Michigander Bicycle Tour

Michigander Participants to be Featured on MTGA Web Site

One of Michigander rider will be featured each day on the Michigan Trails and Greenways (MTGA) Web site during the Bicycle Tour this July 11-17. MTGA announced today an effort showcase some of the great participants in the ride by telling their stories on the Web site. The short feature stories will cover why participants enjoy biking and supporting Michigan’s multi-use trails and will be posted right here on MTGA’s home page. If you or someone you know are registered to ride the Michigander and would like to be featured, email michigander [at] michigantrails [dot] org

Michigander Announces Incentives

Sign up today for the Michigander and bring your family and friends. The Michigander Bicycle Tour is offering free incentives for those who recruit riders. To learn more follow this link.

2009 Michigander Route Announced . . .

Register now for the 2009 Michigander Bicycle Tour to venture across some of Michigan’s scenic rail trails and back roads. This family-friendly ride will take place on the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, Pere Marquette Railtrail, White Pine Railtrail and Saginaw Valley Trail. All routes this year will be circle tours with an average of 40-60 miles per day with the start and finish lines in Edmore, Michigan

ABOUT MICHIGANDER . . . . .

Michigander Bicycle Tour is a ride for everybody. Both experienced and beginner cyclists as well as kids from 8 to 86 years old have thoroughly enjoyed the Michigander adventure. It is a tour ideal for hybrid, mountain and road bikes with a fully paved route option available. It’s a family-friendly ride that includes camping, two meals provided every day, shuttle service for your baggage, support service, and rest stops. The route will be on trails and low-traffic back roads in between the trails.

Join our Michigander Yahoo groups to communicate with other riders about the Michigander Bicycle Tour. Click on this link, then click on “join this group” and follow the steps.

MICHIGANDER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Sign up today for the Michigander and bring your family and friends. The Michigander Bicycle Tour is offering free incentives for those who recruit riders. To learn more follow this link.

TWO-DAY RIDE: JULY 11-12, 2009

Day 1:

Route: Start in Edmore taking the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and heading to Greenville then back to Edmore.

Approximate Mileage: Out & Back, 45 miles

Overnight location: Edmore

Day 2:

Route: Start in Edmore riding to Alma on the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and back to Edmore for the finish.

Approximate Mileage: Out & Back, 40 miles

SEVEN-DAY RIDE: JULY 11-17, 2009

Day 1:

Route: Riders will join the two-day group starting in Edmore, taking the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail to Greenville and back to Edmore.

Approximate Mileage: Out & Back, 45 miles

Overnight location: Edmore

Day 2 (Day 1 for six-day riders):

Route: Venture out again on the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail toward Alma where back roads lead to the Saginaw Valley Trail and St Charles.

Approximate Mileage: 56 miles

Overnight location: St. Charles

Day 3 (Day 2 for 6-day riders):

Route: Back roads will lead toward Bay City where riders will pick up the Bay City Riverwalk Railtrail in route to Bay City State Park.

Approximate Mileage: 62 miles

Overnight location: Bay City State Park

Day 4 (Day 3 for 6-day riders):

Route: Riding toward Midland to pick up the Pere Marquette Rail Trail of Mid Michigan and follow it to Clare.

Overnight location: Clare

Approximate Mileage: 52

Day 5 (Day 4 for 6-day riders):

Route: After starting the day with a pancake breakfast, riders will be back on the Pere Marquette Rail Trail going toward Michigan’s “Cross Roads City,” or Reed City, for evening activities.

Overnight location: Reed City

Approximate Mileage: 40

Day 6 (Day 5 for 6-day riders):

Route: Riders will take the White Pine Trail through quaint towns to Rockford.

Overnight location: Rockford

Approximate Mileage: 55 miles

Day 7 (Day 6 for 6-day riders):

Route: To complete the journey, the Fred Meijer Heartland Rail Trail will lead riders to the finish line in Edmore where cake, refreshments and pictures with the “Michigander Family” will take place.

Approximate Mileage: 53 miles

SIX-DAY RIDE: JULY 12-17, 2009

Day 1:

Arrive in Edmore and join the seven-day riders starting with their day two route. See the seven-day schedule above, starting with day two.

Vendors . . . . .

Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers . . .

Tired of putting your tent up and taking it down or would like a clean towel every night, or a comfortable chair to sit in at night?

1 On February 18th, 2009, Tim ryan said:

I like the circle tour plan , great idea.

2 On February 19th, 2009, grothjd said:

Thank you for a start and finish in the same city. Here are some questions. Will there be enough parking for everyone to leave their car for a week safely? Will there be enough restaurants between cities for lunch that are not too far from the trail? Thank you to all the volunteers and planning of the Michigander. My family is looking forward to another great trip!

3 On February 20th, 2009, barry said:

Yes, there will be enought parking for everyone to leave their car for the week. We route you through towns as much as possible each day for you to find stops for lunch. The map books has symbols that let you know what facilties are available. Some days there may be more towns and facilities than others. Please plan your route each day accordingly.

4 On February 24th, 2009, Rich Beaujean said:

I plan on riding my recumbent in the Gander for the first time. Will both the mountain/hybrid bike route and road bike route be in the same route booklet? Or, will there be a separate booklet for road bikes and recumbents?

5 On February 25th, 2009, Nancy said:

I have never done the Michigander, but have done Bike Virginia and GOBA. Are the rest stops free or do you pay for items? Just need to plan on how much money to bring.

6 On February 28th, 2009, susan donohue said:

You advertised an advanced single track options. Could you tell me more about this please? Is it on your website? How many folks do you anticipate on this advanced route?

Thanks.

7 On March 1st, 2009, .... said:

this looks like fun!

8 On March 2nd, 2009, barry said:

Yes, the mountain/hybrid and the road bike route will be in the same book. The road option is usually within site of the trail where the mountain/hybrid route is. When there is no trail and the route is on road, all routes will usually be together, if possible.

9 On March 2nd, 2009, barry said:

The single track is optional and MAY be available some days at points along the route or in camp at night if available to the area we are in. You may pick up information at the Michigander information table at each overnight site if there is a single track route available in the area or along the route each day.

10 On March 3rd, 2009, barry said:

Yes, the rest stops are free. They will have water and gatorade. No food, although some times there may be snacks available for free. We route you through towns as much as possible for you to purchase snacks and your lunch. Some times along the trail there may be a trail group with snacks that may take a donation.

11 On March 9th, 2009, Mark & Holly Swan said:

HI ALL,

Just wanted to let you know that Holly & I will
be retired B4 the ride & we will be there for the
whole week

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again

Mark & Holly
LIFE IS REALLY GOOD

12 On March 11th, 2009, royal oak rick said:

This will be my ninth Michigander and I’m really
looking forward to the circle tour. Sounds like
it’ll be a lot of fun. And Edmore was great to us
last year. See ya all on the trail this summer.

13 On March 24th, 2009, Krysha (of The Krup Family) said:

I cannot wait for the Michigander! I missed last year and was SO BUMMED! That is never happening again! See you all this year!!! And to those of you going on DALMAC….see you there for my first time!!!

14 On March 28th, 2009, Steve said:

I am so jazzed to be doing such an event! I’m really nervous but excited all at the same time. Yikes! I sure hope I can do it. LOL LOL LOL LOL=)

15 On April 9th, 2009, Bethlynn Sanders said:

Edgmore was WONDERFUL to us last year and I expect it will be just a fantastic this year. This will be my ninth Gander. Barry, Nancy and all the volunteers do a fablous job taking care of all our needs. I can’t wait to see them, thank them for all their hard work and ride till the diaper rash hurts not more !

16 On April 16th, 2009, Lynn said:

The Biker Babes are excited to once again me joining up for the annual week of great times. We love to see our friends from previous rides and meet new ones! Yes, Pat is joining us once again!! Let’s start our practice rides!!

17 On April 17th, 2009, Laura said:

This will be my 2nd Michigander. I am looking forward to this awesome summer adventure. Hats off to the amazing group who put this whole experience together. I haven’t plans to ever miss a summer!!! See ya all on the trail. —-Laura

18 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..

19 On April 20th, 2009, Dan Lonowski said:

Hi, I’m a new member. I’ve been watching develpments on the West Bloomfield trail extension westward. Any chance for a rail-biking link during the period when the rails are officially abandoned and when they get torn out? Could be a way to raise funds for the trail development.
Dan Lonowski

20 On April 20th, 2009, nancy said:

Hi Dan,
Thanks for your membership. The corridor can only be officially opened when the STB abandonment goes through, the purchase is complete, and then the safety precautions are installed, i.e., stop signs at crossings, bollards for denying motorized access, tracks taken out, etc. THat may be another year, but at least the communities seem to be on the right path!

21 On April 20th, 2009, Bethlynn Sanders said:

See y’all soon !

22 On April 30th, 2009, Steve said:

Hi - We’re looking forward to our third Michigander! Can you tell me if the entire path for the two day option paved this year?

23 On May 1st, 2009, barry said:

Saturday’s trail is paved, except we have a detour of 1.5 miles on gravel. The trail is blocked off for that day at one section. The paved road route is available if you need all pavement, but will ad 3 miles to the route.

Sunday’s route the first half of the trail is not open so the route will be on road. The last half of the trail is paved.

Also keep in mind this years route is different than in years past
for the weekend ride, it is an out and back route.

Thanks

24 On May 11th, 2009, Caroline said:

I have thought about doing this for quite some time. How does one prepare for this event? What would you say are the minimum requirements physically for joining the 2 day ride? I want to make sure I’m ready to tackle this.

Caroline

25 On May 14th, 2009, Laura H (a different Laura) said:

I’m looking forward to the Michigander. My son is too, he just doesn’t know it yet. My 18 year old Bianchi needs work - think it may be time to get a new bike. Bitter Sweet. Difficult deciding. Have to keep that White Pine trail in mind. Any suggestions??

26 On June 6th, 2009, Mildred said:

What is the average speed?

27 On June 7th, 2009, Jeanne said:

I missed last year because I was deployed to somewhere hot, dry and nearly bikeless. I cannot WAIT to see you all again and ride, ride, ride!

28 On June 7th, 2009, Nancy said:

Is it possible to do the total paved roads one day and gravel or whatever on other days or do I have to stick with one option. I may ride my tricross bike which is good on anything.

29 On June 8th, 2009, barry said:

Mildred,

The average speed is what ever speed you ride. It is not a race just a pace that is good for you to enjoy.

30 On June 8th, 2009, barry said:

Nancy
You may ride either option at anytime. If you are riding the trail that is gravel and want to jump off and ride the pavement you may do so at any time, any day.

31 On June 8th, 2009, barry said:

Great to have you back and Thank You !

32 On June 9th, 2009, Darren said:

I am looking forward to the ride as it will be my first time.

33 On June 23rd, 2009, RogerRobb said:

Looks like a thrill ride, other years should pale in comparison. Looking forward to it.

34 On June 24th, 2009, kim said:

Do the towns know that we are coming??? And to have plenty stuff,we can be hungry people….

35 On June 25th, 2009, kip kuschell said:

will there room for overnight camping in edmore for six day, riders ,starting on sunday, sat 7/11?

36 On June 27th, 2009, barry said:

Yes, the towns know we are coming. We go through ahead of the ride and then a week or two before the ride as we are painting the route to remind them.

37 On June 27th, 2009, barry said:

Yes, there will be camping for the 6-day riders on Saturday night before the ride starts. It is limited and may be tight due to limited camping area.

38 On June 27th, 2009, Nancy said:

How hilly will the ride be? As an east coaster I am not too familiar with the terrain. It will be my first time ever in Michigan.

39 On June 28th, 2009, larry said:

I’m packed and ready to go…..tuned up bike yesterday…… took it for a 30 mile ride this morning……see ya all in 2 weeks

40 On June 29th, 2009, barry said:

The weekend route is flat being it is a railtrail. If you are doing the 6-day route the first 5 days are flat. The 6th day (last day) the first half is rolling hills and the last half is flat. You being a east coaster, I am not sure which area you are from, so it is hard to compare hills.

41 On July 1st, 2009, sam (pit-bull) kennedy said:

WELL WELL ITS THAT TIME AGAIN. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE. SEE YOU ALL AT THE FINISH LINE. (GO BIG OR GO HOME)

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.