Across State Bicycle Tours: Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi

2013

Michigan

League of Michigan Bicyclists is offering a series of Shoreline Bicycle Tours in 2013. See details on all the rides at the League of Michigan Bicyclists website.

Great Lakes – Inn-to-Inn — Although cyclists will have to carry their own gear on this self-supported bicycle tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, they can travel light because nights and meals are spent indoors. This loop ride from Petoskey covers 356 miles. Presented by nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association. Dates: June 15-25, 2013.

Pedal Across Lower Michigan uses scenic, paved roads ideal for beginning and intermediate cyclists; very kid friendly and ideal for families. Starts in Norton Shores with overnights in Grandville, Lake Odessa, Dansville, Manchester, and Petersburg before ending in Luna Pier. Daily mileages range between 35 to 60 miles, with longer options for those who want the challenge. Dates: June 22-28, 2013.

Michigander Bicycle Tour — An ideal ride for mountain and hybrid bikes on rails-to-trails riding (also includes route for roadies). Check website for route. Sponsored by Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance. Dates: July 13-19, 2013.

Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw Bicycle Tour (DALMAC) is a four- or five-day ride, covering 300 to 500 miles depending on which of the five routes riders choose. From East Lansing to (or over) the Machinaw Bridge. Limited to about 1,900 riders. Sponsored by the Tri-County Bicycle Association. Dates: 5-Day or Bridge Ride — Aug. 21 – Sept. 1, 2013. See the website for other options and directions.

Great Lakes Relaxed – Fully supported bike tour begins and ends in Mackinaw City and explore the Upper Peninsula.. Presented by Adventure Cycling Association. Dates: Sept. 7-14, 2013.

Minnesota

Habitat 500 bike ride is a fund-raiser for the Habitat for Humanity Minnesota. The Habitat 500-mile ride  celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012. In 2013, the loop bike ride starts in Becker with overnights in Pierz,  Aitkin, Grand Rapids, Cromwell and Mora. Check the website for details when they available. Dates: July 14-20, 2013.

MS TRAM Bike Tour – The fund-raiser for the Minnesota chapter of the MS Society is a week-long supported bike ride from International Falls to Duluth. Check website for daily destination and accommodations. No mileage available. Dates: July 14-19, 2013.

Red Ribbon Ride — is a 300-mile bicycle tour fund-raiser for Minnesota AIDS service organizations; celebrating its 11th year in 2013. Starts at Mall of America in Bloomington, to Lake City, to Rochester, to Northfield with a closing ceremony at the state capitol is St. Paul. Dates: July 18-21, 2013.

Bicycling Around Minnesota visits the southern lakes region of the state. The tour starts and ends in Park Rapids, MN, with additional overnight stays in Walker, Pequot Lakes and Wadena. Register early — limited to 275 riders. Dates: Aug. 15-18, 2013.

Mississippi

At least three private companies offer bicycle tours, all of which include at least some riding on the Natchez Trace. Check out Classic Adventures, Woman Tours, Black Bear Adventures.