Calendar - Month View

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 Hive coffee shop in 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.

We will follow the usual route out of town, then climb Kassen to warm up properly. From there, we‘ll head northeast of Maple City, then south again to Cedar where a coffee stop is not out of the realm of possibility. ~ 41 miles, ~ 2600 feet of climbing, 13-14 mph finishing average pace. This is a no drop ride. This is also a no whining about the cold ride.

Ride from Elk Rapids to Alden, then on to Dockside. Return to Torch River and take slightly different route back to ER. Several bathroom stops.

New for 2026 is a regular gravel/adventure series, 2-3 times a month on Sunday mornings. Routes will vary from introductory to "spicy", generally running from 15 to 50 miles in length. Terrain will consist of a mix of mostly dirt/gravel, minimal tarmac connecting roads, and occasional sandy sections or singletrack. RwGPS navigation files will be provided for each ride... For this weeks‘ ride we‘ll check out some of the offroad riding near Lake Ann, including a loop around Pearl Lake (which might get a little rutty), and around the south end of Lake Ann. 30 miles total, 50/50 gravel/paved, and I won‘t guarantee that we‘ll avoid a bit of sand (because I haven‘t ridden it before), but I think you‘ll enjoy this route. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, this is probably around a 4 or 5.

Ride Old Mission trying to avoid as much heavy wind as possible.

Weather forecast turned ugly Sunday morning so let‘s try again - same time, same ride - on Monday. Apologies to those who can‘t make midweek rides... New for 2026 is a regular gravel/adventure series, 2-3 times a month on Sunday mornings. Routes will vary from introductory to "spicy", generally running from 15 to 50 miles in length. Terrain will consist of a mix of mostly dirt/gravel, minimal tarmac connecting roads, and occasional sandy sections or singletrack. RwGPS navigation files will be provided for each ride... For this weeks‘ ride we‘ll check out some of the offroad riding near Lake Ann, including a loop around Pearl Lake (which might get a little rutty), and around the south end of Lake Ann. 30 miles total, 50/50 gravel/paved, and I won‘t guarantee that we‘ll avoid a bit of sand (because I haven‘t ridden it before), but I think you‘ll enjoy this route. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, this is probably around a 4 or 5.

If you‘re a registrant for the June 15-19 Door County Tour, c‘mon over and have a beverage with your Door County family. We‘ll go over maps, ride and location logistics for the upcoming tour.

Ride to the Lake Leelanau boat launch, then over 204 to Suttons Bay.

Please join me for an exploration of Palmer Woods. We will cover 10–14 miles at a moderate pace, riding Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, Fiddlehead, and my favorite Beechdrops!

Ride Old Mission to Haserot Beach. Wind will help determine route. Several bathroom stops.

A moderately challenging ride - mostly gravel with a little singletrack on the NCT. 1300‘ over 33 miles. I need a "training ride" for Hart Hills this weekend! Meet up at the Sand Lakes Quiet Area trailhead off of Broomhead Road at noon. Temps should have a chance to warm up a bit. Will probably revisit this route later in the summer in the Sunday Gravel series, in case you miss out this time around. No Drop - but this is not a beginner ride...

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 Hive coffee shop in 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.

Ride Old Mission to Haserot Beach. Several bathroom stops.

This ride was scheduled for 5/9 but moved due to rain possibility.

Ride to the boat launch in Lake Leelanau then over 204 to Suttons Bay.

Sorry, but a bout of food poisoning after my race Saturday has resulted in having to cancel this week‘s ride... New for 2026 is an evening ride series conducted in partnership with the Hagerty Cycling Team. This ride will be held weekly starting at 6:30 pm out of East Bay Park and will generally follow the classic 41 mile Old Mission Peninsula loop to the lighthouse and back at a targeted pace of 20 mph. As an “A” level ride focusing on paceline group riding and race conditioning, this will be limited to acoustic bicycles only (no e-Bikes). Note that for the month of May we may stop slightly short of 41 miles to return before it gets dark.

Traditional Old Mission Peninsula Ride starting at East Bay Park with many scenic ride options from 10-41 miles. Options include an East Side Ride to the lighthouse and back or an East West option going out on the East side and coming back on Peninsula Drive. Rest rooms at the base and along the way as well as picnic areas or a swim along the way :)

This month‘s meeting will be held via Zoom.

Ride Old Mission starting and ending on the east side. Probably 2 bathroom stops.

Short flat ride around Glen Arbor

Justify those calories you‘re sure to consume at the member mixer with a bracing road ride along a "Map Team Classic": the Acme - ER Quarterline Loop. The outlook for reasonable temperature road adventures looks to be finally turning the corner, so join me for an early afternoon counting potholes... We‘ll meet up at the west-most parking lot at Meijer‘s, and head north to Elk Rapids and beyond. See the referenced RwGPS link for specifics... Targeting this squarely at a "B" level ride - there will be opportunities to regroup and/or take restroom breaks in Elk Rapids (either or both directions). Speed will be dictated by whomever shows up, but this will be a NO DROP ride...

Join us at Middlecoast Brewery for a Member Mixer from 5 to 7 pm. In addition to beer they offer hard cider, cocktails & mocktails, wine, soda, and coffee. They also have a range of food options through "Groove Spoon". With the busy summer riding season we will be highlighting our club‘s Ride with GPS initiative along with website functions (how to use, how to rsvp). The Club offers a free Ride with GPS membership - load it onto your phone prior to the Mixer (log into the website, select the "Members Only" drop down tab, open up "RideWithGPS" and follow the instructions). There won‘t be a formal presentation - but we plan to have handouts and club members to answer questions. At 7 pm Middlecoast brewing has their open mic night, so bring an instrument if you want to entertain the club!

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 Hive coffee shop in 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.

Come join me for a State College Trip warm up. 35 Miles, 13-15 mph average speed. All are welcome. Bring your gravel bike or MTB on this well ridden route. Plan on riding rain or shine! Meet up at the Acme Meijer. West side parking lot. This is a NO DROP ride.

Ride the roads of Glen Arbor and Maple City.

We‘ll climb Kasson on our way west to Big Glen Lake, then head north along the lake, climb Trumbull as we head back east to Maple City, where a short break is possible before heading back to TC by the usual route. 46 miles, ~2560 feet of climbing. We‘ll finish with a 13-15 MPH pace. This is a no-drop ride.

Ride Old Mission trying to avoid the wind. Bathroom stop at the boat launch.

Test event for use in training

4 night/3 day cycling tour of the area around State College, Pennsylvania (aka "Happy Valley"). The focus of this trip will be on some of the outstanding gravel routes in and around State College. However, while a bit hilly, road and MTB cycling opportunities abound as well... Arriving Monday, the 18th of May, departing on Friday, the 22nd. This allows for a 4 night stay, with 3 full days of riding or other sightseeing activities available. As the home of Penn State university, there are numerous lodging opportunities. We have chosen Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State (1274 N Atherton St) as our primary hotel. Availability as of this writing is very good, with over 90 rooms available. Calling them directly at (814) 325-7484 resulted in a rate quote of roughly $450 for the 4 nights, including tax. The hotel seems nice, is centrally located, with a pool, free breakfast, and free parking. The Gravel Adventure Field Guide provides a good basic selection of potential rides, with a bit of background info for each. A basic Google search or Exploring the area on RwGPS will reveal many more. Note that SOME rides may be accessible directly from the hotel, but most will likely require a short drive to their starting point. This time of year should bring fantastic weather - with avg daily high temps around 70 deg, and abundant flowers. State College is roughly 630 miles from Traverse City, which is approximately a 10 hr drive. Be sure to Register your intended participation - this will ensure you‘re included in any pre-trip coordination planning (eg., possible carpooling, ride interest, etc.). Gravel Adventure Field Guide website: https://graveladventurefieldguide.com/hv-pa Must be a CCCC member to participate...

4 night/3 day cycling tour of the area around State College, Pennsylvania (aka "Happy Valley"). The focus of this trip will be on some of the outstanding gravel routes in and around State College. However, while a bit hilly, road and MTB cycling opportunities abound as well... Arriving Monday, the 18th of May, departing on Friday, the 22nd. This allows for a 4 night stay, with 3 full days of riding or other sightseeing activities available. As the home of Penn State university, there are numerous lodging opportunities. We have chosen Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State (1274 N Atherton St) as our primary hotel. Availability as of this writing is very good, with over 90 rooms available. Calling them directly at (814) 325-7484 resulted in a rate quote of roughly $450 for the 4 nights, including tax. The hotel seems nice, is centrally located, with a pool, free breakfast, and free parking. The Gravel Adventure Field Guide provides a good basic selection of potential rides, with a bit of background info for each. A basic Google search or Exploring the area on RwGPS will reveal many more. Note that SOME rides may be accessible directly from the hotel, but most will likely require a short drive to their starting point. This time of year should bring fantastic weather - with avg daily high temps around 70 deg, and abundant flowers. State College is roughly 630 miles from Traverse City, which is approximately a 10 hr drive. Be sure to Register your intended participation - this will ensure you‘re included in any pre-trip coordination planning (eg., possible carpooling, ride interest, etc.). Gravel Adventure Field Guide website: https://graveladventurefieldguide.com/hv-pa Must be a CCCC member to participate...

4 night/3 day cycling tour of the area around State College, Pennsylvania (aka "Happy Valley"). The focus of this trip will be on some of the outstanding gravel routes in and around State College. However, while a bit hilly, road and MTB cycling opportunities abound as well... Arriving Monday, the 18th of May, departing on Friday, the 22nd. This allows for a 4 night stay, with 3 full days of riding or other sightseeing activities available. As the home of Penn State university, there are numerous lodging opportunities. We have chosen Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State (1274 N Atherton St) as our primary hotel. Availability as of this writing is very good, with over 90 rooms available. Calling them directly at (814) 325-7484 resulted in a rate quote of roughly $450 for the 4 nights, including tax. The hotel seems nice, is centrally located, with a pool, free breakfast, and free parking. The Gravel Adventure Field Guide provides a good basic selection of potential rides, with a bit of background info for each. A basic Google search or Exploring the area on RwGPS will reveal many more. Note that SOME rides may be accessible directly from the hotel, but most will likely require a short drive to their starting point. This time of year should bring fantastic weather - with avg daily high temps around 70 deg, and abundant flowers. State College is roughly 630 miles from Traverse City, which is approximately a 10 hr drive. Be sure to Register your intended participation - this will ensure you‘re included in any pre-trip coordination planning (eg., possible carpooling, ride interest, etc.). Gravel Adventure Field Guide website: https://graveladventurefieldguide.com/hv-pa Must be a CCCC member to participate...

4 night/3 day cycling tour of the area around State College, Pennsylvania (aka "Happy Valley"). The focus of this trip will be on some of the outstanding gravel routes in and around State College. However, while a bit hilly, road and MTB cycling opportunities abound as well... Arriving Monday, the 18th of May, departing on Friday, the 22nd. This allows for a 4 night stay, with 3 full days of riding or other sightseeing activities available. As the home of Penn State university, there are numerous lodging opportunities. We have chosen Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State (1274 N Atherton St) as our primary hotel. Availability as of this writing is very good, with over 90 rooms available. Calling them directly at (814) 325-7484 resulted in a rate quote of roughly $450 for the 4 nights, including tax. The hotel seems nice, is centrally located, with a pool, free breakfast, and free parking. The Gravel Adventure Field Guide provides a good basic selection of potential rides, with a bit of background info for each. A basic Google search or Exploring the area on RwGPS will reveal many more. Note that SOME rides may be accessible directly from the hotel, but most will likely require a short drive to their starting point. This time of year should bring fantastic weather - with avg daily high temps around 70 deg, and abundant flowers. State College is roughly 630 miles from Traverse City, which is approximately a 10 hr drive. Be sure to Register your intended participation - this will ensure you‘re included in any pre-trip coordination planning (eg., possible carpooling, ride interest, etc.). Gravel Adventure Field Guide website: https://graveladventurefieldguide.com/hv-pa Must be a CCCC member to participate...

Join us at the VASA singletrack for an evening ride through the woods at a length of your choosing. The trail is well marked, so pick your option and then join other riders at the pavilion for socializing after your ride. Bring a snack to share and a beverage of your choice. Longer, faster riders will gather at 5:30 and shorter riders at 6:00. We will sign you in and you can ride at your own pace. Ride”leaders” will be Pam and Lance Huffer and Kathy Pilon. We are looking for others to help make this a successful, fun event!

4 night/3 day cycling tour of the area around State College, Pennsylvania (aka "Happy Valley"). The focus of this trip will be on some of the outstanding gravel routes in and around State College. However, while a bit hilly, road and MTB cycling opportunities abound as well... Arriving Monday, the 18th of May, departing on Friday, the 22nd. This allows for a 4 night stay, with 3 full days of riding or other sightseeing activities available. As the home of Penn State university, there are numerous lodging opportunities. We have chosen Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State (1274 N Atherton St) as our primary hotel. Availability as of this writing is very good, with over 90 rooms available. Calling them directly at (814) 325-7484 resulted in a rate quote of roughly $450 for the 4 nights, including tax. The hotel seems nice, is centrally located, with a pool, free breakfast, and free parking. The Gravel Adventure Field Guide provides a good basic selection of potential rides, with a bit of background info for each. A basic Google search or Exploring the area on RwGPS will reveal many more. Note that SOME rides may be accessible directly from the hotel, but most will likely require a short drive to their starting point. This time of year should bring fantastic weather - with avg daily high temps around 70 deg, and abundant flowers. State College is roughly 630 miles from Traverse City, which is approximately a 10 hr drive. Be sure to Register your intended participation - this will ensure you‘re included in any pre-trip coordination planning (eg., possible carpooling, ride interest, etc.). Gravel Adventure Field Guide website: https://graveladventurefieldguide.com/hv-pa Must be a CCCC member to participate...

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 Hive coffee shop in 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.

New for 2026 is a regular gravel/adventure series, 2-3 times a month on Sunday mornings. Routes will vary from introductory to "spicy", generally running from 15 to 50 miles in length. Terrain will consist of a mix of mostly dirt/gravel, minimal tarmac connecting roads, and occasional sandy sections or singletrack. RwGPS navigation files will be provided for each ride... This week ventures into what I‘ll refer to as "adventure riding" - the route has a little bit of everything! 85% unpaved, we‘ll see some gravel, dirt, pavement, punchy climbs, (probably) some sand, and some singletrack. A MTB is not inappropriate, but for maximum fun factor you‘ll want a gravel bike with wide tires! Originating from SLQA, we‘ll loop around on gravel until we cross M72, catch the Skegemog pathway to Barker Creek, returning to Sand Lakes. With a nod to Mr. Stivani, this is one of my favorite rides - best ridden early in the summer before the brush gets too thick. On a 1 to 10, call it a 7...

New for 2026 is an evening ride series conducted in partnership with the Hagerty Cycling Team. This ride will be held weekly starting at 6:30 pm out of East Bay Park and will generally follow the classic 41 mile Old Mission Peninsula loop to the lighthouse and back at a targeted pace of 20 mph. As an “A” level ride focusing on paceline group riding and race conditioning, this will be limited to acoustic bicycles only (no e-Bikes). Note that for the month of May we may stop slightly short of 41 miles to return before it gets dark.

Join us at the VASA singletrack for an evening ride through the woods at a length of your choosing. The trail is well marked, so pick your option and then join other riders at the pavilion for socializing after your ride. Bring a snack to share and a beverage of your choice. Longer, faster riders will gather at 5:30 and shorter riders at 6:00. We will sign you in and you can ride at your own pace. Ride”leaders” will be Pam and Lance Huffer and Kathy Pilon. We are looking for others to help make this a successful, fun event!

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 Hive coffee shop in 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.

Benzie Sunrise Rotary and Crystal Mountain are partnering to bring you a bicycle tour of Benzie County. Routes of 30, 40 and 60 miles. Great rest stops and post ride lunch. Registration required: $75 until May 26. View courses at bikebenzie.org