Short NW Michigan bike route?

[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.