01
Mileage
- Miles ridden this week
- Miles ridden this month
- Longest ride completed
- Longest back-to-back rides
You’re viewing the 2026 Pedal for Pride event archive. View the current 2027 event.
Team Meeting · July 5, 2026
Pedal for Pride Team Meeting
Team updates, route details, fundraising progress, and final preparations as we get ready to bring Pedal for Pride across Michigan.
$13,805Raised
53Donors
57Donations
5Ride Days
Meeting flow
Agenda
- 01Fundraising update
- 02Training progress check-in
- 03Daily ride logistics
- 04Final month preparation
- 05Questions
Fundraising
Fundraising Update
Fundraising Performance by Participant
2026 fundraising has closed. These totals are preserved as historical ride information.
| Participant | Donors | Donations | Raised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanne Riegling | 22 | 24 | $8,315 |
| ED FOPPE | 22 | 22 | $2,350 |
| Hazel Shockey | 1 | 1 | $1,400 |
| Thomas Schmidt | 2 | 2 | $1,225 |
| Susanna Borgelt | 5 | 6 | $365 |
| Jacob Schmidt | 1 | 1 | $50 |
| Team Total | 53 | 57 | $13,805 |
Training
Training Check-In
02
How Are You Feeling?
- Assess overall fitness level and stamina.
- Any recurring muscle soreness, aches or pains?
- What are you nervous about?
03
Equipment
- Do you have fresh tires on your bike?
- Have you maintained it or brought it to the shop recently?
- How is the chain?
- Any fit concerns?
Takeaway
Tracking mileage, physical and mental readiness, and equipment condition is essential for safe and effective training. Early identification of issues boosts confidence and reduces risks during the ride.
Training Tips
Tips for a 400 Mile, 5 Day Ride
Maintaining a steady, personal pace combined with proactive hydration, nutrition, and recovery strategies is key to completing a 400-mile, 5-day ride successfully. Prioritize your health and listen to your body throughout the event for optimal performance and enjoyment.
Pacing and Nutrition
- Ride at your own pace to conserve energy and avoid burnout during the multi-day event. We will aim for an average speed of 13.5mph each day.
- Avoid trying to keep up with stronger riders; we will stick together as a group. If you’re struggling, voice your concerns early.
- Eat before you feel hungry to maintain steady energy levels throughout the ride.
- Drink fluids regularly before you feel thirsty to prevent dehydration and maintain performance.
- Keep rest stops efficient to minimize downtime and keep momentum going. We will have frequent, short rest stops planned each day – roughly every 15-20 miles.
- Change riding positions often to reduce fatigue and improve circulation.
Health and Recovery
- Stand up and stretch every 10 to 15 minutes to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow.
- Apply sunscreen throughout the day, including lip balm
- Start each morning fully hydrated to optimize physical readiness and endurance.
- Begin recovery protocols right after finishing your ride to aid muscle repair and reduce soreness. Plan on doing as little as possible after each day’s ride.
Group Riding
Paceline Basics
We will spend portions of each day riding together in a single-file paceline. Riding behind one another helps us share the work, conserve energy, and stay together over long distances. A paceline only works when everyone rides predictably and communicates clearly.
Basic Expectations
- Ride smoothly and predictably. Hold a steady line and avoid sudden braking, acceleration, or swerving.
- Leave a comfortable amount of space. You do not need to ride inches from the wheel in front of you. Ride at a distance that feels safe, especially while getting used to the group.
- Do not overlap wheels. Keep your front wheel behind the rear wheel of the rider ahead. Overlapping wheels leaves very little room to react if someone changes direction.
- Look ahead. Do not focus only on the wheel directly in front of you. Look through and around the riders ahead so you can anticipate turns, traffic, changes in pace, and road hazards.
- Communicate and pass calls back. Call and point out hazards such as potholes, gravel, debris, parked cars, slowing, stopping, and turns. Riders farther back may not be able to see what is happening at the front.
- Keep the pace steady when taking a pull. Moving to the front is not a signal to speed up. Stronger riders can take longer pulls rather than increasing the group's pace.
- Rotate safely. When you are finished with your pull, first make sure the road is clear, then peel off to the left. Ease your effort slightly and allow the other riders to overtake you before rejoining the paceline at the back. Do not accelerate while rotating off. We will review the process as a team and may adjust it based on traffic, road conditions, or wind.
- It is always okay to skip a pull. If you are tired, recovering, eating, or simply need a break, let the other riders know that you are skipping. Continue moving through the paceline normally until you reach the front, then rotate off right away rather than remaining at the front. Rejoin at the back as usual.
- Avoid abrupt braking. When possible, gently ease your effort, sit up slightly, or move slightly out of the draft to reduce speed. Always call out when significant braking or stopping is necessary.
- Keep your hands ready to brake. No riding in aerobars while in the paceline. Headphones should not be used while riding with the group.
- Ride your own comfort level. Speak up if you need additional space, a slower pace, or a break from the paceline. There is no expectation that anyone ride closer than feels safe.
Takeaway
The goal is to ride efficiently while looking out for one another. Pedal for Pride is a supported charity ride, not a race. Safety, communication, and keeping the team together are more important than speed.
Daily ride logistics
Ride Days
Route plans, expected distance, elevation, meals, Strava links, and source images from the deck.
Route Overview
Day 1: 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.
Distance95 miles
Elevation Gain2,418 ft
Elevation Loss2,456 ft
Moving Time7 - 7.5 hours
Plan
Meet at Great Wolf Lodge
Rider Meeting / Final Preparations
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: 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.
Distance93 miles
Elevation Gain1,981 ft
Elevation Loss2,023 ft
Moving Time7 - 7.5 hours
Plan
Wake up and take down campsite
Breakfast
Rider Meeting / Final Preparations
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: 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.
Distance74 miles
Elevation Gain1,521 ft
Elevation Loss1,336 ft
Moving Time5 - 5.5 hours
Plan
Wake up and take down campsite
Breakfast
Rider Meeting / Final Preparations
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: 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.
Distance81 miles
Elevation Gain1,780 ft
Elevation Loss1,703 ft
Moving Time6 - 6.5 hours
Plan
Wake up and take down campsite
Breakfast
Rider Meeting / Final Preparations
Wheels up!
Rest Stop 1 Westphalia (Mile 17)
Rest Stop 3 – Dewitt (Mile 34)
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: 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.
Distance66 miles
Elevation Gain1,788 ft
Elevation Loss2,039 ft
Moving Time4.5 - 5 hours
Plan
Wake up and take down campsite
Breakfast
Rider Meeting / Final Preparations
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.
Training
Final Month Training Plan
In the final month, emphasize endurance through long and back-to-back rides, simulating event conditions while practicing all gear, nutrition, and routines. Prioritize recovery and taper training volume to ensure peak performance on ride day.
Key Priorities
- Complete one long endurance ride each weekend to simulate event conditions.
- Ride on tired legs to adapt to fatigue during multi-day rides.
- Consistently practice pacing and energy management.
- Focus on recovery after long rides to prevent overtraining.
- Every day counts now.
Weekend Ride Examples
- Saturday: Ride 50-70 miles to build base endurance.
- Sunday: Follow with a 40-60 mile ride for back-to-back training.
- Back-to-back rides will build your base and confidence.
- Adjust distances based on individual fitness and progress.
Practice Everything
- Test all clothing and gear to ensure comfort and functionality that you plan to bring.
- Practice nutrition and hydration strategies to avoid issues on ride days.
- Use and adjust bike bags for optimal load and accessibility.
- Charge and test all electronics thoroughly before rides.
- Prioritize recovery: sleep well, stretch, consume protein, stay hydrated.
Training
Final Month Timeline
1
Four Weeks Out
Activities
- Focus on completing the longest endurance rides to build stamina and confidence.
- Identify and purchase any missing or replacement gear needed for the event.
- Begin tapering non-essential activities to prioritize recovery.
- Ensure all gear is tested for comfort and functionality.
Key Activities
- Complete longest rides
- Make final equipment purchases
2
Three Weeks Out
Activities
- Incorporate consecutive day rides to simulate event conditions and improve recovery ability.
- Test nutrition strategies during rides to determine what works best for energy and digestion.
- Adjust dietary plans based on test results to avoid surprises on ride days.
- Monitor physical responses closely and adapt training intensity accordingly.
Key Activities
- Back-to-back rides
3
Two Weeks Out
Activities
- Schedule a professional or self bike tune-up to ensure optimal mechanical performance.
- Check all equipment including tires, brakes, and gears for safety and reliability.
- Confirm travel arrangements, accommodation, and any support crew logistics.
- Review route plans and emergency procedures with the team.
Key Activities
- Bike tune-up
- Confirm logistics
4
Ride Week
Activities
- Pack all essential gear and supplies well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Charge all electronic devices and ensure backup power sources are ready.
- Maintain optimal hydration and nutrition to sustain energy levels.
- Travel to Traverse City with adequate rest and mental preparation for the event start.
Key Activities
- Pack bags
- Charge electronics
- Hydrate
- Travel to Traverse City
Logistics
Roadie Expectations
The support crew plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of the ride by managing luggage, providing SAG support, organizing meals, and overseeing camp logistics. Their efficiency and coordination ensure rider comfort and timely progress throughout the event.
Daily Luggage Procedures
- Collect and organize riders’ luggage each morning before departure.
Meal Logistics
- Prepare and distribute pre-packed lunches at designated stops.
- Lead preparation of breakfast and dinners with support from team.
SAG Support
- Coordinate with riders for pickup in case of emergencies or fatigue.
- Assist with errands and shopping needs during the day.
- Assist with transporting team mascot (Bo) and Eleanor
Camp Responsibilities & Morning Departure
- Assist with setting up and breaking down tents and common areas.
- Coordinate with riders on morning routines to ensure on-time departures.
- Manage communal gear and confirm all riders are ready before leaving camp.
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.
Riding Gear
Daily Riding Essentials
- Helmet
- Cycling jerseys (5)
- Cycling shorts/bibs (3-5)
- Cycling socks (5)
- Cycling gloves
- Bike shoes
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket
- Arm warmers
- Leg/knee warmers
- Lightweight vest
- Front light
- Rear light
- Cycling cap
- Rechargeable tail light
Hydration & Nutrition
- Water bottle (2)
- Electrolyte tablets/mix
- Ride snacks
Bike Tools & Spares
Carry on the Bike
- Saddle bag
- Multi-tool
- Mini pump
- CO2 inflator
- Spare tube (on bike)
- Spare tube (reserve)
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- Chain quick link
- Cell phone
- ID
- Credit card
- Cash
- Emergency contact information
Recommended Personal Bike Tools
- Spare derailleur hanger
- Chain tool
- Spare quick links
- Chain lube
- Electronic shifting charger
- Zip ties
- Electrical tape
Camp Gear
Sleeping
- Tent
- Tent footprint / ground tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad / air mattress
- Pillow
- Headlamp / flashlight
Camp Comfort
- Camp chair
- Towel
- Ear plugs
- Portable battery pack
- Phone charger
- Tent decorations
Camp Clothing
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Shorts
- Sweatpants
- Hoodie / sweatshirt
- Light jacket
- Socks
- Sandals / flip flops
- Comfortable camp shoes
- Hat
- Bathing suit
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Body wash
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Chamois cream
- Wet wipes
First Aid & Health
- Prescription medications
- Ibuprofen / Tylenol
- Allergy medication
Electronics & Documents
- Insurance card
- Bike computer
- Bike computer charger
- Charging cables
Optional Items
- Bug spray
- Cooling towel
- Laundry bag
- Microfiber towel for bike
- Bike lock
- Spare cleats
- Spare cleat bolts
- Extra sunglasses / clear lenses