Michigander Info
This year's route (click to enlarge)
The dates for this year’s ride are July 16-22.
As always, there are three options:
- The weekender – The two-day tour is a great choice for newcomers to bike touring and those who wish they could, but just cant get away for the five and six day rides. It starts Saturday July 16 and rides the Kl-Haven State Park Trail from South Haven to Kalamazoo and back for a total distance of about 80 miles, 40 miles each day.
- The Six Day Tour -The six day route begins Sunday July 17 and makes a circle tour, finishing Friday July 22.
- The seven Day Tour – This does the weekend tour and the six day ride.
Distances range from about 35-50 miles a day. Most riders camp with the group, on the grounds of schools along the way. Camping is included with the registration fee, as are breakfasts and dinners. All bags and gear are transported by volunteers to the day’s camp site. Some book motels (at their own cost) in nearby communities.
You can ride a mountain bike, hybrid or road bike. The trail system in Michigan is amazing and this year’s route takes in some of the best, the Kal-Haven State Park Trail, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, the Grand River Valley Rail Trail, the Fred Meijer White Pine State Park Trail, the Musketawa Trail and the Lakeshore Trail. These trails are extremely well-maintained and paved for long stretches. Bit for “roadies,” there is also an all-paved route.
For complete details on this year’s ride, visit the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance page at http://www.michigantrails.org/michigander-bicycle-tour/
