Route Overview

August 16-20, 2026

This route is a true cross-Michigan ride: rolling north country terrain out of Traverse City, a big opening day into Ludington, lakeshore winds and summer energy down to Grand Haven, then inland farm-road rollers toward Grand Rapids. From there you push east through a mix of open roads and growing suburb density on the way to East Lansing, before finishing with a high-purpose run into Ferndale and Affirmations. Expect long days, changing landscapes, and a finish that feels earned.

Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1

Sun, Aug 16

Traverse City to Ludington

Great Wolf Lodge to Kibby Creek Campground

95-100 miles

Overnight: Kibby Creek Campground

Ride feel: Rolling terrain and likely west wind exposure near Lake Michigan. Early hills, flatter final 40 miles.

Day 2

Mon, Aug 17

Ludington to Grand Haven

Kibby Creek Campground to Camp '89

85-90 miles

Overnight: Camp '89

Ride feel: Possible lakeshore crosswinds. Moderate rollers early, flatter south of Pentwater, heavier tourist traffic.

Day 3

Tue, Aug 18

Grand Haven to Ionia

Camp '89 to Lakeside Resort Campground

70-75 miles

Overnight: Lakeside Resort Campground

Ride feel: Inland rollers, mixed farm roads, and occasional chip-seal sections. Settle into your own rhythm and keep steady forward momentum.

Day 4

Wed, Aug 19

Ionia to Howell

Lakeside Resort Campground to Taylor's Beach Campground

75-80 miles

Overnight: Taylor's Beach Campground

Ride feel: Another full-distance day with long rural connectors and steady mileage. Roads are mostly rolling-to-flat, with traffic and intersection density increasing as you move farther east.

Day 5

Thu, Aug 20

Howell to Ferndale

Taylor's Beach Campground to Affirmations

60-65 miles

Overnight: Affirmations finish in Ferndale

Ride feel: Traffic density increases near Oakland County. Bike-path connectors where feasible and controlled final approach.

Total estimated mileage: 385-410 miles across five days.

Interactive Route Map

Download GPX Files

Each file can be imported into Karoo, Garmin, Wahoo, Ride with GPS, or Strava route tools. Download files before rollout each morning in case service is spotty.

Support Posture

Ride style: this is a rider-led, self-supported endurance effort.
RV role: gear transport, camp logistics, and home-base coordination.
On-road support: emergency-only support vehicle availability, not routine sag service.
Mechanical expectation: riders troubleshoot roadside first and rejoin when ready.

Final Group Arrival into Ferndale: regroup at Mile ~45, ride the final miles as one controlled unit, and roll into Affirmations together as a team.