
by Gretchen Mensing
Michigan Fitness Foundation
I had been looking forward to participating in my second Michigander Bicycle Tour for quite a while. My husband and I were set to ride the two-day tour, with day one taking us from Indian River to Cheboygan and back, and day two riding south to Vanderbilt and back (six and seven day riders ventured on to Gaylord on day two). While riding the Michigander, I marveled at the beauty that is Michigan outdoors.
Day one of the Michigander started in Indian River, nestled along the Sturgeon River in between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake.
After setting up camp, we started off on our Michigander adventure. It was a beautiful, sunny day, with just enough breeze and shade along the trail to keep us comfortable. The crushed limestone trail rode comfortably and followed along the western edge of Mullett Lake. The sunshine sparkled on the lake as we pedaled along briskly.
After 20 miles, we arrived in Cheboygan, for a much-needed lunch break. People walking down the street actually called “Welcome to Cheboygan!” to us as we rode toward a restaurant. Michigander riders were able to paint on a community mural at the park. After a delicious lunch, my husband and I rode down the street to the beach at Lake Huron. Off to the west we could see the Mackinac Bridge in the distance.
The morning of day two, a little tired and sore, we hopped on our bikes and headed for Vanderbilt. As a light rain fell, we rode down the trail surrounded by trees. To my right I could see the Sturgeon River, which we followed all the way down the trail.
The Michigander affords us an opportunity to see Michigan in a unique way. In such close proximity to lakes, rivers and woods, I gained a new appreciation for living in this state. Each year, the Michigander shows riders the beauty of Michigan and the importance of the trails they ride on. If you haven’t seen Michigan this way, you should!