Short NW Michigan bike route?

[Caren]

Maybe check the rails to trails for paths up that way? Here's one up there. I didn't appreciate all of the bike opportunities in MI until I moved back to OH.

[withm]

Maybe check the rails to trails for paths up that way? Here's one up there. I didn't appreciate all of the bike opportunities in MI until I moved back to OH.

Wow! this looks perfect! I'm thinking I could start on the Leelanau trail towards Suttons Bay, my sister could drive ahead and meet me say around mile 10, we ride into Suttons Bay together for a look see, lunch, whatever, then ride back to the car wherever she has stashed it. Then drive to one of the wineries for a tasting.

This assumes that one can access the trail at other than the trailhead areas.... yes? no? I can't find anything to that effect on the website.

[Caren]

Honestly I don't know, I was around the Ann Arbor area and haven't actually ridden that trail but maybe there is a phone number for a local tourism area up there, or possibly a local bike group you could call and ask?

[Bike Writer]

Here is a link to all of the various TART trails around the Traverse Bay area T.A.R.T. and I found my friends blog when he toured the perimeter of the State. Day 14 and 15 have the information about Traverse and the Leelenau Peninsula and can be found here.

Earlier you mentioned some must do's or nightlife. There are plenty of venues. There is a tall ship, the Manitou that does evening dinner and sunset cruises, or at least they used to. It's a beautiful sail on the Grand Traverse Bay. If you google tall ships and Traverse City I'm sure something will come up.

I just returned from a trip to the upper peninsula and did a recognizance car ride to scope out a planned trip from Charlevoix to Mackinaw City. It's gonna be awesome!

Enjoy your stay and your bike ride with your sister, post photos and a ride report when you return!

[mzone]

I just rode my first multi-day tour, the North West Tour in the Leelanau Peninsula, which is run by the Tri-County Bicycle Association. What an amazing event! I had seriously under trained, but had some very supportive friends who encouraged me to ride the longest ride of my life, 80 miles (and big hills!). I did 190 overall - the Old Mission Peninsula the first day, Empire, Glen Arbor, Leeland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City and back to Empire on day two. Day three was Empire, Honor, around Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Elberta and Arcadia and back.

As far as trails are concerned, I rode a quick recovery ride on the last day - 4.5 miles and back of the new Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail which goes from Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb. It's mostly flat and shaded and takes you through the DH Day campground and Glen Haven historical village.

Another short and flat trail is the Betsie River Trail outside of Frankfort. http://www.betsievalleytrail.org/tour.html (I only rode the paved part.)

Lastly, I've ridden part of the TART on other trips. I hope to do the Leelanau soon - especially since they paved the connector to Sutton's Bay.

P.S. CherryCapitalCyclingClub.org has many of its regular route maps if you'd like to do some distance on your own.

[Bike Writer]

mzone, Congratulations on a rigorous tour and your success! Also, thanks for the additional info. It's great to have up to date material. Sounds like there has been additionas and improvements to the trails in that area

[mzone]

mzone, Congratulations on a rigorous tour and your success! Also, thanks for the additional info. It's great to have up to date material. Sounds like there has been additionas and improvements to the trails in that area

Thanks, BW. The next section of SBHT will be completed from the Dune Climb to Empire next spring. There's 27 miles planned in all. Fundraising is ongoing: http://sleepingbeartrail.org/