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Join me on a multi-day tour of NW Mich, originating from Elk Rapids and looping counter-clockwise through Gaylord, Mackinaw City and Petoskey. The route is 235 miles over 5 days (~50 per day), with approx 6300‘ of elevation gain overall. We‘ll follow a combination of secondary roads and rail trails that are either paved or crushed gravel. The plan is to spend 2 nights in campgrounds (tent camping), and 2 nights in motels. There will be numerous opportunities for water, restrooms & food along the way (see the Ride with GPS link for route details). Riders should be prepared for self-sufficiency, as there will not be SAG support - which means everything you need to sleep, wear, cook and fix any problems that might occur with your bike needs to be carried with you! Suitable campsites have been reserved at Otsego Lake and Wilderness State Park that will accommodate tents for up to 6 people. However, motel availability is limited (and going quickly as it‘s peak season!), so I highly encourage interested riders to call the following 2 motels and make a reservation ASAP: Night #1 (July 7th): Otsego Lake STATE Park campground (989)732-5485 Night #2 (July 8th): Best Western River Terrace in Cheboygan (231)627-5688 Night #3 (July 9th): Wilderness State Park (231)436-5381 Night #4 (July 10th): Americainn by Wyndham Petoskey (231)439-8000 Please RSVP if interested - feel free to email or call, or just to ask questions! I look forward to having some company along what promises to be a very interesting trip! Mar 14 update: A 2nd campsite at each of the campgrounds has been reserved, so there should be plenty of room! Clarification: Otsego Lake SP tent sites DO have electrical, and showers/lavatories are available nearby. Wilderness SP tent sites are "walk-in" and RUSTIC, meaning NO electrical or water at the campsites. Apr 7 update: Total cost for reserving 2 campsites at 2 state parks was $152. This will be split evenly at ride departure.

Start and finish at Cherry Bend Park at the corner of Cherry Bend and Lincoln Roads. Parking lots around the Pavilion. Base ride 32 (see GPS route). Optional Lee Point/Stoney Point Loop for an extra 8-10 miles. Max. 42 miles. Stop at Chimoski Bakery on the north end of Suttons Bay for snacks and camaraderie, then ride the trail and/or southwest of downtown past the High School and pick up the trail to return back to Cherry Bend Park.