Michigander Bicycle Tour

Join us July 14-20 for the 21st Annual Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance Michigander Bicycle Tour. Experienced and beginner cyclists of all ages will enjoy this biking adventure on northern Michigan’s rail trails and back roads.

The two-day tour option is a great choice for families and first-time riders who want to experience what bicycle touring entails. This year, two-day tour participants will ride completely on trails, providing for a family-friendly, safe, quiet and traffic-free ride. Riders who want to extend their fun and challenge their fitness will enjoy the many trails and towns the week long tour offers.

Featured trails on this year’s tour are the North Central State Trail and the North East State Trail. The Michigander will take participants through some of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful trails and back roads, and spotting elk and other wildlife is almost a guarantee. Riders will have an opportunity to explore the historic Mill Creek State Park as they pedal their way to Cheboygan. In Alpena, participants can experience “Shipwreck Alley” firsthand as they tour the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve or take a ride on a glass bottom boat. The 21st Michigander is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of Northern Michigan on two wheels.

Bring your hybrid, mountain or road bike. An all-paved route is available for road bikes, and there are plenty of opportunities for mountain bikers to test their mettle on singletrack.

Michigander 2012 Dates ! ! !

2-Day “weekend” – July 14 & 15

6-Day – July 15-20

7-Day – July 14-20

First time riding the Michigander? Not really sure what to expect?

Check out Lila’s video on her first experience riding
during the 2010 Michigander.

Here from Florence, Samantha and Laurel from Alabama and Woody
from South Carolina on their first Michigander.

1 On August 31st, 2010, Greg Capsel said:

I would love to be a part of this for 2011. I just moved here form Wichita, Kansas with my wife and children. How do i sign up for the Michigander?

2 On March 29th, 2011, John Feeney said:

In the last ~ 20 years, I’ve ridden alot of tours in the Midwest. The Michigander is one of the only midwest tours that’s new, fun, and challenging, every year. We need to support Michigan Trails/Greenways. But, it’s not just that. It’s the scenery, the people, and the towns that keeps me coming back. See you this summer?

3 On May 20th, 2011, Bubba said:

The Michigander is a great fun filled bike tour. Why not leave your tent and all that hassle behind. Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers will supply you with a top quality tent and do all the set-up and take-down daily. Inside the tent you will find a fully inflated thick air mattress. A fresh towel/wash cloth and a camp chair will be provided daily along with cold drinks and snacks. Baggage transportation and cell phone charging also.
Bottom line; you bike we do the rest.
It’s your vacation; why not PAMPER yourself!
Details from BubbasPamperedPedalers.com

4 On July 23rd, 2011, Karen Duhl said:

Yesterday I completed my first ever 7 day Michigander!!! It was amazing. I had the best time ever. I’d like to thank all the wonderful people who work very hard to make this journey a success. I will see you next year!!!

5 On July 26th, 2011, Heather Grace said:

I’m only sad that I just found this. My husband and I can’t wait to try it next year.

6 On August 24th, 2011, nancy said:

We have tried to post as many rider pics as possible on our photobucket account. Search “Michtrails” then look at our “Michigander 2011″ photo album at http://www.photobucket.com

7 On November 11th, 2011, Ann Franas said:

The route looks AWESOME! New stops and new scenery….can’t beat that. Once again, nice job Michigander staff and volunteers. Love the Michigander and can’t wait to see everyone again next summer!!

8 On December 5th, 2011, Jody James said:

You just can’t beat the comradiere, loosing 20 pounds in 7 days, the people, and most of all the staff and the Great job they do putting the tour together. This is a must do vacation every year – It’s Pure Michigan Fun

9 On December 19th, 2011, Tim Payne said:

I have been on all but the first two Michiganders. I think that I have now been on more 7-day rides than the 2-day rides. This is a great way to have a vacation with my Biker Babe…and Dude family!

Not sure what to expect, join us for the 2-day ride. Want a great week away from the world and its constant demand of your attention, join us for the 6 or 7-day ride.

10 On January 9th, 2012, Rod Slocum said:

I moved to Arizona 2 years ago and the riding is awesome. Each year though; in July my thoughts turn to Michigan and my friends on the Michigander. I hope to return this year for a Michigander vacation. You cannot beat seeing Michigan and all it’s beauty on a bicycle. If you are coming to AZ send me a note.

11 On January 29th, 2012, Matt said:

My wife and I are thinking about doing the 2 day trip this July. I have a hybrid bike that has pretty narrow tires because I only ride on paved surfaces. I was wondering how much of this tour was on paved roads versus trails. And if a large portion is on dirt, would a more mountiain bike type tire be better?

12 On January 31st, 2012, barry said:

The trails that we will be riding are crushed stone. I have rode them with my road bike of 1 1/8 tires. We will be on the trails for 4 days of the 6-days, but there is there is a paved route for the whole ride if you prefer to ride pavement.

13 On February 13th, 2012, Mike said:

I cant believe it has been 21 years since the first Michigander. There were only around 250 riders that year and we had a blast. None of us had any idea of what to expect. At that time there wasn’t a road course choice, and at some points it was hard to tell if there really was a trail to go down. I stopped to check on a grandmother riding the seven day with her grandson, at one of the not so distinguishable trail heads half way though the week, and she told me she couldn’t remember the last time she had this much fun. I road the first three years and hope to make it back again soon. To those that think you may not be able to finish. Spend some time in the saddle to condition you backside, and remember the only thing you have to do each day is to be at the next overnight in time for supper. Enjoy

14 On March 4th, 2012, cheryl said:

I am planning to ride my first Michigander and I was wondering if it is flat, hilly, combination of both. How difficult of a ride is it for a fairly new cyclist? Looking forward to this new adventure

15 On March 5th, 2012, barry said:

Cheryl,
It depends on which route you are doing. If you are doing the 2-day it is flat. If you are doing the 6-day, 4 days of the 6 are on railtrail which is flat. The other 2-days are flat to hilly because we are totally on road. If you are totally riding on the road for 6 days then it will be flat to hilly for the 6 days. First part of the 4th day has the most hills.

16 On April 26th, 2012, Marion Jurewicz said:

This will be my 3rd ride with my GOOD FRIEND BILL. I brought my 14 year old grandson Dave with me. He really enjoyed it. The 2 day ride is a great family ride. A TRULY PURE MICHIGAN STATE PROMOTION.

mARION JUREWICZ

17 On April 30th, 2012, cheryl said:

Just trying to register on line, do you accept Canadian registrations on line?

18 On April 30th, 2012, barry said:

Yes, we accept Canadian registrations.

19 On April 30th, 2012, Danielle said:

I was wondering how kid friendly the 2 day ride is. I am thinking about going with my 10 year olds, but want to make sure it’s something they can handle. Any info about kids biking would be great!

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.