Five days. More than 400 miles across Michigan. We’re riding from Traverse City to Ferndale to raise money for Affirmations and support Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community.
2026 fundraising has closed. These totals are preserved as historical ride information.
Participant
Donors
Donations
Raised
Ryanne Riegling
28
30
$9,165
ED FOPPE
29
29
$3,400
Hazel Shockey
1
1
$1,400
Thomas Schmidt
2
2
$1,225
Susanna Borgelt
7
8
$440
Jacob Schmidt
3
3
$175
Team donations
-
3
$225
Team Total
70
76
$16,030
Daily ride logistics
Ride Days
Route plans for each ride day, including expected distance, elevation, meals, Strava links, and route maps.
Route Overview
Day 1: Sunday, August 16 - Traverse City → Ludington
Day 1 starts with a well-structured schedule ensuring riders are prepared and supported throughout the journey. Key logistics include timely meals, rest stops, and clear route guidance to maintain pace and energy for the multi-day ride.
Wheels up! Official start of the ride from Traverse City heading towards Ludington.
Rest Stop 1 – Interlochen State Park (Mile 15)
Rest Stop 2 – Crystal Mountain - Mountainview Mini Mart (Mile 30)
Lunch – Onemaka EZ Mini Mart (Mile 50)
Rest Stop 3 – Manistee – Goody’s Juice and Java (Mile 65)
Rest Stop 4 – Ludington Express Mart or Big Apple Bagels (Mile 85) – Optional: riders can add 5 miles to visit and explore downtown Ludington.
Finish @ Kibby Creek Campground
Route Details
Day 2: Monday, August 17 - Ludington → Grand Haven
Day 2 covers a scenic 95-mile ride from Ludington to Grand Haven with key rest stops and meal breaks to keep riders energized. The route includes varied terrain with moderate elevation changes and well-planned water stops to ensure rider comfort and safety throughout the day.
Wheels up! Official start of the ride heading south along Lake Michigan.
Rest Stop 1 Pentwater State Park (Mile 10)
Rest Stop 2 – Silver Lake State Park (Mile 25)
Rest Stop 3 – Claybanks Township Park (Mile 37)
Lunch – Dalton – Subway (Mile 60)
Rest Stop 4 – Norton Shores - Lake Harbor Park (Mile 75)
Finish @ Camp ‘89 Campground
Ride Itinerary
Day 3: Tuesday, August 18 - Grand Haven → Ionia
Day 3 covers a scenic and moderately challenging ride from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids, focusing on steady pacing, hydration, and energy management. Riders will experience varied terrain with key rest stops and overnight accommodations to ensure recovery for the following days.
Wheels up! Begin the ride toward Ionia with an expected pace to conserve energy.
Rest Stop 1 Eastmanville Bayou State Park (Mile 21)
Rest Stop 2 – Yesterdog (Mile 34)
Lunch – Northeast Park (Mile 41)
Rest Stop 3 – Saranac (Mile 61)
Finish @ Lakeside Resort Ionia
Ride Details
Day 4: Wednesday, August 19 - Ionia → Howell
Day 4 moves the team inland from Ionia toward Howell and sets up the final push to Ferndale on Day 5. Riders should expect a steady endurance day with planned stops for water, snacks, lunch, and regrouping, including a photo opportunity near the Michigan State Capitol. The goal is to ride efficiently, stay fueled, arrive at Taylor’s Beach Campground with time to recover, and be ready for the final ride into Affirmations the next morning.
Rest Stop 3 / Photo Opp – Michigan State Capitol (Mile 43)
Lunch – Downtown East Lansing (Mile 50)
Rest Stop 4 – Williamston (Mile 66)
Rest Stop 5 – Be My Guest Café (Mile 75) – Optional
Finish at Taylor’s Beach Campground
Ride Details
Day 5: Thursday, August 20 - Howell → Affirmations
The final day is all about bringing the ride home. After nearly 400 miles across Michigan, the team will ride together into Ferndale for the official finish at Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center. While the mileage is shorter, the focus is on riding safely, staying together, and enjoying the final miles before celebrating everything we've accomplished with family, friends, supporters, and the Affirmations community.
Wheels up from Taylor's Beach Campground. Ride together toward the finish at Affirmations in Ferndale.
Rest Stop 1 – Brighton (Mile 22)
Rest Stop 2 – Wixom (Mile 36)
Rest Stop 3 – Orchard Lake (Mile 47)
Finish Line Celebration: Arrival window, photos, volunteers, family arrival, and post-ride logistics.
Packing List
What to Pack
Use this as the baseline packing list for Pedal for Pride 2026. Keep daily riding items easy to reach, and pack camp items so they can be moved efficiently each morning.
