Michigan Cherry Coast

Day 1

20–43 miles, sections of flat shoreline terrain along with some rolling hills. Total elevation gain of up to 1200 feet.
After a brief orientation meeting and light lunch, we will start our week of pedaling! Our first day of bicycling takes us along the quiet agrarian back roads of the Old Mission Peninsula with numerous cherry orchards, vineyards and hops farms dotting the landscape. A longtime locals’ favorite ride, we bike north along the shoreline of this skinny spit of land that partially bisects Grand Traverse Bay. We stop briefly at the peninsula’s northernmost point for a visit to the Mission Point Lighthouse dating back to 1870. Our ridge top ride returning to Traverse City provides awesome views of both Grand Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay. Stop along the way for a taste of local wine or craft beer, or simply wait until the end of the ride to sample Michigan’s booming craft beer industry at one of the 16 micro-brewery locations within walking distance of our hotel.

Dinner is together as a group tonight within walking distance of our hotel.

Day 2

25–60 miles, flat in spots with rolling hills. total elevation ranges from 365 to 1200+ feet of climbing, distance dependent.
Today is a special day filled with mammoth lakeshore sand dunes and stunning Lake Michigan views! Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park won the title of “Good Morning America’s” Most Beautiful Place in America and is one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. We start our day with an early morning shuttle to maximize our time in this treasure of a National Park. Clamber up the 300 foot “Dunes Climb” in your bare feet. Back on the bike, take on the challenging but rewarding Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. (shuttle option available.) This route winds through a wooded area of the giant sand dunes and accesses the park’s most spectacular overlook, where you will revel in views of the aquamarine waters of Lake Michigan. Cycle miles of paved off road bike paths that wind through the National Park grounds. Explore historic buildings describing 20th century life in the early lakeshore settlements. We’ll stop for lunch in charming Glen Arbor and have a chance to revel in all things cherry at Cherry Republic, “the largest exclusive retailer of cherry products in the United States.” The afternoon offers the option of another short shuttle before completing our late afternoon journey back to Traverse City on the Leelanau Trail. Running through the last of Leelanau County’s former railroad corridors, the Leelanau Trail features picturesque forests, farms, vineyards, lakes and ponds and is an amazing cycling resource in the area.

The evening is yours to explore the many options awaiting you in Traverse City, MI.

Day 3

28–65 miles, flat in spots, with some rolling hills. Total elevation ranges from 1216 – 3645+ feet.
We bid goodbye this morning to fun Traverse City and begin with a short shuttle. Miles of quiet tree-lined roads lead us to Charlevoix, one of the hidden gems of northwest Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Situated on a spit of land between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, the downtown is known as “Charlevoix the Beautiful.” With abundant flowers lining the main street and boarding the park overlooking the marina where yachters dock for day trips, Charlevoix really is a beautiful sight worth savoring. Grab a picnic lunch to refuel in the expansive grassy park overlooking the water before tackling the afternoon’s optional miles.

The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 24 mile paved bike trail connecting Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs and offering picture postcard views of Lake Michigan. We take advantage of this amazing shoreline resource to roll to our home base for the next 3 nights, Petoskey. Be sure to stop along the way for the many photo ops available!

The afternoon is yours to spend as you choose. Continue on your bike to explore Harbor Springs, pedal along the paved paths to the interesting historic Oden Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center, or take time off the bike for strolling the streets of Petoskey thick with boutique stores, pubs and restaurants. Our hotel, the Stafford’s Perry, is only steps away from the heart of the historic shopping district.

Dinner will be as a group this evening at one of Petoskey’s many excellent options.

Day 4

8–65 miles, flat in spots, and includes some climbing along the way. elevation gain on the island is variable but can be up to 760 feet. elevation gain on the alternate route is also variable, but can be up to 1662 feet.

Our big day and a day full of choices! After breakfast, we depart for a shuttle to Mackinaw City, the jumping off point for an optional, included excursion to Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is a step back in time to a car free era with only bikes and horse drawn carriages for transportation. The eight mile perimeter road offers spectacular views, and the town is full of restaurants, museums and sites, so the island will give you plenty to do all day. A late afternoon return shuttle will get you back to Petoskey.

While Mackinac Island is on the bucket list of many visitors to this region, we know several of you have already “been there, done that.” For those folks, we have the alternate itinerary of a supported bike ride that revisits the Little Traverse Wheelway in the spectacular morning light along the shores of Lake Michigan. The scenic views from the Charlevoix Yacht Club provide additional postcard worthy photo ops.

We continue to the shores of the wishbone shaped Lake Charlevoix and the historic Ironton Ferry. The tiny vessel named the Charlevoix holds 4 cars (in addition to cyclists!) and made the “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” newspaper feature noting that its captain traveled more than 15,000 miles without being more than 1,000 feet from home. The south shores of Lake Charlevoix sparkle in the sunlight and provide an amazing backdrop to today’s low traffic journey. The route is mainly flat leading to the relaxing Boyne City hub at the eastern edge of the lake. Boyne City thrived as a regional logging center in the 19th century and still has preserved some of its “Wild West” charisma. In the early part of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway summered here in his family’s home on nearby Walloon Lake. Stop in the preserved Boyne City General Store to peruse a wall full of memorabilia dedicated to the celebrated writer

Dinner tonight is “on your own” to explore the many options available in bustling Petoskey and make the most of the flexibility offered to you today.

Day 5

16–60 miles, flat with some rolling hills as always.
Today offers one of our favorite rides in the area! Along the shores of Lake Michigan and through the fabled “Tunnel of Trees” (M-119) northwest of the summer resort town of Harbor Springs. This paved, low traffic road winds its way along the bluffs high above Lake Michigan before connecting back to the paved dedicated Little Traverse Wheelway leading you to Petoskey. Stop at the eccentric and iconic Leg’s Inn for authentic Polish cuisine, served by the same family since the 1920’s. Purchase your own M-119 souvenirs at the remote Good Hart General Store.

Day 6

0–50 miles, flat in spots, and includes some climbing along the way.
Our final day will include a short van shuttle back toward the shores of Little Traverse Bay. We bike another local favorite route down the scenic east shore of Torch Lake before rejoining the ridge top roads leading back into Traverse City. The final few miles will use the Traverse Area Recreational Trail, a rails to trails. Showers and lunch will be provided before heading out.

Tour prices are per person rates and include all of the following:

• Lodging costs (double occupancy rooms), including all taxes and fees
• All breakfasts and most lunches
• All dinners described in the tour itinerary (alcoholic beverages in restaurants are generally not included)
• Morning and afternoon snacks
• Route planning and detailed laminated cue cards daily
• Guide support along the route
• Van support along the route
• Luggage transfer
• Fees for all ferries, tolls for all highways and any park entrance or guided tour fees where noted
• Transportation back to starting point
• Costs for any special activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing or rafting where noted
• Carolina Tailwinds t-shirt or day bag, water bottles, complimentary digital photo files from your tour
• Gratuities for restaurants at included meals and gratuities for housekeepers at included lodging

Please note:

All lodging costs are based on double occupancy. The single room surcharge rates apply to single room occupants.

Single travelers who desire a roommate match will be paired with other tour guests of the same gender in a room with two beds, if available. If a match can’t be found for a single traveler, a single occupancy surcharge will be assessed. To find out if a roommate match is available, call us. We will be happy to put you on a waitlist for a match if one is not already available.

Single travelers may request a private room, subject to availability, and to the single room surcharge rate payable in full at the time of the reservation.

Transportation to the tour starting point, including airfare and any airport transfers, is not included in the tour price. We can assist you with making any airport transportation arrangements or advise you on the nearest and most convenient airport.

Alcoholic beverages at restaurants are not generally included . A separate beverage tab may be run for anyone who would like a drink with dinner. Settling this tab will be the responsibility of the individual participants.

Bicycle rental is available as an option (prices above). We have road touring bikes and hybrid bikes for your use and invite you to forego the hassle of transporting your bike to and from the starting point. Click here for more information on the equipment available for your use.

Want to know more about our policies, terms and conditions? Click here to review our deposit requirements, cancellation policy and more.

We will be happy to address any additional concerns or questions you may have.
Simply email us at our Contact Us page, or call us at 1-888-251-3206 (local number is 336.794.1054). Ready to make your reservation? Click here to reserve a spot online, or call us at 1-888-251-3206 (local number is 336.794.1054).

Travel Insurance: We strongly encourage you to consider travel insurance. You may research and compare competing travel insurance policies at websites such as www.squaremouth.com.

Nights 1 & 2

Hotel Indigo
Within an easy walk to downtown attractions and offering a spectacular view of Grand Traverse Bay, this new hotel also boasts spa-inspired showers and numerous modern amenities.

Nights 3, 4 & 5

Stafford’s Perry Hotel
An 1899 landmark in the heart of downtown Petoskey, this 79 room hotel is home to the Noggin Room, one of the best places to grab a pint.

Cycling

The terrain is flat in spots, but does include some elevation gain each day. Cyclists will encounter a mix of gently rolling hills, with some short hilly sections, and flat terrain, making it accessible to all ability levels. Road bikes and hybrid style bikes are both appropriate.

This 6 day tour offers routes of 25 – 60+ miles each day (at your option). Mileage each day will range from 35 – 65 miles. As with all Carolina Tailwinds tours, you can take advantage of the support van to “leap frog” ahead on the route and tailor the route and route distance to your needs.

Tour Point of Origin

Hotel Indigo, 263 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI (231) 932-0500

Getting to the Tour Start (Traverse City, MI):

Driving: Approximate travel distance to Traverse City–

• Cincinnati, OH: 488 miles
• Detroit, MI: 242 miles
• Grand Rapids, MI: 140 miles
• Mackinaw City, MI: 102 miles
• Chicago, IL: 305 miles
• Toronto, ON: 280 miles

Airports:
Cherry Capital Airport, (TVC) Traverse City, MI is 6 miles from our tour start location. Served through Detroit by Delta and through Chicago by American and United. tvcairport.com

Ground Transit:
Taxi cabs and Ubers are available at the Traverse City airport. Carolina Tailwinds will provide a courtesy shuttle from the TVC airport the morning of Day 1 of the tour. We can also pick up at any Traverse City airport hotel, or your chosen downtown hotel should you opt to stay additional nights at a different location.

On the last day, we will drop guests at TVC if needed.

Parking: We have arranged for long term parking for the duration of your tour. We will end the tour in Traverse City with an opportunity to shower prior to departure.

Arrival/Departure Timing

Arrive at the tour start location no later than 11:30 a.m. on Day 1 (10:30 a.m. if renting a bicycle.) Arrive a day or more early to enjoy Traverse City and all it has to offer on your own.

We will return to Traverse City on Day 6 between 2 and 3 p.m. Your return flight should depart no earlier than 4:00 p.m.

Extend Your Vacation

Be aware: if you are expecting to book additional nights in Traverse City, you need to look into that early. T.C. is a very popular weekend destination during the summer, and every available hotel room is full every weekend. Most hotels require a two night minimum.

There is much to see and do in Traverse City and beyond.

Traverse City: Add a night or 2 to your stay in the area to explore this town with style and substance. While there is no doubt that tourism drives the local economy, Traverse City remains a real community with hardware stores and office shops next to gift shops and galleries. Sip your way through the Traverse City Ale Trail, add an excursion for wine-tasting along the bay, or rent a kayak for a summer paddle on the scenic bay which remains the top draw of Traverse City in the summer.

Interlochen, MI: Located 14 miles south of Traverse City, the Interlochen Center for the Arts operates a year round school for gifted students to explore music, dance, theater, film, literature, and visual arts. Hundreds of concerts, readings, film screenings, dance and theatrical performances, and art exhibitions are open to the public. The offerings are diverse and always impressive.

Cadillac, MI: 1 hour south of Traverse City. A vibrant downtown and Lake Cadillac, along with a couple of affordable hotels make this a nice option when driving to T.C. Check out the KISS monument.

Our Selection

Women’s Road Bike    ⇒

⇐     Men’s Road Bike

Hybrid Bike Small     ⇒

⇐    Hybrid Bike Large

Step Through Bike    ⇒