Big Mac 100 Shoreline Fall Tour

[tzanka]

I'm considering doing this ride starting in Mackinaw City, MI September 15th. Did 25 miles of it 10 years ago but it was the first 25 and not too scenic. Looked a lot like rural Indiana. I'm thinking about doing 50 to 75 miles this year. Anyone out there do this ride? Any ideas on if and how one can do just the most scenic route? Thanks.
Tzanka

["Fred"]

I will not be doing the ride this year, however I am very familiar with that area as our group rides out there a lot when we fell the need for some big hills. If you do the event ride you should follow the course. The 25 and 50 mile routes are flatter and less scenic. They do have nice views of the lake and some small dunes but no hilltop views. The 75 and 100 mile routes will put you in to the tunnel of trees(M-119) and some hefty hills. M-119 is some of the best and most scenic riding in northern Michigan. If your level of experience will allow for the 75 or 100 I would strongly recommend it. Don't get me wrong all the rides are nice but the longer ones are better.

The other option is if you just want some easy scenic rides there our lots of unsupported group rides for all levels up here that welcome tourist and are very friendly. If you would like help getting set up with one you can PM me with your skill level and desired ride length and I can try to set you up with the right group.

[tzanka]

Thanks for the input. I'm just a 60 year old plodder on an old Raliegh mountain bike and do only 30-35 miles practice a week, averaging 12 mph. The full 100 would probably be a lot under the circumstances. Is there any way to do the course but just start further south at the 50 mile loop?