If you’re looking for an adventure after a year of working, exercising, teaching, staycationing, and doing, well, everything at home, then we may have a challenge for you. From Aug. 6-15, Tour Da Yoop, Eh will give cyclists the chance to ride across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — taking in sites and riding as many as 1,200 miles in 10 days. And with the event over 18 weeks away, you still have plenty of time to train.
The challenge kicks off and ends in St. Ignace. Cyclists can sign up for 10 different sections, choosing anywhere from one to 10 days of riding. On average, participants will ride 120 miles per day, with some riding as little as 92 miles and others riding as many as 137, depending on the package they sign up for.
Riding solo or in groups, participants have the flexibility to go at whatever pace they’d like so they can take in the real draw of Tour Da Yoop, Eh: the scenery. Riders will pass three Great Lakes, hundreds of waterfalls, and towns in the U.P. like Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Marquette, and Sault Ste. Marie. In total, the self-guided rides will take cyclists through 15 counties.
“I started Tour Da Yoop as a way for people to explore and experience all of the beauty that Michigan has to offer in a safe and peaceful way,” says founder James Studinger in a press release. “Through this process, we are also helping to support local businesses and showcase each city’s personality, history, and beauty.”
Safety is a priority for Tour Da Yoop, Eh, and rides mostly take place on wide open, paved roads. Cyclists can utilize GPS services and directional signs to stay on track. Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are also on standby to assist along the way, and aid stations, which include refreshments and healthy snacks, will be set up every 30 miles.
Those who finish all 10 sections of the challenge in 10 days will receive a free plaid finisher’s jersey and will be invited to take part in PlaidER Day, where they can ride the last section of Tour Da Yoop, Eh for free. Riders who complete all 10 sections at any point, whether that’s in one year, five years, or more, will also be eligible to receive a plaid finisher’s jersey. “I invite everyone to come and join me on this bucket list adventure,” Studinger says. “It may take you one year or 10 years to complete, but it’s something you will remember for a lifetime!”
Registration for the event is open through July 31 and ranges from $150 for a one-day ride to $700 for a 10-day ride. Participants can pay more for a hotel package as well. Along with SAG support and aid stations, all packages include a custom-made rider jersey, luggage pick-up and drop off, and an invitation to an after-party with food, music, and drinks.
For more information, visit tourdayoopeh.com.
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