Underexposed: Copper Harbor, MI

For as long as I can remember, I've always been kind of obsessed with maps. I love to zoom in on spots that seem to be a bit further removed from the rest of the world. If you were to zoom in on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'd probably notice that its northern boundary is a shark-fin-shaped piece of land that juts out into the heart of Lake Superior, home to 10% of the world's freshwater supply. Zoom in even further and you'll find the northern terminus of US 41, a 2000-mile-long road that goes as far south as Miami, FL. The northern end of the road is surrounded by towering bluffs, deep forests, endless summer days, and aurora-filled nights. There's also a very small town there. It's the kind of place that will pluck the strings of a wanderlust heart, with unmatched access to Lake Superior to go along with a bounty of world-class trails.

Underexposed is a self-shot and produced series of documentary short-films by Pivot Cycles athlete Brice Shirbach. The series is dedicated to showcasing mountain bike advocacy and stewardship while exploring trails across the globe. Join Brice as he explores the relationship between community and trails.

Copper Harbour's location along the northern end of the Keweenaw Peninsula means that getting here is quite a commitment. It also means that once you're here, you're probably going to stay awhile, and with very little cell service, you can be fully immersed in whatever adventure you find yourself in. The town is home to a little over 100 full-time residents, but outdoor recreation reigns supreme, which can lead to a lively atmosphere, particularly when tourism peaks during the summer. The Copper Harbor Trails Club is the group responsible for the development and maintenance of the bevy of multi-use trails in town, which range from deep backcountry epics, to perfectly manicured flow, and everything in between. Founded in 2014 by renowned professional trail builder, Aaron Rogers of Rock Solid Trails, the club now has a volunteer board of directors to go along with 3 full-time employees: executive director Adam Yeoman, assistant executive director Harrison Smith, and trail coordinator Nick Ryan.

This part of the world is affectionately known as "the fresh coast", a reference to the inland sea vibes one gets along Superior's lakeshore. It is a place that, in my humble opinion, is criminally underrated for its beauty and equally underrated among mountain bikers across the country. There's no "easy" way to get here, and communication with the outside world is spotty at best, but if I'm being honest, that's a part of the allure. Maybe lake life isn't for everyone, but for those of us who feel the pull of Superior, it's quite easy to feel right at home, even when it's your first time here.