Has COVID-19 changed your plans?
 

So I was all fired up to do XOBA again this year, it's a small cross Ohio ride that I did last year and one of the most laid back and fun supported tours I've ever done. I think just about every supported tour in May/June is canceled. XOBA is July 25th, and the director says it may be cancelled. So right now I'm not sure what to do.

I have some friends that are interested in self supported touring, so we may try that instead. Last year we planned (mostly talked) about doing a self supported tour in Michigan and all 5 people ran into conflicts and couldn't do it.

I would guess alot of us are just in wait and see mode right now.

All my touring and backpacking plans for this year are cancelled/on hold until there is a drastic change in the covid situation. Short loop tours don't really interest me. I prefer longish (multi week or multi month) point to point tours and they don't seem prudent at this time for a variety of reasons. I am not sure how much sense even the short tours make, but at least with those you might be able to go fully stocked with food and self contained. Depending on where you are maybe water could be filtered from surface water and camping could be out of sight. I suspect most places you may be faced with hostility from the locals where hospitality and meeting the local folks is usually one of the attractions to touring for many of us.

The time is being held for some type of event but plans are cancelled. We had a ride to Lake Louise and the Ice Fields.

I've had 7-10 day tours in March, April, May, and June now cancelled. Of those, one was a larger organized non-self supported tour. We're hoping we can possibly make up some of those rides in late summer or fall. We'll see.

There already was a lengthy thread started on this topic. But it appears that thead was moved to elsewhere on this foru.
https://www.bikeforums.net/coronavir...ovid-19-a.html

All virus related threads get moved somewhere else, sooner or later. Where that place is, I do not know or care.

What I am asking, will it change my plans. ?
Back in January, I signed up for a tour in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The tour is maxed out at 250 riders. My tour is already paid for, along with my transportation to Michigan.
The tour is scheduled for mid-July. A real shame should it be cancelled because the Michigan Bicycle League's operating budget is based on the profits of its tours.
With the tour scheduled to depart the Second week of July, what are the chances it will happen?
I am hoping that it will be a go.

30% chance it will go as scheduled, 45% chance it will be delayed, and 60% chance it will be canceled.

I really hope it goes as scheduled! My first tour I looped the UP and rode back down state. If somehow it works out, and if you're looking to extend it a day or two, I'd strongly recommend spending some time on Mackinac Island. The eight miles around the island might be the best trail of that size anywhere. Also, you can take a rail trail almost 80 miles straight south from Mackinac City to Waters. Mi., which would be a great way to either ramp-up or cap-off a tour. Cheers

cyclezealot, are you talking about the Michigander Bike tour ? I hope not because it has been canceled for 2020 and postponed until 2021. The good news is we've done that ride 3 times and it's always been well organized.

It's gonna KILL me to not be able to take my annual rides to my favorite New England towns for the first time in more than twenty years, but I can't see where ferry rides, hotel stays, and street festivals (all highlights of my rides) are going to happen any time soon.

^^.
I've signed up for the MUP tour.
A minimum of a 290-mile tour encircling the central part of the UP. I love the UP. If it only were in August, I'd feel more optimistic.
On the way south, I had thought of spending a few days about Leland. Thanks for the tips. 250 riders camped in a park setting. that is a lot of social distancing.

Look at the top of this subforum page and/or the top of the home page. There is an announcement about the new virus forum.

All my plans thus far are up in the air. It's not just that most if not all of the campgrounds are/will be closed but so too are a lot of the small stores where I'd resupply on route.

Cheers

I considered your suggested tour. But, with my love of the UP, I chose the MUP.
Have you cycled the Upper Peninsula. ?

Not being in Michigan.... I'm trying to imagine what my "TAS" hygiene kit is going to look like, as any touring I do locally involves state campgrounds and at least one trip to the toilet per day. I figure purel, disinfectant wipes and some sort spray will have to come along as well as some sort of "shower shoes" besides my usual camp sandals. The state campgrounds are supposedly opening May 15th around here, but that's one of those imaginary lines we've yet to cross.

I'm with MieleMan, I keep making, shelving, and making new plans as the likelihood of campgrounds, inns, B&Bs, etc, being open changes.

mo

wut