A Classic Cycle Tour in Harbor Springs

Sept. 13, 2009

A ‘Classic’ Cycle Tour in Harbor Springs
By Kristi Kates 9/14/09

Picture yourself pedaling your bicycle along a shady road, with plenty of twists and turns to add to the ambiance; Lake Michigan on one side of your view, plenty of pastures, quaint houses, and wooded areas on the other. Now picture this taking place with lots of your friends and fellow cycling aficionados, throw in a little outdoor casual dining and camaraderie, and you’ve got a terrific overview of the twice-yearly Harbor Springs Cycling Classic.
The fall edition of this popular and beautiful bike ride is set to take place on Saturday, September 19, as sponsored by the Harbor Springs Cycling Club, the Birchwood Inn, and Harbor Springs’ favorite bike shop, Touring Gear.
“Given that we are tucked away in Harbor Springs, the Cycling Classic is a lightly attended event in comparison with other rides,” Janece Clark, one of the organizers of the event, explains, “so it does indeed feel like you are just riding with a big group of friends.”

THREE ROUTES
Riders can choose from three route choices; 20 miles, 42 miles, or 61 miles, and each registration includes plenty of extras, such as maps and support vehicle service; but there are a few things you’ve got to supply for yourself.
“We require all cyclists to wear a helmet, so that is a must,” Clark points out, “but there are support vehicles that patrol the routes, so if you get a flat we can help with that.”
Perhaps the best part of the Harbor Springs Cycling Classic is the aforementioned twists and turns; namely the fact that all three routes include the famed scenic drive, M-119.
“The best parts of this ride are the fantastic routes,” explains Clark. “The shorter ride has a few hills, but is otherwise flat and beautiful. The two longer routes take you over back roads, with minimal traffic, that are challenging and reward you with the long cruise down M-119’s “Tunnel of Trees.””

A FULL DAY
Start times for the Cycling Classic are between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m., with all riders to complete whichever route they choose by 3 p.m.. Advance registration starts at $20 per adult, and other extras, such as silk-screened t-shirts commemorating your ride, are available at an extra cost, making this a complete biking experience for both novice and experienced cyclists.
“The 20-mile route is perfect for folks who have not ridden much this summer,” Clark says, “the 42-mile and 61-mile routes are for intermediate and advanced riders.”
Refreshment stations and a great barbeque lunch - as well as an opportunity to stay overnight right at the site that’s the start of the trek - are also available.
“You begin and finish at the Birchwood Inn of Harbor Springs, which is located right on the “Tunnel of Trees,”” Clark says, “start in the morning, enjoy a beautiful ride with great refreshment stops, and top it off with a fantastic barbeque lunch between noon and 3:00 pm back at the Birchwood Inn. If you want to make a weekend of it, lodging packages are available at the Inn as well.”
If you enjoy your autumn trek through the Cycling Classic, you might even plan to return in 2010 - specifically on June 5 and/or September 18 - when things will get even more celebratory, according to Clark:
“Next year is our 20th anniversary,” she says, “so we are already brainstorming on ways to make it spectacular!”

Ride info and registration forms for the Harbor Springs Cycling Classic can be found online at www.birchwoodinn.specialevents/hscyclingclassic.html



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