TART Trails’ Tour de TART

TART Trails is thrilled to host the 19th Annual Tour de TART bicycle tour on Friday July 19, 2019. More than 600 people of all ages will hit the TART and Leelanau Trails for an evening ride that begins in Traverse City at Darrow Park and ends at Village Marina & Park in the Village of Suttons Bay.

Riders will enjoy two food stops along the 17-mile ride, waterfront dinner at the Suttons Bay Marina, local beer and wine, lots of treats and then a relaxing bus ride back home. Bus service begins at 6:30 pm and the last bus departs at 9 pm.

$40 for adults 13 and up
$15 for kids 12 and under
Prices will go up $5 per participant two weeks prior to event.
The event is capped at 600 participants.

REGISTRATION and CHECK-IN
We are capping the event at 600 participants so sign up early! The ride includes food stops, dinner and a bus ride back to Traverse City. All riders must check-in between 4 and 6:30 pm under the TART Trails tent at Darrow Park, 1025 Bay St. in Traverse City. Families with young children are encouraged to check-in and begin the ride no later than 5:00 pm. Helmets are required. McLain Cycles will be on site just in case riders need any last minute fixes.

PARKING
Parking is available at the following locations:

• Traverse Bay United Methodist Church at 1200 Ramsdell Rd
• Bayview Building 10850 E Traverse Hwy– in the back, two most western parking lots behind the building. Please DO NOT park in the front lot, facing the bay.
• Larkin Group 13900 S Bay Shore Dr.
• PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON MONROE, MADISON, ELMWOOD or SPRUCE–these side streets are for residential parking only.

COURSE
17 miles of paved trail one way from Traverse City to Suttons Bay mostly on the Leelanau Trail. At the end of the trail in Suttons Bay, follow the course signs to get to Marina Park. Volunteers will be stationed at intersections to help you along the way.

DURATION
An average time to complete the trip is 2 hours. It could take families with young children longer, depending on how many breaks are taken, so please plan your departure time accordingly.

REST STOPS
Water, snacks and portalets are provided at Fouch Road (6 miles from the start and hosted by Brick Wheels) and Bingham Road (10 miles from the start). Carrying a water bottle is suggested.

DINNER
We’re thrilled to offer a whole new menu for dinner this year catered by VI Grill and in addition to root beer floats (made with Northwoods Soda & Milk & Honey ice cream) Grand Traverse Pie Company will be serving up yummy slices! North Peak Brewing Company brews, Shady Lane wines and Cultured Ferments kombucha will also be available for purchase.

TRANSPORTATION for RIDERS
Riders will be transported back to Traverse City by school bus. Buses leave when full, with the first bus leaving at 6 pm and the last bus leaving at 9 pm sharp. Please be ready to board the bus no later than 8:50 pm.

TRANSPORTATION for BIKES
Be sure to leave your bike in the loading zone near the trucks upon your arrival in Suttons Bay; do not wait until you board the bus. Bikes will be loaded onto a truck for the return trip to Traverse City. In TC, bikes are held in a secure area in the Baird Wealth Management parking lot on the corner of Elmwood and Bay St at 1001 Bay St. You will need your wrist band, which matches the band on your bike, to reclaim your bike with the help of volunteers.

BIKE RENTALS
Bike rentals are available through McLain Cycle, Einstein Cycles and Brick Wheels in Traverse City, and Body Balance and Suttons Bay Bikes in Suttons Bay.

PRE-EVENT SHUTTLE BUS OPTION
We offer special transportation for Suttons Bay area participants. A bus (and truck for bikes) will leave Suttons Bay Marina promptly at 4 pm and drop you off at the event check-in in Traverse City. Ride the event and return to Suttons Bay Marina. If you wish to use this option you must select it on the registration form when you register. Space is limited.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS
Waterfront views, the yellow caboose!, farms and fields, orchards and vineyards all on bikes! Cool off when you get to the Marina Park and try out a stand up paddle board. Suttons Bay Bikes will be offering demos!

All volunteers are invited to enjoy dinner at Suttons Bay Marina Park before or after their shift.

Follow and share photos with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram #TourdeTART