If you’re a Northern Michigan resident then you know just how big biking is. It’s the easy affordable way to get to work and your favorite restaurants. Take your wheels for a spin through Northern Michigan’s outdoors on one of the numerous Northern Michigan cycling-friendly trails. And when you’re done, stop in to grab a bite at a Northern Michigan restaurant. We’ve made it easy for you by providing a guide for your bike and bite adventure in Traverse City.


VASA Trail paired with The Grille

Come summer, Michigan’s premier cross-country ski trail becomes the region’s best mountain biking path. A series of loops (5k, 10k, 20k) threading through Pere Marquette State Forest offers a challenging mix of terrain and top-notch scenery. When you’re finished, head up towards the Grand Traverse Resort and pick up some lunch or dinner at The Grille. Enjoy seating outside on the patio, or relax up at the bar, while you enjoy a well deserved sandwich or burger.

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Old Mission Peninsula with Bad Dog Deli

Old Mission’s undulating terrain makes it both a visual delight (picture: orchards, vineyards, sweeping water views) and a wonderful challenge for experienced road cyclists. For a beautiful half-day ride, park at East Bay Park and cruise up the peninsula’s west shoreline, then down along the east shoreline, avoiding the steep inclines (and heavier car traffic) of M37 up the spine. Bad Dog Deli in Traverse City is your place to stop when you’re done with your challenging ride. Cool down with a beer or a glass of wine and refuel with a deli-fresh sandwich or pizza.

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Boardman Lake Trail with Oryana

This short, easy out-and-back skirts the east side of Boardman Lake through thick woods that dapple the path with filtered sunlight. The path is just two miles; we suggest circling back and ending the trip with smoothies at nearby Oryana Food Co-Op, accessible via a bike-friendly bridge across the Boardman River. Find parking off Hannah Road, south of the Traverse Area District Library.

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Tart Trail with The Little Fleet

The 10.5-mile long TART trail is a paved urban transport and recreation trail with an eastern end point at M72 and a western end point at Carter Rd in Traverse City. The TART trail links along with the Leelanau Trail and is perfect for families, bicyclists, dog walkers, parents pushing strollers and inline skaters. The trail will connect you to downtown Traverse City, restaurants, several bike shops, resorts and shops, and even the Clinch Park beach. Swing by The Little Fleet during your route, or afterwards, to pick up something delicious from one of their numerous food trucks. E-Z Cheesy offers gourmet grilled cheese, Roaming Harvest serves up the tastiest Pork tacos and Pigs Eating Ribs is classic smoke-house style BBQ.

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