A Toast in the Woods to Those We Love and Lost

Stuff We Love

By Lynda Wheatley | April 30, 2022

For those who want to join with others to remember and celebrate someone they love, the Michigan Girl Bike (and Hike!) Club is hosting its inaugural Wine Walk (with heart!) 11am–1pm May 15 at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. Club founder Kandace Chapple says the event was inspired by two things: One, her mom and favorite hiking partner, Judy, who passed away 15 years ago from breast cancer. And two, a Michigan Girl Bike (and Hike!) Club ride she hosted last summer in which each member taped to their bike a photo of someone they loved and missed, then rode their hearts out. At trail’s end, she says, the group shared something about their person, then toasted the happy memories. “[The Wine Walk event] is going to be like that,” Chapple says, “but on foot, with more wine and fewer wheels.” Participants can expect music, swag, food, wine tastings, and Fuzzy Navels (Judy’s favorite drink). Register for the walk ($45-$50) by searching “Michigan Girl Wine Walk” at Eventbrite.com before May 6. A portion of the 3k walk’s proceeds will be donated to the Smith Family Breast Health Center. 

Photo courtsey of Micki Durocher