Here we go… it’s time for the Michigander, with a great circle route in Northwest Michigan July 17-23
Many of the Blazing Saddles/Bike Fitness regulars ride this every year and it truly is one of the state’s best organized tours. There’s still time to ride it if you are in shape as on site new registrations will take place in Indian River. It’s a camping tour, mostly at schools in the stop cities. Some of us will motel it along the way, too.
From the Michigander official site, here are the details of this year’s tour:
- 2-Day Weekend Tour: July 17 & 18
- 6-Day Tour: July 18-23
- 7-Day Tour: July 17- 23
I’m doing the six day.
The mileage each day is 35-55 miles per day. It is a family friendly ride on traffic – free trails that includes camping each night, two meals provided every day, shuttle service for your luggage, and water stops. Baggage transport and campsites are included. Both experienced and beginner cyclists will enjoy the adventure of a circle tour. Michigander riders have included kids from 8 to 86 years old. All you need to do is ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Michigan’s trails and back roads.
It’s a tour ideal for hybrid, mountain bikes, and there’s also a route for road bikes.
Starting in northern lower Michigan, the tour will circle around northern lower Michigan along miles of trails including the North Central State Trail, Little Traverse Wheelway, and Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail. Surfaces range from paved, crushed stone and gravel. Sometimes we’ll venture out on low-traffic back roads to get from trail to trail. The days allow for plenty of time to stop, take in the sights, and enjoy the countryside.
The two-day tour option is a great choice for families and first-time riders who want to see what bicycle touring is all about. The two-day ride will go “out and back” from Indian River to Cheboygan on the first day and Indian River to Vanderbilt on the second day.
At Indian River, riders will be able to swim at Burt Lake State Park or go canoeing on the Sturgeon River and see the worlds largest crucifix.
The seven-day tour option begins with the two-day riders on their trip from Indian River to Cheboygan and back.
On day two, the six-day and seven-day tour participants will join and head to Gaylord where we will stay at the Otsego County Fairgrounds, where they can take a side trip to Elk Park to view the elk and deer.
Full Sized Detailed Map
Day three takes cyclists to Bellaire, and day four they ride to Harbor Springs where the trail travels near Lake Michigan the beautiful homes in Harbor Springs.
Next is two nights in Mackinaw City, which will allow Michigander riders the opportunity to travel to Mackinac Island or do a short out and back ride near the village and enjoy all the area has to offer.
The final day takes riders back to Indian River, where they are cheered on at the finish line and join old and new Michigander friends for cake and refreshments, as well as photos to commemorate the adventure.
Riders will enjoy the beauty of northern Michigan outdoors along miles of trails including the North Central State Trail, Little Traverse Wheelway, and Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail. Surfaces range from paved, crushed stone and gravel. At times riders will venture out on low-traffic back roads to get from trail to trail. Application, Details.
