She Loves Riding Torn Shirt • Brighton Recreation Area, Michigan • The Duke of MTB

[@siTTinLo]

Another great video you guys. It's great to witness both of your guys' progression as you each get better at riding and I love Cory's "send it" attitude and determination. Plus it's great to see some of the trails that I haven't been to yet, (like torn shirt for example) to get an idea of what they're like and what to expect. It's also awesome to see your channel and the number of subscribers growing every day. You guys are becoming somewhat local celebrities. I met a guy who was riding at boyne with you who had a bike for sale I went and looked at. He was stoked to have met you guys. Maybe someday I'll bump into you guys somewhere out on the trail. Keep it up you guys. You guys are killin' it! 👍

[@dukeofmtb]

Thank you so much. This means a lot to us.

[@TZZGTerroriZtbeatZgaminG]

Great vid guys!! Cant wait for the next one. My girl and I were just talking about that trail, and then 2 days later you pop up the vid....now we gotta go!!!

[@dukeofmtb]

Thanks! Have fun out there & stay safe. Torn Shirt is one of the harder ones here in SE Michigan, but that's what makes it super fun. 👍😁👍

[@XaviarCraig]

Torn Shirt is one of the trails I used for toughening up for other trails since its close to home! This trail has some pretty brutal climbs for the area. If you can manage these climbs, you'll typically have an easy time in most other MI MTB trails in the area.

[@dukeofmtb]

So true. Another brutal one in SE Michigan is Highland Park. Even just doing the A & D loops alone is exhausting.

[@XaviarCraig]

@@dukeofmtb Aye, A is a good representation of what to expect; Always going up or downhill but never really able to use the momentum of the downhill to get up the next hill because its so tight and rugged! B is a bit less tight but has some pretty hallowing climbs and rough descents. You can go a little crazier on this loop because its not quite so tight but those climbs are brutal. C is kind of a letdown, especially since you need to go through A and B to get to it. Its just like A in my opinion only easier in all ways. Its fun, but doesn't stack up in difficulty to the rest of the loops D is like A only tighter with more technical climbs and descents. Perhaps a little easier climbing wise since they dont go on as long These trails seem harder than they really are at first because they are so physically demanding. As you get tired the trails seem harder than they really are. Once you have the stamina built up to deal with the trail, these loops aren't so bad; Still hard, but not unmanageable as they often seem to newcomers

[@dukeofmtb]

@@XaviarCraig I agree, it's not too technically challenging. They just require a level of fitness a bit above the average rider. 😅

[@chasebanas1748]

This and Island Lake are my local trails and it’s really cool to see people ride these trails. Even sometimes at the local bike shop I’ll see these videos playing.

[@dukeofmtb]

Glad you like the vids. 😁 Do you mean one our videos or just videos of our local trails in general? 🤔

[@matt-g-recovers]

I rode this for the first time a couple weeks ago. It's not bad. Pretty fun.

[@dukeofmtb]

Yeah, it's one of the more fun trails in SE Michigan for sure. For a few seconds at a time, it almost feels like Pisgah. Pontiac lake is like that too. Love that loop for it's rooty and rocky descents. Just wish they lasted more than 30 seconds at a time. 😅

[@lowflyingdonut]

that willpower pep talk hill humbles me every time. I get up it but then I'm gassed the rest of the ride.

[@dukeofmtb]

Yup, torn shirt has some killer climbs. Just now getting a hang of it. We used to need 10 minute breaks after each climb. 😅

[@ChadSmith305]

I'm new to riding this year and even though I'm still having a rough time on my climbs, I can feel myself getting better each time I go out. A lot of the climbs on Sugar and Big Kame still gas me out pretty good but it's so much fun to ride, I just keep embracing the suck!

[@lowflyingdonut]

@@ChadSmith305 welcome

[@MTBMichigan]

"I'm sorry honey I have a weird laugh!" Cory's commentary is hilarious! Another great video. I have to learn to edit like you guys. You make each ride look like an adventure.

[@dukeofmtb]

Thank's. I'm sure you'll settle on an editing style that suits you soon enough. It's a process of self discovery in that regard. I like your videos, and your commentary is wonderful. You have a very soothing voice. Its meditative. And each ride really is an adventure. 😉🚵‍♂️🚵‍♀️

[@MTBMichigan]

@@dukeofmtb I'm sure it'll all fall into place at some point. Before I started in May, I had no idea how to even use any editing software, so that's something. But I like how you guys pack the information in along with the story. It's clean and let's you and your wife be the center of attention.

[@dukeofmtb]

@@MTBMichigan Hehe, we're just winging it. It just kind of works out in editing. It takes a couple dozen hours to cut it down to what it turns in to though. Editing is 90% of the work.

[@selder03]

Glad you posted this. I'll be in Howell in a coupe weeks

[@dukeofmtb]

Have fun out there. 🤙

[@Katabatic44]

yeah torn shirt is awesome. It does have the most excruciating climbs of all the trails ive ridden here though, but its totally worth it.

[@dukeofmtb]

Agreed. The climbs are definitely one of the harder ones in SE Michigan. Totally worth it though.

[@benjapolcycling]

I was there yesterday and I got sick afterwards (for real, way too tired). It's way difficult than I thought and I need to walk the climb many times and rooty, steep drop and descent is way too scary for me. I "survived" the trail without crashing but it little stressed me out. I need to get better skills to hit it again. Cory seems to have fun and your guys are doing great here. Gopro smooth all the difficulty out too :)

[@dukeofmtb]

It's always a little harder than it looks on video. 😅 Just keep riding it over and over and it'll start feeling easier and much less scary. It's like driving a car for the first time. Try watching some how-to videos as well. There are a few simple techniques that can make descending much less scary. E.g : Always stand on descents, keep your pedals level(don't have one crank arm down and one up or you might snag a rock or root), and move your bodyweight back a little to avoid going over the bars. There's a little more to it, but you'll get it in time. Good luck! 😁👍

[@usmc2msu213]

I want to ride with you guys sometime! You should do a meet up! Your wife would make it the most entertaining ride!

[@dukeofmtb]

That would be awesome. One of these days when the channel grows a bit, I'll be able to do subscriber meet ups. Right now with full time work and KZbin, time is tight. But when the time comes, you'll hear about it. Who knows, maybe you'll bump into us on trails before then. 😁👍

[@tanker6011]

Another great one you guys. Always enjoy watching your channel. Are you two talking to each other though some kind of device while you’re riding? If so, what is it? Thanks!

[@dukeofmtb]

Thanks. 😁 Nope. We're just talking really loudly. I can hardly hear her half the time if she isn't right behind me. I do have her wear a lapel mic though. That way, she's always audible in the videos.

[@dukeofmtb]

You're not the first to ask that either. A lot of people think we use walkies to communicate as we ride. I have thought about it. Hehe.

[@jeffloveingb350]

What camera/mount do you use to get those overhead backwards pictures of your wife? Great effects!

[@trailladymtb7700]

Hahahahah... these vids are so funny! "Ho ho yeah boy! Narly as Phuk! Huh huh...Cory rides good!

[@dukeofmtb]

She's awesome. I'm lucky to have married her. 😊

[@slowz6352]

Great video! Have you guys tried Milford Trail or Highland?

[@dukeofmtb]

Thanks, and yes we have. I think I've already made a video at Milford, but not Highland. I've ridden it a few times already, but this was before the channel. We'll make one soon. 😁👍

[@craigmckinnon242]

The Michigan gal was like I did a drop of 3 inches, woo. Van Girl Yuki is fearless. She does huge drops and gaps I'd never do.

[@dukeofmtb]

This is an old video. Cory is know for hitting big drops too. Here's her hitting the RedBull drop at Windrock: instagram.com/tv/Cblsbgvjhvv/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@allenkvextreme]

*sick stuff*

[@dukeofmtb]

Thanks, dude! 😊

[@AverageDadAdventures]

I remember riding that trail back in high school! Are you two based out of the area?

[@dukeofmtb]

We're just an hour away from Brighton.

[@punisher9oneone]

I’ve yet to ride there still.

[@dukeofmtb]

Don't wait for winter. 😁

[@punisher9oneone]

lol, not trying to. However, DTE blue Thursday. Might try and film a bit. Since I forgot to Saturday lol.

[@punisher9oneone]

Wife and I were playing on our manual machine last night. Finally. Lol.

[@dukeofmtb]

@@punisher9oneone Yeah, I'm gonna try to put more time on the manual machine this winter. 😅

[@punisher9oneone]

You have a manual machine too? I bought one from Sender Ramps. That and a small ramp I got from them too, that I haven’t used yet. Lol.

[@rontalampas5329]

What components did you upgrade? I see a box one hb & sounds like new hubs.

[@dukeofmtb]

No Box One stuff on the bike. I did the 54t ratchet upgrade to the dt swiss hubs. It came stock as 18 I believe. We put a fox transfer with a wolftooth lever on there. Now, she's also running Magura mt5 brakes with hc3 levers. Swapped out the rear tire with a 2.5 aggressor, and her fork was upgraded to an rct3 Pike.

[@blakef.8566]

How does this compare to Highland?

[@dukeofmtb]

Torn Shirt can be ridden fast. In some ways, it's similar to the Pontiac Lake loop. It's fast and fun on the descents with some challenging climbs. Highland is more technical and tight.

[@RundenverRun]

Hey I’ll be in Traverse City in Two weeks at the GWL and wanted to know if you recommend any trails near bye?

[@RundenverRun]

*by

[@dukeofmtb]

I haven't had a chance to ride them myself, but I hear the VASA trails nearby are pretty good. The closest thing to Traverse we've ridden are the downhill trails at Boyne Highlands Resort, but that's an hour and forty five minute drive from Traverse. Sorry I can't be of more help. 😅

[@RundenverRun]

The Duke of MTB Thanks I appreciate you getting back with me. I just might make the drive to Boyne it’s been on MTB checklist.

[@dukeofmtb]

@@RundenverRun 👍👍We just went last weekend. You can see Cory doing one of the drops there on our Instagram @dukeofmtb.

[@craigmckinnon242]

Is that Yuka of BC POV?

[@dukeofmtb]

Lol. No. But I get similarities. It would be the dream to have them together in one video one day.

[@craigmckinnon242]

It would be a laugh fest with the two of them.

[@kyletanner6703]

I HATED Torn Shirt, but thats because I went into with very little physical stamina

[@dukeofmtb]

Hehe, it gets better. Just keep on riding, eventually you'll hardly break a sweat.

[@BigVanLittleAdventures]

Bake baek Baal bakawwwwww!

[@dukeofmtb]

🐔🐓 😂🤣

[@russwillknot]

This was the first trail I've ever rode when starting mtb years ago, (trail is in my backyard pretty much) had no clue what black diamond meant at the time. Had a piece of shit Gary Fisher Marlin with a blown out fork and basically no brake's. Made it about 7 minutes in and damn near killed myself. Never knew you could fight for breath for 20 minutes after smacking a tree @30mph

[@dukeofmtb]

I'm pretty sure that's how it starts for all of us. We started on Walmart bikes. They fell apart on the first ride on a green trail, but we were hooked. So we bought XC bikes, but then we needed to rest 10 minutes for every 5 minutes of pedaling on the harder trails. Fun times.

[@dukeofmtb]

@Luke Hunker I had a 2015 Trek XCaliber 7 and Cory had a 2007 Specialized Hard Rock Pro.

[@dukeofmtb]

@Luke Hunker Yeah, I think a Commencal Meta HT or a Trek Roscoe would be really fun on this trail. 😁

[@notantosh626]

Dim sum

[@DrDr-pg5br]

That's a black diamond? Huh...

[@dukeofmtb]

Keep in mind that it's an XC Loop in SE Michigan. It might only be a Blue relative to some more "enduro" trails out there, but Michigan doesn't have a lot of elevation. Torn Shirt is still an awesome trail though, and don't forget about the GoPro effect. 😉

[@lowflyingdonut]

I have read that it is normal and expected to rate trails relative to other trails in the area.

[@XaviarCraig]

@@lowflyingdonut This is true. When I was in California for work, some of the Blue trails out there had legit; 6 foot drop and some pretty insane jumps. As for torn shirt, its definitely a very tricky trail relative to the area. There have been many injuries on it. I ride it once or twice a month and I've had to call in to 911 about 5 times over the past 3 years for injuried cyclists I've come upon while riding.

[@russwillknot]

@@XaviarCraig one of them might have been me. Years ago I took one of the first big down hills straight into a tree which felt close to 30+mph, I was able to turn mid air and smoke the tree with my back, hit it so hard my elbows touched behind my back and the tree. I couldn't catch my breath for 20 minutes, thought I was gonna die out there.

[@XaviarCraig]

​@@russwillknot Most of the injuries I had to call 911 for were people incapacitated from the injury or the pain. I think only one person I found who was responsive that I called 911 for had a broken femur. His cellphone got destroyed in the impact so he was pretty screwed if some didn't come along.

[@Folfah]

all the pet names. i cant sit through this.

[@dukeofmtb]

We've been happily together for 16 years and have never addressed each other by name. It's not something we're going to change any time soon. That's just how we are, so maybe our channel is not for you. But if you can still stomach watching a married couple that actually enjoys their time together, you should check out some of our newer content. This video is old AF by now. Anyway, have a good one broski. ✌️😁