 - Start of Paddle & Intro
00:39 - Graves Crossing Bridge & Access
02:43 - 8x Speed
06:39 - West Old State Road Access & Bridge
13:07 - Webster Bridge Road & Access
17:00 - Alba Road Access
18:34 - Rogers Road Bridge & Access
22:16 - Outro
22:31 - Sportsman's Park

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MyLifesReward
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyLifesReward1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-thede-my-life-s-reward-82ba53232/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/my-lifes-reward
This video captures portions of a ride of the Manistee National Forest and surrounding areas. The Manistee National Forest is located in the Western Michigan Lower Peninsula. The weather was pleasant and the ride was with a YouTube subscriber named Gary. 

Below is a chapter listing that can help if you are looking for something specific.

00:00 - Start of Video
00:12 - Title Page
00:17 - Start of Ride & Intro
03:14 - Paintball Combat Zone!
03:49 - One of Many Beaver Ponds
08:58 - Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake
11:17 - Hungerford Lake
12:17 - Muskegon River
12:24 - 131 Bridge Public Launch
12:43 - US-131 Bridges Overhead
13:20 - Outro

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MyLifesReward
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyLifesReward1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-thede-my-life-s-reward-82ba53232/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/my-lifes-reward
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