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Epic Northern Michigan Routes

After riding a stretch on the Leelanau Trail, the 18 mile route takes you out and around one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the area. Being mostly flat this is an ideal route for younger riders. This route includes one food stop at mile 13 before heading the remainder of the way along the waterfront to the finish at North Park in Suttons Bay.

The 38 mile route follows the 18 mile, then continues northwest across the peninsula through rolling hills, apple orchards and vineyard estates to the north end of Lake Leelanau, where you'll loop back around and finish at North Park in Suttons Bay. This route includes 2 food stops at miles 13 and 28.

The 70 mile route extends the 38 mile, continuing northward to the quaint town of Northport and on to the picturesque lighthouse at Leelanau State Park. You'll return along the western side of the peninsula through some of the most beautiful cycling roads in northern Michigan. On a clear day, views of Beaver, Fox and Manitou islands can be had from various spots along the route, and keep an eye out for goats grazing in pastures on your way past Idyll Farms. This route includes 3 food stops at miles 13, 29 and 60, and finishes up at North Park in Suttons Bay.

Post-Ride Harvest Lunch

North Park in Suttons Bay has full restroom and hand washing capabilities on site. Your picnic lunch will be located overlooking beautiful Suttons Bay on the waterfront with accompanying music. The picnic runs from 11:00 to 4:00 so all riders will need to time their departures appropriately.

Ride Details

HIGHLIGHTS

• Well-marked roads on all routes
• Detailed route maps with cue sheets provided
• Roving SAG support for emergencies
• Food stops with toilet facilities
  
• Pre-ride tech support provided by Suttons Bay Bikes
  
• Tour profits are donated to organizations that support and improve bicycling in our region
• All classes of e-bikes are welcome

FOOD STOPS

Rest stops on all routes have lake views. Each rest stop has toilet facilities and handwashing stations.

POST-RIDE HARVEST LUNCH

Lunch will be served at North Park from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 pm. The lunch is included in the tour fee for all registrants. Box lunch choice will be offered as part of registration.

SAFETY

• Helmets must be worn by all riders
• Riders are to obey all traffic rules and laws and to ride in a courteous and safe manner. Michigan law requires cyclists to ride as close to the right as practicable and not more than two abreast
• Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a cycling adult

START LOCATION

All routes start at Herman Park in Suttons Bay located 16 miles north of Traverse City at 1060 S. Herman Rd., Suttons Bay, MI. The finish is at the waterfront in Suttons Bay at North Park.

REFUND POLICY

The bike tour is a rain or shine event. Individuals may cancel their registration and request a refund up to August 25.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write to: lhtdirector@cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org

For information on hotel, motel, and camping options and area attractions, please use these links: Leelanau County, Traverse City, Pure Michigan. Local camping options include theLeelanau Pines Campground and Lake Leelanau RV Park both on the west side of Lake Leelanau.

Our two, one-day tours, the Ride Around Torch and the Leelanau Harvest Tour have enabled the CCCC to conduct a productive and meaningful grant program that supports bicycling projects that contribute to achieving our mission of promoting bicycling as part of a healthy lifestyle. Since 1999 the CCCC has proudly granted over $400,000 to local organizations seeking to do projects like this.