What to Expect in 2022
The first year we rode this loop was in 2018. At that time, I was familiar with much of the route, but not all. I worried a little bit; hopeful the day would roll as planned. That we’d see cool things. That we’d be safe and have fun. A small group of riders came from all over, most I had never met before. All had a spirit of adventure. I could lay out with detail what would happen east of Marquette and Escanaba. My knowledge of the west was spotty, and we’d adventure those hills together.
We are far past the inaugural uncertainties of 2018. Not only in the routes, but in the organization of the ride. No matter if we have 20 or 60 riders on a given day, the logistic needs are the same – and challenging. Thanks to great people, excellent constructive rider feedback, and “time in the saddle” – our 5th year, 2022 Tour Da Yoop, Eh ride is shaping up to be pretty dam amazing.
Here are things you can expect to see this year.
Returning Support
My mom (Susan), Gladys, Mindy, and my son Eller have participated throughout most of our years and will be joining again. Chris and Gary (with UP Lions Serve Childhood Cancer) joined the team last year, and have taken on lead roles of organization, communication, and planning throughout the entire UP. They are organizing numerous helpers, water/food stops, host hotels, and way too many other details to list out. Suffice to say – they have things covered! You can expect to see the most organized support team we’ve ever had.
Our support goal is to help you achieve what we know you are capable of. We are looking after and tracking your progress throughout. We want you to be nourished, challenged, and able to relish in your accomplishments at the end of each day. We will be taking videos, pictures, and cheering you along the journey. Rain and shine, we are with you, we believe in you, and are inspired by you!
Our cause – Bike Safety and Childhood Cancer
Bike safety is the root of why I started this ride and will forever remain a constant focus. We work throughout the year to improve bike safety - everywhere. We strive for long term and permanent solutions that further make biking an enjoyable, healthy, and a safe sport for all. There are wonderful people in Michigan trying their best to keep you safe and they need our input. A group of riders sporting the TDY event jersey is our loudspeaker that says bikers are unified and grateful in the support of smart bike safety measures taken in Lansing and throughout the U.P. and Lower Michigan.
Chris Smith and Gary Perala have brought a phenomenal partnership to the organization and a charitable cause that I’m honored to support. TDY and Lions UP Serve Childhood Cancer are joined at the hip and work together to bring resources to families of children battling cancer throughout the U.P. The Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place to raise a family, but not a place that can deliver all the medical care these families need. Chris and Gary are working with families throughout the vast U.P. to deliver the resources and help they desperately deserve. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the families they help, and their precious children. I will proudly pedal on raising awareness and money to help them.
The Ride
The UP makes up about 1/3rd the land mass of the entire state, and over the years I’ve become familiar with just about all its roads. We take you through nearly every community in the U.P. You’ll travel back roads the majority of the time. There will be some days when you ride a couple of hours and the only vehicle you see is our support vehicle. We’ve seen moose, bear, wolves, coyote, fox, and lots of other animals. We ride in rain and shine.
Each day is different. The UP topography varies throughout. You climb hills as you get further away from the Great Lakes. You go downhill as you approach them. You travel along shorelines, rivers, vast forests, and an occasional farm.
This is a road bike course. There are only 36 – 40 miles of total gravel in the entire 1,200 mile route. Don’t solve for the gravel. Ride a bike that is comfortable and can carry the speed you need.
These are challenging rides. Some routes have added adventures to keep you safe and off the highway. There are some improvements and connections I’m working on with the state, planning divisions, and communities that will continue to enhance bikers’ experiences and safety in the years to come. I am routing people in what I believe to be the safest and most satisfying biking journey possible with current road availability. Some routes change each year as new opportunities or challenges arise. I’ll provide the routes to all registered riders of our annual event probably in the month of May.
The Party
Houghton is a fan favorite as we get to stay in the same hotel two nights in a row! It’s also the halfway point around the U.P. So, it’s fitting that we have a party there. Plan on gathering downtown Houghton on August 2nd after the Copper Harbor loop. There is a new twist to TDY that will be announced that night. It’s honoring something I’ve witnessed firsthand over the past four years. It’s already part of our culture, but on Tuesday August 2nd, I’ll memorialize it as such.
St. Ignace is host to another celebration on Saturday August 6th – the Plaid Party. It’s here we’ll honor the accomplishments of riders Chasing Plaid and pass out their well-deserved Plaid Jersey. We encourage and invite all previous Hall of Plaid riders to come back for the celebration and join us as we proudly ride Pladerday the following morning on the final ride into Manistique.
Manistique (my hometown) is our start and stop. On Sunday August 7th we’ll finish at the harbor with a proper celebration. Some might hang out and party for hours, others might have a beer, and then crash on their hotel bed. The choice is yours. I’ll be there appreciating the TDY support, friends from town, and celebrating every rider’s accomplishment.
The People
Speaking of our culture. Sure, the scenery, biking experience and challenge is incredible. But what stands out each and every year are the people we get to meet and have fun with along this ride. Bikers are incredible people, that’s all there is to it.
My goal with TDY is to see people throughout the season biking the backroads with their friends. But the unique gift about the annual ride is the huge diversity of people drawn from all over the globe. There are professional riders, like Wolfgang Brandl from Germany that has done all 10 days consecutively twice. And people that are just learning how to bike a century, like Ian Stewart from Ann Arbor. He showed everyone he has the grit and positive attitude to finish any challenge he starts, and ends with a smile.
Not only the riders and support involved with TDY, but you’ll meet people in the U.P. that will make a lifetime impression on you. From the lady outside the bar, that sat with Carrie McCoy from Hawaii when she needed a break along her mostly solo journey around the U.P. to become the first woman to earn plaid in 10 consecutive days. To the one-man band outside Tahquamenon falls that made up a song on the spot for Lisa Graziano, John Kreidler and me praising our ride around the Peninsula. I believe in people is one of my life mantras and it reigns loud and clear in the people you meet throughout this TDY U.P. ride.
So that’s a little flavor of what to expect on this year’s TDY ride. In upcoming blogs I’ll start giving you sneak peaks of the individual days and tips to help you succeed. Please visit our website, including the ride central page as we constantly keep you informed and up to date there.