Northern Michigan Events: Load up the bike rack, or rent two-wheels from Crystal River Outfitters (located right in Glen Arbor), and join in the summer nighttime fun at the Sleepy Bear Twilight Bike Ride, set for August 11th at 8pm in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Cherry Republic and the Friends of Sleeping Bear are partnering this summer for the inaugural ride on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. All proceeds of the event will benefit the car-free Heritage Trail that currently connects the bustling lakeside town of Glen Arbor to the legendary Dune Climb.
Presently, the exceptionally smooth trail shows little sign of wear and tear, but in order to keep it maintained from month to month and for years to come, the Friends of Sleeping Bear need some help. Trail operations, such as cleaning, keeping the trail safe, and grooming for wintertime cross-country skiing, cost $1000 per mile annually. Participants can sign-up at friendsofsleepingbear.org/donate/, where they will be asked for a $10 registration donation ($30 for the entire family).
Besides benefiting trail upkeep, the August ride is perfect for families. It's not competitive and cyclists can choose from two out-and-back loops that wind through pine-scented patches of forest and windswept sand dunes. Go for the longer nine-mile route that will take riders from Cherry Republic to the Dune Climb and back or opt for the shorter five-mile course with a Glen Haven turnaround point. Cherry Republic will have a table stocked full of cherry-inspired beverages at Glen Haven, about halfway out to the Dune Climb.
Summer, families, cherries, and an evening bike ride through this precious place. What could be better?
To learn more about the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, visit friendsofsleepingbear.org.