The Cherry Capital Cycling Club is hosting the 2005 Leelanau Harvest Tour on Sunday, September 18th, an annual bicycle road ride through scenic Leelanau County. Nearly 500 riders (families and individuals) from all over Michigan are expected to participate in this noncompetitive event.

Proceeds from the tour benefit TART Trails, last year we received $7,000 from the event. TART Trails owns, operates, and maintains the Leelanau Trail, a 15-mile rail-trail that stretches from Traverse City to Suttons Bay.

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 donated by area merchants and restaurants. Riders will also enjoy a pasta and salad meal after the ride included in the registration fee.

Route options cover 25, 45, 65 or 100 miles throughout beautiful Leelanau County. All of the routes cover hilly terrain and riders are rewarded with great views at the top of most hills.

The event starts and ends at Glen Lake Schools. Cyclists may register now for $18 (before August 27), for $23 (after August 27) or for $28 (on the day of the event). Families may register for $45 (before August 27), for $50 (after August 27), or $60 (on the day of the event). Applications may be obtained any of the Traverse City area bike stores or at the TART Trails office. More information and a printable application form can be obtained from the TART Trails web site, www.traversetrails.org, or call the TART Trails office at (231) 941-4300 for questions.

posted 08/24/2005