Big Bear Butt Cruise to Ride Aug. 23

Aug. 16, 2025

If you suddenly see a bunch of bikes, bears, or big butts around Manistee and Benzie counties this Saturday, never fear—it’s only the Big Bear Butt Cruise. This one-day road bike extravaganza is not for the faint of heart (or weak of leg), with four different rides around the region to choose from: 70k, 130k, 170k, or 210k. (210 kilometers is 155 miles, for those who don’t have a conversation calculator handy.) There’s also a paddle and pedal option! All routes start and end in Kaleva, and there are scenic stops along the way at spots like Inspiration Point, downtown Onekama, Tippy Dam, Crystal Mountain, and more. While the big ride is on Saturday, Aug. 23, there are events scheduled for registered riders on Friday and Sunday, too. Check out the activities, the route, and the registration details (starting at $75/person) at bigbearbuttcruise.com.