Zipping Along at the Zoo-De-Mack
Twenty-five years ago, brothers Greg and Doug Drawbaugh drove up north to ski at Boyne Highlands over Thanksgiving weekend with some pals.
When they discovered there was no snow yet, the gang drove up to the U.P. on a whim, taking scenic route M-119 from Harbor Springs for the very first time.
The route was stunning with twisting turns, views from the bluffs down to the water and the beaches, and then quaint Cross Village.
The Drawbaugh brothers never forgot that trip and have since turned it into both a business and a labor of love: the annual Zoo-de- Mackinac bicycle bash. It’s an event that now draws more than 4,000 participants annually.
EVERYDAY AMBITION
"It didn’t start out as a business," Greg Drawbaugh laughed. "We just thought it was such a cool road! So we went back and biked it ourselves with a few friends, had a lot of fun, and thought, hey, maybe we should get some other people here to have fun, too. After a while, the thing took on a life of its own."
The Zoo-de-Mack, as it’s nicknamed, kicks off Saturday morning and leads cyclists 51 miles along Lake Michigan on paved road, through forests, and past beaches, until they hit the halfway point at Legs Inn for a big group lunch.
All levels participate in this event; this is a ride for everyone. There’s even a shorter, 25- mile option with a shuttle, but a place must be reserved in advance.
"A lot of bicycling events are for serious cyclists," Drawbaugh said. "And serious cyclists can enjoy this one, too, of course, but we also get a lot of everyday people who may never have done anything like this before. So when they complete it, they’re really, really proud of themselves."
Drawbaugh also noted that the ride is the "kickoff of summer" for a lot of people.
"We always hold it one week before Memorial weekend, so many people come up north, do the Zoo-de-Mack, and then – for them – summer has officially begun," he said.
After lunch, bikes are in motion again for the final trek to Mackinaw City, where the ride concludes – but the fun continues.
CYCLING CELEBRATIONS
A big part of Zoo-de-Mack are the weekend’s social events outside of the ride, bringing together cyclists of all levels to share stories, cheer on their respective teams, and just have fun.
The Friday night before the trip, cyclists take over the entire upper level at Boyne Highlands lodge, with music from Detroit’s Aaron Vaughn Band, food, drinks and an indoor obstacle course of adult Big Wheels.
"Four people at a time can pay to race each other on the Big Wheel. It’s a blast and the proceeds go to charity," Drawbaugh explained.
After the cyclists hit Mackinaw City, the tough part is over. A massive post-ride event is held at Mackinac Crossings until 5pm, with large inflatable finish lines, more food and drinks, and live music.
But, the fun is only just beginning. These cyclists and their boundless energy continue on to Mackinac Island via the Star Line ferry chartered for the ride over. Four more post-ride celebrations await at the island’s best pubs – the participants’ reward for cycling over 50 miles.
BIGGER AND BETTER
Transportation to and from the main event in Harbor Springs, plus hotel stays, are each cyclist’s responsibility (check the Zoo-de-Mack website for some great special rates), but your $75 registration fee covers the rest of the event expenses, including lunch at Legs Inn, ferry and luggage transportation to Mackinaw Island – and all of the parties.
You might even go home with some new gear. Raffles are held at each party, with prizes like a Boyne USA ski pass, a bicycle from New Belgium Brewery and vacation offerings from the Grand Hotel. Raffle proceeds go to the Little Traverse Conservancy and Top O’ Michigan trails.
Zoo-de-Mackinac only places a single ad to promote the event, otherwise, it’s all word of mouth, and they’ve built quite a reputation this way. Cyclists know to return every year and, as they tell more of their friends, the event continues to grow.
"I just really enjoy seeing people do the ride, especially those who haven’t done it before, and seeing their sense of accomplishment," Drawbaugh said. "But I didn’t think it would get this big. Not in a million years."
The 26th Annual Zoo-de-Mackinac Bike Bash will take place May 16-17. To register or get more information, visit zoo-de-mack.com
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