27th Annual Bicycle Tour Explores Forests, Fossils and Fudge
Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance, June 06, 2018
Old Town, Lansing, MI — The 27th Annual Michigander Bicycle Tour hits the Top of Michigan Trails from July 14-21, traveling through the towns of Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, Onaway, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Cross Village, and Charlevoix; providing an active vacation that showcases Michigan’s natural wonders.
The Michigander is presented by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and Michigan Fitness Foundation and is dubbed as “One of the top ten multi-day rides in America” by Bicycling Magazine. Michigan’s classic cycling vacation offers three options: a 2-day tour, a 6-day tour, and an 8-day tour which combines both the 2-day and 6-day tours. The region along the tour is known for its scenery; sandy beaches, clear lakes, winding rivers, and expansive shorelines dotted with shipwrecks and lighthouses. Riders will also enjoy sampling Michigan’s wines and craft beers from the many wineries and breweries along the tour, such as the Mackinaw Trail Winery and Cheboygan Brewing Company.
The Top of Michigan Trails is a fantastic network of trails that cover 300 miles of northern Michigan. Riders will experience the North Central State Trail, North Eastern State Trail, North Western State Trail, Little Traverse Wheelway, Burt Lake Trail, Charlevoix Township Bike Path, and Petoskey City Trails, which make up portions of the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #3 and the Iron Belle Trail.
Routes along the tour are mostly paved or crushed limestone that works well for road or mountain bikes. The 2-Day Michigander is designed to be a casual, easy ride up to 25-35 miles daily. The 6-day tour moves upwards of 45-55 miles daily and moves from town to town every two days. The 8-day tour combines both rides. Camping, SAG (support and gear) stops, medical support, breakfast buffets daily, and dinner on select nights are included during the tour, all made possible by our team of experienced volunteers.
“The 2-day Michigander Bicycle Tour is perfect for families who seek an active vacation,” said Bob Wilson, Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. “The generally-flat terrain provides an easy ride with scenic views of the Sturgeon River Valley ending with an opportunity for a refreshing swim in Mullet Lake.”
“As they travel north along the North Central Trail, 2-day riders won’t want to miss a trip to Mackinac Island,” continued Wilson. “Riders will love the 8-mile bike tour around the island, and the state park offers another 70 miles of trails through the interior. This National Historic Landmark is filled with beautiful vistas.”
Six-day riders will also enjoy a trip to Mackinaw City and stop at unique locations like the Oden Fish Hatchery, Awakon Park from Moran Iron Works, West Park, U of M Biological Research Station, Pond Hill Farm, The Trail of Trees and Three Pines Studio.
