League of Michigan Bicyclists

The Upper Peninsula (UP) contains 29% of the land area of Michigan but just 3% of its total population. Residents are frequently called Yoopers (derived from "U.P.-ers"). Locals are proud of their heritage, the region's rugged natural beauty and disdainful of the "trolls" below the Mackinac Bridge. Culture revolves around food like Cornish pasties (meat pies favored by miners), the sauna and all things Finnish and a dialect celebrated on a ubiquitous bumper sticker parodying the state's "Say Yes to Michigan" slogan: Say YA to da UP, eh! More people visit the UP to see the many waterfalls than anything else.

Welcome to "River Country," the name given the area's scenic farmland, meandering roads and rivers. Dotted with historic towns, Native American names, and Amish farms, River Country has more navigable waterways than any other county in Michigan thanks to its hundreds of small lakes, rivers and streams.Our three day tour will immerse you in the diverse geography, history, flora and fauna of this beautiful corner of Michigan.

There is so much to experience on this ride: view historic lighthouses, pristine orchards, world famous cherries, wineries, farms, swim at sugar sand beaches, climb the dunes, grab a fresh lunch and picnic along the route in "Michigan's playground" and ride through the Tunnel of Trees. The terrain is never mundane as it varies from flats, rolling hills, and many challenging climbs. With moderate mileage, this is a great bicycling vacation to either ride with someone you know or someone youmeet on tour. Choose from our 3-day or 7-day tours. The 3-day tour joins in Traverse City and ends in Mackinaw City. The 7-day tour starts in Montague and ends in Traverse City.

Our host city, Alpena, is a bustling, small city filled with friendly people and offering lots to see and do. In addition to 3 glorious days of bicycling inthe Alpena area, there is much to do in your non riding time.