Michigander 2011 Dates

2-Day “Weekend” – July 16 & 17

6-Day – July 17-22

7-Day – July 16-22

Route to be announced at a later date

It’s a Ride for Everybody with three tour options

The mileage each day is 35-55 miles per day. It is a family friendly ride on traffic – free trails that includes camping each night, two meals provided every day, shuttle service for your luggage, and water stops. Baggage transport and campsites are included. Both experienced and beginner cyclists will enjoy the adventure of a circle tour. Michigander riders have included kids from 8 to 86 years old. All you need to do is ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Michigan’s trails and back roads.

It’s a tour ideal for hybrid, mountain bikes, we’ve included a route for road bikes.

Michigander 2010 – Voices, Videos, and Photo’s

Lila Lazarus tells us of her adventure on Michigander

Voices of Michigander

Photo’s each day by Mike Wendland

Michigander 2010 – Tales from the Trails – Enjoying the Beauty of Michigan on a Bike

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!

1 On April 19th, 2009, Roger Zapinski said:

I would’nt miss it for anything….If you don’t see me at the Michigander…I have passed on..

2 On December 19th, 2009, Tim Payne said:

This will be my 17th Michigander come July 2010. If my daughter raises enough money (as Dad is financing school trip to Ireland and Scotland this summer) this could be her 5th Michigander.

To anyone reading these posts, the Michigander is a great experience. It is really easy to make new friends on this tour. The organizers and volunteers do a fantastic job, and we travel through some great Michigan scenery.

I cannot wait to see the completed route for 2010. Anywhere near Mackinaw or Indian River always makes for a great time!

Biker Babes (You know who you are), see you on the trail…

3 On January 11th, 2010, Ann, Kathy, Chris, Janise and Jill said:

The Beanie Babies are soooo excited about the 2010 circle tour in Northern Lower Michigan! These are some of the best trails and towns that we have ever done!! Can’t wait to see all of our Michigander friends again this year!

4 On January 14th, 2010, Rich said:

To those not certain about participating in the 2010 Michigander. Do-o-o It! The trails in that area are great and the towns are friendly. The people who ride the Gander are friendly and outgoing. I keep coming back (this will be my 9th Gander) because of the people, the volunteers, the leadership, and the routes. Keep up the good work Nancy, Barry, and everyone at MTGA. Oh yes! Hey Biker Babes, I’ll see you there. We have some dancing to do-maybe even karaoke if a Keyhole is a stop on the way. Who knows? Until then…bye.

5 On January 15th, 2010, Ken Peterson said:

I’ve only done road bike tours and am interested in doing the road option next summer. Are there many riders who opt to do the road option?

6 On January 20th, 2010, Jeannine Havens said:

I did my first 6-day Michigander in 2009. What an awesome experience. The week flew by and before I knew it I was crossing the finish line with my new friends. I plan to ride in 2010 and I encourage anyone who loves to ride to join us.

7 On January 25th, 2010, Mel said:

The circle route for 2010 is great. Plan to be there. It will be my 19th. Great ride, super volunteers and thanks to Barry for all the planning.

8 On January 29th, 2010, Boyd said:

This message is for Marcia (msg 8). Our destination each night is almost always a high school. We use the bathrooms and showers (and cafeteria) at the school. (Sometimes the custodian remembers to fire up the boiler the day BEFORE we get there and there is hot shower water.) Regarding the tent hassle and bailing out to a hotel, there is an in-between option that is not mentioned in the official brochure. Check out Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers at to add some luxury to your ride. If you stay at a hotel you’ll miss half the fun.

Also, remember my buddy Jack’s comment, “The secret to the Michigander is earplugs.” He’s right. Bring some.

9 On February 1st, 2010, kim kimball said:

this is #19 ride for me.–would not miss it for anything..( I MEAN ANYTHING) the ride keeps getting better every year. this is like a gathering of my 2 family.. been there done that gone thru hell and back..hope to see the smiling faces and the sea of tents,, and always a hug by Carol makes the day GREAT thanks again for wonderful experince to ride the trails..get off the pavement and get some dirt, dust, grit, sweat,, of the single track riding that where its the best…….. peace

10 On February 1st, 2010, Dan Katona said:

My wife Monica and I rode in 5 or 6 of the earliest 6-day Michiganders and we still talk about the experiences. We’ve moved all over the country since the last one, and are currently living (and riding in) in California or we’d still be riding with all the great folks we met in past Michiganders. Sam Kennedy and I (aka-Goose) spent many a mile “hammering” the trail, with each of us “encouraging” the other, while Rita and Monica kept their own pace and arrived on their own schedule. I truly miss it (and the people)-but you don’t need to. This is a wonderful event. The 2010 route is awesome. Trust me-just do it.

11 On February 2nd, 2010, Corrie Chafin said:

I would love to do the 2-day, this will be my first time; please send any helpful advise – i’m putting in for vacation today. Do many people go alone?

12 On February 10th, 2010, Bill WIlliams said:

Corrie,
The 2-day is a great introduction to the Michigander. I did my first Michigander four years ago, and while I started riding alone, I didn’t finish that way. Most riders you will encounter on Michigander are willing (and often eager) to chat with anybody riding their pace. You’ll also get to know your neighbors in Tentville on Saturday night. With the first overnight in Indian River, get your tent set up and then see if your neighbors want to go tubing, it’s what I did in Big Rapids my first year.

On Michigander, truly riding alone is a choice — you can do it if you really try hard, but chances are you’ll find a bunch of new friends along the way!

13 On February 11th, 2010, "the bike lady" Diane said:

I will be returning again this year. This is my 19th Michigander. My 9th as your loyal bicycle mechanic in the little red truck.see You in July.
Pleasant Pedaling

14 On February 21st, 2010, jeff "truck driver" said:

The Michigander is loads of fun. Can’t wait to see everyone again. Barry, I’ll be driving the truck for another year!

15 On February 28th, 2010, Teri said:

I am also going to be going solo for the first time this year. I am very excited and will be riding a road bike. I can’t wait for July!!!!

16 On March 8th, 2010, Bob Moreo said:

I would love to hear from riders who’ve brought young children. My 3yo son loves our bike rides together, and I’m giving the 2-day trip a lot of consideration. He rides with me on a front-mounted seat called the iBert, which we just love. We ride Hines Park in Wayne County, but never more than about 5 miles out and 5 back (after a stop at the playground!) so I have to get training.

17 On April 4th, 2010, Darren said:

I will be back for my 2nd year. I already have the time off work and looking forward to the 7 day ride again seeing old friends and hopefully making new ones. I can’t imagine the summer without doing the Michigander now. I have never been to any of the cities on this tour but I have heard they are a lot of fun. See everyone in July.

18 On April 7th, 2010, Rich said:

Indian River will be having a Summerfest, July 13-18. To view the Friday & Saturday activities go to the section near the top of this page labeled “Circle route for 2010″ . Next, click on the highlighted area stating, “To see many other activities in Indian River follow this link.” You will be taken to the schedule of events. Friday night arrival sounds good to me. What do you think Downhill Bob, Kevin, Ron, Brian, Jeff “The Truck Driver”, The Biker Babes, and all the rest of you? Until July, bye.

19 On April 9th, 2010, James said:

This will be my second Michigander this year with many past road miles behind me. This year have invited a novice rider with me. May our roads be dry, the wind at our backs, and laughter abound, securing a future for other rides later. J/K Express

20 On April 11th, 2010, Patt Fry said:

Hi Everyone….excited to be doing my 18th year. My granddaughter, Cyd, will be joining me for her 4th year. Whether riding or volunteering, we enjoy being with all of my friends, who have now become her friends. We look forward to seeing everyone in July….see you up the trail!

21 On April 11th, 2010, Lesa said:

Bob – There are tons of people with kids on the weekend. Some even younger. The great thing about the ride this summer is its an out and back Sat and Sun. You can ride out as far as you want and go back. There is a fair in Indian River that weekend too!

I have done this ride alone a three times. Yow will meet alot of great people and have a ton of fun doing it!

See you there! This is my 8th year. I too started on a weekend ride to make sure I could do it. This will be my 5th 7 day ride. The time just flies by! I even met my husband on the ride!

22 On April 17th, 2010, Mike and Cindy Long said:

Hi Everyone- We are just sending in our registration today for the 7 day tour. This will be Mike’s 3rd Michigander and I got to experience 2 days of it last year with him. He wanted me to come and meet all his friends- I had a BLAST!! The towns and trails we are going on this yr look AWAESOME… and the 2 day stop in Mackinaw will be really nice. Looking forward to seeing everyone again!!

Mike and Cindy Long ( Lansing, MI )
we ride the lime green Rans Screamer tandem

23 On May 13th, 2010, Keith Nelson said:

I rode in Michigander I through XIV –never missed a single one. I moved to Texas in 2004, then New York in 2008, got way too busy and didn’t keep it up. I’m moving back to Michigan this June and can’t wait to get back to the Michigander. My son (Michiganders IV – XIV) grew up on this ride and we’re hoping to make it to at least the 2-day this July and will be looking forward to the 6-day in 2011. I like the loop this year. In Michigander I you had to have a good imagination to see a trail in some places!

Keith & Bret Nelson
(Troy and St. Johns, MI)

24 On May 27th, 2010, Jody and Cyndi James said:

This is my eight and my wifes 3rd Michigander, I started with the GEARHEADS from Temperence Mi and continue the tradition(my Brother in law)This is a ride that should not be missed ! Nancy and her organization is Exceptional in there planning and in there work in bringing Michigan together by rail trail. I cannot say enough about their work! I hope to see Alex, Kelly, and Ben(Bengia)on the trail GO GEARHEADS!!. Really you Don’t want to miss this ride.

25 On May 30th, 2010, kim Lewis said:

Can anyone tell me what the trail is like. This year will be a first for my group and need to make sure we are ready. Is anyone training riding in the Livonia area?

26 On June 15th, 2010, Am I Nuts? said:

Ok we’re signed up to do the 7 days. the biking we know but camping that’s new.
We have enlistsed Bubba but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Like what to put our stuff in. The registration says two “duffles”. what do the mean and where can we get them? what about our sleeping bags.
suggestions beyond what they say to bring?
and one last thing-how many people will be on this ride?
and yes my wife thinks I am nuts.

27 On June 23rd, 2010, Marion Jurewicz said:

Hello tour riders. This will be my first time on the Michigander. Unfortunately, I can only do the 2-day tour. I have a minor lower back problem and for medical reasons are not able to do more. I am a little bit nervous, but look forward to riding with my 3 friends.I have a Specialized {crossroads hybrid] so I feel ready, bike was tuned up. I would like to know just what the trils are like to Cheyboygan and then to Vanderbilt. Can anyone tell me

Marion jurewicz

28 On June 27th, 2010, Jill Corwin said:

This is my second time doing this event. I swore after the first time I would never do it again, but the trails this year look good. I have friends and family doingt it with me, so it should be great. See you up there.

29 On June 30th, 2010, Cate Boskee said:

This will be my second year coming back, and I cannot wait! I’ve been trying to get all my friends and family to come along for the ride. I can’t wait!

30 On July 19th, 2010, Rod Slocum said:

I recently moved to Arizona and I am truly missing the ride. The route this year looks to be awesome. Bellaire and Harbor Springs are two of my favorite stops. I eat to ride and ride to eat; these two places know how to feed hungry bikers. Hope you all have a great ride and I am going to do all I can to make it back to ride next year. I miss all the people doing what makes us happy. Be safe!

Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance

MTGA is a non-profit organization that shall foster and facilitate the creation of an interconnected statewide system of trails and greenways for recreation, health, transportation, economic development and environmental/cultural preservation purposes.