Bike Benzie Tour sponsored by Benzie Sunrise Rotary

46-mile riders should depart between 7:30 and 8:30.

The 46-mile course travels on rolling hills west from Crystal Mountain and then north through orchards and farms. The Village of Elberta is the site for the first 19-mile food stop at Penfold Park. The ride continues on the scenic Betsie Valley Trail which follows the Betsie River and then progresses along the shore of Crystal Lake. There is a 3-mile stretch that is crushed limestone where riders should use caution. The second 27-mile food stop awaits in Beulah at the Betsie Valley Trailhead. From Beulah the route crosses US-31 and gently climbs Narrow Gauge Road to Homestead Road. It then heads further east on Cinder Road and at 37 miles turns south toward Thompsonville. At 44 miles cyclists intersect Lindy Road a short distance from Crystal Mountain.
The route provides approximately 1,300 feet of gentle climb. Of course, enjoy the 1,300 feet of thrilling descent!

Maps will be provided, and the course will be marked at critical turns; in addition, “Ride with GPS”, will be available for download from the Bike Benzie website. The route will be patrolled by support vehicles in the event of an emergency or a need to return to Crystal Mountain.

Please Note: Part of this route is on the Betsie Valley Trail where only Class 1 pedal assist E-bikes are permitted.

62-mile riders should depart by 7:00 and must depart by 8:00am. Lunch is served between 11:00 and 2:00, so allow plenty of time to finish.

The 62-mile course travels on rolling hills west from Crystal Mountain and then north through orchards and farms. The Village of Elberta is the site for the first 19-mile food stop at Penfold Park. From there the route goes through Frankfort and continues north on scenic M22. This wide-shoulder road is a popular cycling route which traverses along Crystal Lake and then eventually through the Sleeping Bear National Park. At 38 miles, the course turns east on Fowler Road and shortly thereafter heads south on Indian Hill Road.

The second 44-mile food stop is located at the Village of Honor Pavilion. From there, cyclists pass though the Village of Honor, cross US-31 and climb Pioneer Road. Eventually, cyclists will turn east onto Cinder Road and at 53 miles will cycle south to Thompsonville. At mile 60, cyclists will travel west back to Crystal Mountain. The route has approximately 1870 feet of climb, and more importantly, 1870 feet of descent!

Maps will be provided, and the course will be marked at critical turns; in addition, two GPS apps will be available for download on the website, 1) Ride with GPS, and 2) Strava. The route will be patrolled by support vehicles in the event of an emergency or a need for a ride to Crystal Mountain.

Please Note: A short portion of this route is on the Betsie Valley Trail. Only class 1 pedal assist E-bikes are permitted.

30-mile riders should depart between 8:00 and 9:00am. Lunch is served from 11:00 to 2:00 only.

The 30-mile course will take you from Crystal Mountain east and south into Manistee County’s farm lands and forests. You will cycle though Copemish and then south along Yates Road to 9-mile Road. In Kaleva, there will be a food stop at the Bethany Lutheran Church. Then the route takes the cyclist north on Healy Lake and Kurick Roads, back to Crystal Mountain.

Maps will be provided and the course will be marked at critical turns. Additionally, two GPS apps will be available for download from the website; 1) Ride with GPS, and 2) Strava. The route will be patrolled by support vehicles in the event of an emergency or a need for a ride back to Crystal Mountain.