By: Kim Thomas
Are you ready to tackle a group bike ride with hundreds of like-minded cyclists?
You’re in luck. There are more than 100 Michigan bike rides scheduled between June and December of this year. So whether you want to stay close to home, or explore Michigan hotspots, the view from behind the handlebars is sure to be a treat.
West Michigan:
Aug. 8, 2015 – One Day Ride Across Michigan – Montague
- This ride is just as it sounds. One day. One ride. Straight across the state! The route is 148 miles and starts in Montague and ends in Bay City. All proceeds from the event benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
July 18, 2015 – Holland Hundred – Holland
- This year marks the 41st Anniversary of the Holland Hundred. The ride begins at the Herman Miller Greenhouse in Holland and makes use of both road and multi-use trails as it winds through fields and forests. You may choose a 100 mile, 67 mile, 36 mile or 18 mile route.
Oct. 17, 2015 – Colorburst – Lowell
- For those of you that enjoy biking and enjoying the colors of fall, this is an event that combines both. The Colorburst offers several different distances including a 17, 30, 62 and 100 mile ride. Colorburst also offers a pancake breakfast beforehand, and hot soup for lunch afterward.
Southeast Michigan:
June 27, 2015 – Tour de Hops – Fenton
- This 30 mile group ride takes you from Fenton to Goodrich along paved and dirt roads. Participants can enjoy a hop farm tour and beer at the halfway point and a post ride party with beer and food. The Tour de Hops is a regular event of Motor City Bike and Brew Tours.
Aug. 1, 2015 – Komen Mid-Michigan Ride for the Cure – Midland
- Ride to find a cure for breast cancer in an annual Mid-Michigan event. The ride offers 30, 60 and 100 mile routes. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from this event go toward breast cancer awareness and prevention. Men, women and children of all ages are invited.
Sept. 19, 2015 – Tour De Troit – Detroit
- Explore Detroit’s historic areas and take over the streets of Motown in the 17th Annual Tour de Troit. The group ride offers two distances. The first is a 30 mile route with one rest stop. Experienced cyclists are invited to ride the 62 mile option. Last year more than 7,000 riders enjoyed the sights!
Northern Michigan:
July 19, 2015 – Ride Around Torch – Elk Rapids
- The Ride Around Torch takes bicyclists around the shores of Torch Lake, Michigan’s longest inland lake. The scenic tour starts in Elk Rapids and depending on the ride chosen (26, 63 or 100 miles) you’ll pass through Eastport, Clam River, and even a food stop at Crystal Beach Park.
July 26, 2015 – Black Bear – Grayling
- The Black Bear in Grayling features only one distance, 100 miles, but don’t let that deter you from riding! Riders of all speeds are welcomed, but it is recommended you’re able to ride at least 50 to 75 miles first. The bicycle tour winds through the forests of eastern Northern Michigan and follows portions of the AuSable River.
Aug. 1, 2015, – Michigan Mountain Mayhem Beat the Heat Tour – Boyne City
- This race has six routes to choose from. The 22 and 40 mile loops are both flat and include scenic and paved bike paths. For those of you willing to testing your endurance and sanity, the Beat the Heat tour also offers a 50k, 100k, 160k and 200k ride! Those four routes feature hill challenges that bounce riders between ridges and valleys.
For more group rides, visit the League of Michigan Bicyclists ride calendar.
About the Author: Kim Thomas is the vice president of general counsel at Priority Health. She is avid cyclist and has participated in her fair share of bike races and group rides. Kim is a Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition Board member as well as a USA Cycling Certified Coach.
