Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula on one of America's premier cycling tours. This tour invites you to explore picturesque landscapes along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, offering routes that range from 18 miles for a leisurely ride to an exhilarating 70-mile journey. Join us as you cycle through charming country roads, taking in stunning views at every turn. Whether you choose the shorter 18-mile route or opt for one of the longer distances like the 56- or 70-mile options, all routes will conclude with a picturesque finish line back in Suttons Bay. Enjoy your chosen route and savor a delightful picnic lunch provided by VI Grill at North Park. Our event caters to cyclists of all skill levels, making it perfect for families and friends alike. Well-marked roads ensure safety, while SAG support vehicles are on hand to assist you throughout the journey. Detailed maps with turn-by-turn GPS instructions will guide your way. The post-ride picnic takes place from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at North Park in Suttons Bay, offering a relaxing waterfront setting complete with music and restroom facilities. Be sure to plan your arrival time accordingly to make the most of this serene environment. Registration fees vary based on the date you join us: - $65 from March 1 through May 31 - $75 from June 1 through September 9 - $85 for "Day of Ride" registration (September 12) Children aged 16 and under are welcome at a reduced rate of $40. All classes of e-bikes are permitted, adding to the diversity of our cycling community. Rest stops along each route offer toilet facilities and handwashing stations. Suttons Bay Township Park on Stony Point serves as the starting point for all riders (Mile 13.1). For those embarking on longer distances, additional rest stops include St Wenceslaus Church at Mile 25.5, Northport Marina Park at Miles 29.3 and 43.8, and again at Mile 57.6. Safety is paramount, with helmets required for all participants. Cyclists must adhere to traffic laws and local regulations, including riding as close to the right side of the road as practicable and not more than two abreast. Children under 15 should be accompanied by a cycling adult. Packet pick-up begins at Suttons Bay High School (500 South Elm Street) from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on event day. Parking is available nearby, but riders must not start before 8:00 am due to safety reasons. We recommend a 9:00 am start for those choosing the 70-mile route. This tour runs rain or shine and is an all-volunteer effort ensuring food stops, SAG support, and lunch availability during specified times only. Your wristband grants access to these amenities as well as the picnic at North Park. For further information, contact us via email at [email protected] or through our website’s Contact Event tab. Explore local lodging options and attractions on links provided for Leelanau County, Traverse City, and Pure Michigan. Enjoy camping experiences in nearby Leelanau Pines Campground or Lake Leelanau RV Park. Proceeds from this event support the Community Cycling Club of Charlevoix (CCCC), a non-profit dedicated to promoting cycling as part of healthy living through grant programs since 1999.
Races Offered
Age Category - Adult/Teen
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Age Category - Adult/Teen
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
68 days remaining
sell
$75.00
Age Category - Children
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Age Category - Children
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
68 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Suttons Bay.
thermostatTemperature
14.5° / 21.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.8° / 20.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 27m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.2 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
76.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:22
nightlight
Sunset
19:51
About Suttons Bay
Learn more about the host city, Suttons Bay.
Suttons Bay is a village in Leelanau County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population in the village reached 613 at the 2020 census. Located within Suttons Bay Township, the community lies upon the shore of the eponymous Suttons Bay, a smaller inlet of Grand Traverse Bay, a bay of Lake Michigan.