Requirements:

• Helmets are required!
• Riders must be able to ride 60+ miles a day, for 5 days. Terrain is rolling!
• Riders must carry spare tubes and be able to change a flat.
• Riders must have at least one and preferably two water bottles on their bicycle. The Eastern UP is very rural and stores are infrequent.
• Riders must have a positive attitude at all times!

Rider Information Booklet

The Rider Information Booklet contains answers to most of your questions, please review carefully.

 Itinerary:

2013 Route Overview

Description:

The MUP Tour will explore the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula.
This year for the first time we will ride in a clockwise direction. We begin and end at St. Ignace; our mid-tour layover day in Sault Ste. Marie will give you plenty of time to discover its treasures. From St. Ignace, you (and your bike) can also ferry over to experience the magic of Mackinac Island.

Saturday, July 13 and Sunday July 14

After checking in at the Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace on Saturday or Sunday you may enjoy the many attractions in the straits area before riding begins on Monday. Discounted round trip ferry tickets to Mackinac Island for you and your bicycle may be purchased in advance with your registration.

Among the many sites is the majestic Mackinac Bridge, "The Mighty Mac" as its known; www.mackinacbridge.org. And of course everyone's favorite summer retreat from motor vehicle traffic, Mackinac Island, where bicycles, horses and pedestrians are the only permitted modes of transport. Learn and experience the history and culture of the Mackinac Straits and the northern great lakes area; including the Native Americans, the early French explorers, the British conquerors and finally American independence.

There will be an optional 30 mile ride on Sunday afternoon leaving from the Arena.

Monday, July 15      St. Ignace to Newberry

The first day on the MUP will be a nearly flat route from St. Ignace to Newberry. Although this is the longest mileage day, it is also will give you a true appreciation of the UP as you travel quiet back roads on your way to Newberry. As you approach Newberry you will enter prime moose lands. Newberry is known as the Moose Capital of Michigan. Riders have in the past seen moose along Borgstrom Rd as we head towards Newberry.

Tuesday, July 16      Newberry to Paradise

After leaving Newberry you won't want to miss stopping at the North Star Bakery, where you will feel like you have truly stepped back in time. The journey through the wilderness country of the U.P. continues on M-123 to Paradise. This area is home to many moose. If you are lucky you might see one in the cedar swamps along the way.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a must see stop. Both the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls are easily accessible, be sure you have your camera. The Upper Falls is one of the largest east of the Mississippi in the US. The Upper Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of the few, if not the only, state park in the country with a micro brewery.

Whitefish Point, home of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the Whitefish Point Light Station, is an easy 11 mile ride (one way) from Paradise. The total mileage for the day includes the trip out to the Whitefish Point.

The Edmund Fitzgerald went down off Whitefish Point and the museum is a must stop and see.

Wednesday, July 17      Paradise to Sault Ste Marie

The route to Sault Ste. Marie will take you along Whitefish Bay. This area is very remote, but has some wonderful rest areas that you can enjoy the Bay from.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse Station is a welcome site for bicyclists after travelling many miles through forested areas. The Lighthouse affords some spectacular views of the Bay and if you are lucky there will be berries to pick.

A short ride from the Lighthouse is a must stop at the Dancing Crane Coffee House. You will not only be able to indulge in your favorite flavored coffees, but you will enjoy the experience of the Dancing Crane.

Bay Mills Casino and the town of Brimley are excellent options for lunch.

As you approach our hosts in the Soo and Lake Superior State University, you will cross over the entrance to the International Bridge. Our camping area will afford you spectacular views of the bridge. The International Bridge is the only bridge crossing in Michigan that you can ride your bike over.

You may cross the International Bridge into Canada by presenting a passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License, NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI card, U.S. Merchant Mariner Documentation or U.S. Military Identification. Bicycles can cross anytime in a regular traffic lane.

Thursday, July 18      Sault Ste Marie

The layover day in Sault Ste. Marie offers the opportunity to visit the many historical, maritime and cultural attractions in the area. The Soo Locks are a must visit. Great Lakes freighters up to a 1000' in length can be observed close-up making the 25' lift or 25' drop through the locks connecting the St. Mary's River with Lake Superior. The River of History Museum located in the old post office in Sault Ste. Marie offers visitors a trip through history beginning with the geological formation of the Great Lakes, the earliest Native Americans, the French explorers, trappers, traders and missionaries and eventually American independency and statehood.


An optional tour on Sugar Island of 30 miles will be offered for those who wish to continue the pedaling during the late morning of the lay over day. The tour includes a short ferry crossing to Sugar Island.

Friday, July 19      Sault Ste Marie to De Tour Village

As you leave the Soo, our route will take us along the St. Mary's River which is the primary shipping lane for Great Lakes freighters. Keep an eye out for them.

The route to De Tour Village will be on rural paved roads, primarily with low traffic volume. Wildlife is plentiful along this route. In past years we have seen both deer and black bear along the way.

Since there are almost no options for lunch on your own we will provide a lunch stop for you this day as part of your registration fee.

A suggested option once you reach De Tour Village would be an afternoon foray to nearby Drummond Island. It is accessible via one quarter mile ferry crossing of the St. Mary's River.

Saturday, July 20      De Tour Village to St. Ignace

Always on your left, the Lake Huron shoreline is skirted by the route in many locations.


The villages of Cedarville and Hessel are approximately midway on the way to St. Ignace and is a recommended stop for lunch . Take time to explore the harbor areas of Cedarville and Hessel, and view the near shore islands of Les Cheneaux, La Salle and Marquette.

The Les Cheneaux Islands are home to many beautiful wooden boats. You will often see them at the harbors tied up.

The Little Bear East Arena showers will be open for that final shower upon completing the tour.

Amenities:

• The Mighty Mac www.mightymac.org
• Mackinac Island www.mackinac.com
• Soo Locks Boat Tours www.soolocks.com
• Shipwreck Museum www.shipwreckmuseum.com
• Lakes Huron & Superior shorelines
• Rural and forest roads
• Optional kayaking http://www.woodswaterecotours.com/
  
• Layover days in St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie
• Drummond Island www.drummondislandchamber.com
• Country settings, small hamlets & parks
• Marked route with maps
• SAG & mechanic support
• Daily showers
• Gear & luggage transport
• T-shirt
• Rider gifts
• Breakfast and most dinners
• Free vehicle parking at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace during the tour