Need Good Route Near Spring Lake Michigan
 

I am traveling to Spring Lake Michigan tomorrow and will have time for a 20-40 miler. I was wondering if someone could recommend a route, or some good roads to be sure to hit?

Not sure about a designated route. But I've got family up there and every time I go up to visit, I'm amazed at all the quiet roads once your a couple miles east of the lake. Sure is pretty up there, I'm sure no matter which way you go, it'll be a nice ride. Enjoy!!

I use to live in that area thirty years ago. From April to October, one of the most beautiful places to ride I've seen (but in January...yikes...).

The population of Ottawa County has doubled since I was there. At that time, there were two lane paved roads where folks were driving at 40 mph to 60 mph. Too fast for cyclists to enjoy a car or truck buzzing two feet past your left shoulder.

And, there were lots of smaller back roads that were just dirt and gravel. Those were ideal for slow, peaceful riding. But, the population boom may mean finding such quiet roads will be difficult. Some stores used to sell Ottawa County road maps with those back roads marked. They are not on the "official" Michigan highway map.

Enjoy your time in West Michigan. This is a great time of year to be there.

Thanks for the early feedback! We've got a company "Fishing Trip" on Thursday so I'm going to try to stretch it out into some good rides. I was out there about a year ago and remembered I was kicking myself for not bringing my bike.

I used to live in Michigan so I have a Gazetter with the back roads, but I remember that Michigan has a ton of un-paved roads in really bad shape. I always thought that was due to some agreement between the auto-makers and the state to help sales of replacement suspension components....:rolleyes: