PALM XXXI
Welcome to PALM
Hello friends and fellow cyclists!
2011 marks the 100th year of Chevrolet as one of the most famous and enduring car models in the country. As a young boy I can remember hearing Dinah Shore singing the now famous Chevrolet jingle, "See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet". Congratulations to Chevy as they move into a new century!
2011 also marked the 30th annual Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM) bicycle tour. Much like Chevrolet, PALM has endured as one of the most popular and successful bicycle tours in the country. In 2012, PALM moves into a new decade of providing an enjoyable weeklong bicycle camping experience. I would encourage new and veteran riders to once again see Michigan, not in your Chevrolet, but on the seat of your Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, or even on your Schwinn or Huffy bicycle! Nothing can compare to seeing Michigan's scenic beaches, lakes, rivers, rolling hills, small towns and quaint villages firsthand from the seat of a bicycle.
In 2011, PALM once again set a new record for selling out: we were filled in 4 days! Every year we point out that the deadline is April 1st or the 700th rider, whichever comes first. Sorry to all those who didn't get their applications in on time. In 2012, PALM will be going green: the application will only be available online for you to download and return to us by mail. No paper applications will be sent out for PALM XXXI. Please watch this website for more details, and look for a PALM mailing in your mailbox letting you know when the PALM application will be available on this website for you to download. This will ensure that all potential ride participants receive their application at the same time.
If you are planning to ride the 31st PALM then you really must get your application in quickly. If you haven't already done so, please email your name and address to us and be added to our mailing list in order to receive the mailing regarding PALM XXXI.
In 2012, we are doing a brand new Mid-South route which will take us to many new cities that PALM has never visited before. We will begin our weeklong tour on the shores of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, and end in New Baltimore on Anchor Bay, a part of Lake St. Clair.
PALM usually has a high rate of return riders but we love welcoming new riders. In fact, it is normal for nearly 1/3 of our riders to be new to PALM. PALM is a family ride, often with two or three generations riding together. Our riders range in age from young children in buggers or tagalongs, to 7 or 8 year olds riding their own bikes, to folks in their 90's, All abilities of riders are welcome on PALM, and we have longer optional routes for more enthusiastic cyclists who desire more miles. Come see why PALM is "Michigan's Premier Family Oriented Bicycle Tour Since 1982"!
I'm looking forward to seeing you all pedaling across Lower Michigan in June, 2012. Come join us on PALM: the cycling event that became a tradition. Let's make every mile a memory!
Kevin M Novess Sr
2012 PALM Chair
