About Us
April 18, Adopt-a-Highway
April 18, Adopt-Highway,Petoskey State Park, Emmet CountyApril 30, "Trails in the Tip"
April 30, "Trails in the Tip," presentation by Emily Meyerson, Northern Michigan DNR Trails Coordinator, 7 pm, Charlevoix Public Library in downtown Charlevoix, Emily's talk will outline the development vision for the more than 270 miles of trails or trails-to-be in the Top of Michigan Trails Council system, question and answer period to follow.May 16 (S) Harbor Springs to Conway to Petoskey to Harbor Springs Bicycle Ride
May 16 (S) Harbor Springs to Conway to Petoskey to Harbor Springs Bicycle Ride, Emmet County, uses parts of the Little Traverse Wheelway and the Petoskey to Mackinaw City Trails and local roads, some commentary enroute, 15 miles, about two hours, all bikes welcome but some riders might prefer a hybrid or mountain bike, discount lunch coupons from a local restaurant available, meet before 10 am at Zorn Park in downtown Harbor Springs
May 8 (F) TOMTC Annual Meeting
May 13 (W)) TOMTC Annual Meeting, 10 am, North Central Michigan College Conference Center, Petoskey, featured speaker is Jim Conboy, TOMTC Board Member and cycylist. His talk is entitled: "What I did on my Summer Vacation--my Cross Country Bicycle TripMay 20, Ride of Silence
May 20, Ride of Silence, 10 miles, 1 hour, start in downtown Harbor Springs between Harbormaster's cabin and the Pier Restaurant at 7 pm, event remembers bicyclists who have died while riding on public roadways and promotes bicycle safety, Chuck Benson, (231) 838-4236, cjbenson516@gmail.com, www.rideofsilence.comMay 23) (S) Forty Mile Point Open House near Rogers City
May 23 (S) Dedication and Ribbon Cutting of new two mile segment of the Huron-Sunrise Trail, ceremonies begin at 10am. In conjunction with Forty Mile Point Open House, Arts and Crafts Show, many activities at the lighthouse, activity is open from 10 am to 4 pm on both days, admission is free and light refreshments will be served, www.40milepointlighthouse.org.May 30 (S) Harbor Springs Cycling Classic,
May 30 (S) Harbor Springs Cycling Classic, start in Harbor Springs, 7077 S. Lake Shore Drive, 20-42-64 mile courses, $20, $25 after 4/30, novice to advanced cyclists welcome on 3 courses, each includes scenic "Tunnel of Trees" which in spring is lined with Trillium, refreshment stops with great cookies and a superb BBQ lunch, Harbor Springs Cycling Club c/o Birchwood Inn, (231) 526-2151, birchwood @racc2000.com, www.birchwoodinn.comJune 6 (S) National Trails Day Ride from Wolverine, details TBA
Special Event, June 6 (S) National Trails Day Ride, Take in the Outdoors," starts and ends in Wolverine, Cheboygan County, ride in any direction from Wolverine, sample round trip distances are Vanderbilt 21.8 miles, Gaylord 37.0 miles, Rondo Road and 7.4 miles, Indian River 19.2 miles, Topinabee 30.4 miles, Cheboygan 54.2 miles, all bikes welcome, SAG wagons provided, vendor area, prizes, delicious lunch available at Wolverine for only $5, $25-$30 after May 15, tee shirts included in price for pre-registered riders only (please register children in approved bike carrier at no charge) registration and packet pickup begins at 8;30 am at Lumberjack Park located on the Sturgeon River in Wolverine near the junction of Main Street and the Straits HighwayJune 13-June 14 (S-Sun) Big Mac Shoreline Spring Scenic Bicycle Tour from Mackinaw City, Emmet County
June 13-June 14 (S-Sun) Big Mac Shoreline Spring Scenic Bicycle Tour, start in Mackinaw City and the Recreation Complex, 609 Central Avenue, Emmet County,25, 50, 75, 100 mile courses, $20, $25 after 6/1, four inland and shoreline courses on marked routes, SAG wagons patrol courses, incredible scenerey and light cook-out lunch, on Sunday 400 riders will climax their adventure with a ride across the magnificent Mackinac Bridge and a boat cruise back to Mackinac City, Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Vieau, (888) 455-8100, info@mackinawchamber.com, www.mackinawchamber.comJune 20-June 26 (F-Sun) Sunrise Adventure Shoreline Tour from Rogers City
June 20-June 26 (F-Sun) Sunrise Adventure Shoreline Tour, start in Rogers City, Presque Isle County, 40-60 miles per day, see website for fees, experience the spectacular Lake Huron coastline of the Lower Peninsula, Rogers City is the home base for 3 days of scenic riding, League of Michigan Bicyclists, office@LMB.org, www.lmb.orgJune 20 (S) Charlevoix-Emmet Pink Ribbon Ride from Boyne City
June 20 (S) Charlevoix-Emmet Pink Ribbon Ride, Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, start at Boyne City Veterans' Park, 7, 20, 42, 55 mile courses, $30 individual-$50 family, $35/$60 after 6/19. DOE, raises money to benefit cancer programs offered through Charlevoix Area and Northern Michigan Regional Hospitals including tests for un-insured and underi-nsured women, Sue Morris (231) 536-7066, penbryn@charter.net, www.bike4breast cancer.orgJune 20 (S) Resort Bluffs Segment Dedication and Bicycle Ride on the Little Traverse Wheelway
June 20 (S) Resort Bluffs Segment Dedication and Bicycle Ride on the Little Traverse Wheelway, Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, ride through the Resort Bluffs segment to Petoskey and then anywhere you wish from East Park in Bay Harbor, ride follows trail dedication and East Park Re-dedication, breakfast from 9 to 10 am, Prtoskey Steel Drum Band ensemble performs from 9 to 10 am, distances from East Park are Petoskey Clock Tower; 2.5 miles, Spring Lake Park 5.5 miles, Harbor Springs downtown 11.5 miles, Bay Harbor Drive .5 miles, Bay Shore 5.5 miles, Charlevoix Township Park 12 miles, Charlevoix bridge 14.5 miles, all-asphalt trail, many events including a (two) bicycle raffle, drive your car, walk, or ride your bike to East Park, a project of the Top of Michigan Trails Council, Consumers Energy, Resort Township, City of Petoskey. Ceremonies at East Park start at 10 am.July 11 (S) Expanded Alpena Bi-Path Ride
July 11 (S) Expanded Alpena Bi-Path, Alpena County, enjoy the Bi-Path and the recent additions that add distance and variety to this urban jewel. We will also locate the point where the Bi-Path will connect to Alpena to Cheboygan Trail that is scheduled to be improved in 2011. About 15 miles, 2 hours, all bikes welcome, discount coupons from a local restaurant available, meet before 10 am at South Riverfront Park in downtown AlpenaJuly 11-July 17 (S-F) Michigander Bicycle Tour
July 11-June 17 (S-F) Michigander Bicycle Tour (not in northern Michigan this year), starts in Edmore, Montcalm County, 40-60 miles per day, $298, $333 after 5/15, camping tour of rail trails and backroads of Michigan, family-friendly ride that provides two meals every day, shuttle service for baggage, support services and rest stops, ideal for hybrid and mountain bicycles with a "new" road bike option this year, Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance, Barry Culham, (517) 485-6022, michigander@mighigantrails.orgJuly 18 (S) Adopt-a-Highway
July 18 (S) Adopt-a-Highway, details TBAJuly 19 (Sun) Ride Around Torch (RAT)
July 19 (Sun) Ride Around Torch (RAT) start at Elk Rapids Elementary School, 25,62,100 mile courses, $23, $28 after 7/1. DOE $35, ride around one of the lovliest (and longest) lakes in Michigan, lightly trafficked rural roads, past farm and orchards with fantastic views of Torch Lake and Lake Michigan, cook-out on beach included and swimming is an option, applications available on website, t shirts available to buy, Cherry Capital Cycling Club, Mike Schaeffer, ciiefrat2006@yahoo.com, www.cherrycapitalcyclingclub.orgJuly 25 (S) Earth Day in July Ride from Topinabee to the Agnes Andreae Preserve and return
July 25 (S) Earth Day in July Ride from Topinabee to the Agnes Andreae Preserve and return, Cheboygan County, in cooperation with the Little Traverse Conservancy, uses the North Central State Trail (Gaylord to Mackinaw City) and local roads, 18 miles, about 3 hours including a box lunch from a local restaurant eaten at a cabin in the preserve, expert commentary and walking tour of this lovely preserve on the Pigeon River from a conservancy staff member, all bikes welcome but some riders might prefer a hybrid or mountain bike, meet before 10 am at the park across from the Marathon Station in Topinabee.August 1 (S) Ride the CHARX
August 1 (S) Ride the CHARX, Boyne City Veterans Park, 20, 43, 62, 105 miles, $20, $25 after 7/25, DOE, 9th annual ride, bike the shoreline of Lake Michigan on a paved path, free ride on Ironton Ferry on some routes, we have the highest metric century in Michigan including "the Wall," catered lunch, SAG service and food stops, North Country Bicycle Club and Boyne Valley Lions Club, (231) 582-3468, charxride@aol.com, www.ridethecharx.org.August 2-August 8 (Sun-S) 23rd Annual Shoreline West Bicycle Tour
August 2-August 8 (Sun-S) 23rd Annual Shoreline West Bicycle Tour (7 day), Montague, 60 miles per day, see website for fee, 7 glorious days of riding with much to see and do, ride through the "Tunnel of Trees" and finish with a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge, League of Michigan Bicyclists, office@lmb.org, www.lmb.org.
August 6-August 8 (Th-Sun) Shoreline West Bicycle Tour (3 Day)
August 6-August 8 (Th-Sun) Shoreline West Bicycle Tour (3 Day) start in Traverse City, last 3 days of the 7 day tour, 45 miles per day, finish in Mackinaw City, see 7 day event for more details.August 8 (S) Gaylord to Vanderbilt Loop Bicycle Ride
August 8 (S) Gaylord to Vanderbilt Loop Bicycle Ride, Otsego County uses the North Central State Trail (Gaylord to Mackinaw City) and local roads, 17 miles, about 2-2 ½ hours, scenery is a pleasant mix of wetlands and upland forests and prairies, hybrid or mountain bikes recommended, discount lunch coupons available from a local restaurant, meet before 10 am at the soccer fields located on Fairview Avenue on Gaylord’s north sideAugust 8 (S) Ryan Gianni 11 Legged Lake Bicycle Tour
August 8 (S) Ryan Gianni 11 Legged Lake Bicycle Tour, Elk Rapids, Cherryland Middle School, 15, 30,60, mile courses, $30, $40 after 7/25, DOE, all 3 routes tour the Chain 'O Lakes including Torch, includes breakfast before and lunch afger the ride, all riders get water bottle, pledge riders get a t shirt, Chalfonte Foundation, Jon Piercey, (248) 765-5752, piecrcey44@hotmail.com.August 22 )S) Topinabee to Brutus Bicycle Ride
August 22 (S) Topinabee to Brutus Bicycle Ride, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties, follows the route of a proposed new trail around the north end of Burt Lake, varied scenery including vintage Burt Lake views along East and West Burt Lake Roads, approximately 18 miles each way, about 2-2 ½ hours, shuttle service back to Topinabee for pre-registrants only, or riders can return by the same route, some parts of the course are quite hilly, hybrid or mountain bikes required, discount lunch from a restaurant in Brutus available, meet before 9 am at the park across from the Marathon Station in TopinabeeSeptember 2-September 6 (W-Sun) 39th Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinac Bicycle Tour (DALMAC)
September 2-September 6 (W-Sun) 39th Dick Allen Lansing the Mackinac Bicycle Tour (DALMAC) East Lansing, Michigan State University Livestock Pavillion on Farm Lane, 300-400 miles, 4 or 5 day camtping tour to Mackinaw City or across the bridge into the Upper Peninsula on scenic secondary roads, proceeds fund cycling projects throghout Michigan, Tri-County Bicycle Association, (517) 882-3700, dalmac@bikecba.org.September 6, Jump for Trails, a fundraiser for the Trails Council
September 6 (Sun) Jump for Trails, a fundraiser for the Trails Council. Jump from a small plane onto a field near Harbor Springs, jumping from 8:30 am until 5 pm, party from 5 pm until 8 pm with a blue grass band, free burgers, dogs and soft drinks bring your own beer, a breathtaking way to help trails, to jump you must register in advance by calling (231) 242-8822.September 19 (S) Adopt-a- Highway
September 19 (S) Adopt-a-Highway, details TBASeptember 19-September 20 (S-Sun) Big Mac Scenic Shoreline Bicycle Tour
September 19-September 20 (S-Sun) Big Mac Scenic Shoreline Bicycle Tour, Mackinac City Recreation Complex on Central Avenue, 25, 50, 75, 100 mile routes, SAG support, incredible scenery and light cook-out lunch, on Sunday, 400 riders will climzx their adventure acrosst he magnificant "Mighty Mac" with a boat cruise back to mackinaw City, Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Vieau, (888) 455-8100, info@mackinawchamber.com, www.mackinawchamber.com.September September 19 (S) Harbor Springs Cycling Classic, Fall
September 19 (S) Harbor Springs Cycling Classic, Fall, Harbor Springs, 7077 Lake Shore Drive, 20, 42, 64 miles, $20, $25 after 9/18, DOE, novice to advanced cyclists, each route includes the "Tunnel of Trees" which in September is beginning to show its fall colors, refreshment stops with great cookies and a superb BBQ lunch, Harbor Springs Cycling Club c/o Birchwood Inn, (231) 526-2151, birchwood@racc2000.com, www.birchwoodinn.com.More About TOMTC Bicycle Rides
To register or get more details call (231) 348-8280 or send e-mail to info@trailscouncil.org. You can also visit our website at www.trailscouncil.org.
TOMTC bicycle rides are low key, non competitive events over non-motorized trails and lightly traveled local roads. Most are 15 to 25 miles long and take 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours to complete. All events will be held RAIN OR SHINE; TOMTC will be at the staging area for all who care to ride. Free to members---$5 for non-members except where stipulated in the ride description. Use of helmets is required. Discount lunch coupons from partnering restaurants are available on most rides. TOMTC is a non-profit, 501 © 3, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to “advocate and facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a safe, multi-use, year ‘round recreational trail system in Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties.”