The Cherry Capital Cycling Club is hosting the Leelanau Harvest Tour on Sunday, September 21, an annual bicycle road ride through scenic Leelanau County. Just shy of 1000 riders (families and individuals) participated in this noncompetitive event last year.
The Leelanau Harvest Tour celebrates it's 25th anniversary this year. To honor the milestone, a bluegrass band will perform at the end of the ride and special surprises along the routes will help celebrate this silver anniversary.
The Leelanau Harvest Tour is known for its unique food stops every 20 to 30 miles. Each stop is on a lakefront park with a menu that includes specialties from area merchants and restaurants. Pre-registered riders will also enjoy a pasta and salad meal after the ride which is included in the registration fee.
Route options cover 15, 25, 45, 67 or 100 miles throughout beautiful (and hilly) Leelanau County. Challenge yourself on the hills, reward yourself with great views, great food and great fun! The 15-mile route option is new this year. We hope to have families and beginner riders experience the joys of bicycling at a manageable distance. Most routes go up Inspiration Point (affectionately knows as "Perspiration Point") which is a large hill that overlooks Big Glen Lake; however, many cyclists-even experienced ones- need to walk up the hill.
The event starts and ends at Glen Lake Schools. Cyclists may register now for $25 (before Aug 29), for $30 (Aug 29-Sept 12) or for $35 (Sept 12-Sept 21). Families may register for $50 (before Aug 29), for $55 (Aug 29-Sept 12), or $65 (Sept 12-Sept 21). Ride applications may be obtained any of the Traverse City area bike stores or at the TART Trails office. More information can be obtained at www.leelanauharvesttour.org or call us at (231) 941-4300 for questions.
Proceeds from the tour benefit the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails, a Traverse City-based nonprofit trail and bicycle advocacy organization. TART Trails owns, operates, and maintains the Leelanau Trail, a 15-mile rail-trail that stretches from Traverse City to Suttons Bay.