If you can only afford to do one trip this year, THIS IS THE ONE! New for 2004 we will meet in Mackinaw City, Michigan near mid-day on Thursday June 10th.

After introductions and getting reacquainted we'll board the ferryboat to Mackinaw Island where a horse drawn cart will be waiting to take our luggage to the Inn at Stonecliff where we will be spending the night. The Inn is located away from the main street tourist area (beyond the Grand Hotel for those of you familiar with the Island), so we can really enjoy the peace and beauty of the Island. We'll enjoy it even more since our rooms have been upgraded to deluxe suites for this tour.

We can visit the main street shops near the ferry docks before mounting our bikes for our first ride. Oh, did I mention there are no cars on the Island? What a paradise for biking. The waterfront paved road running the perimeter of the Island is about 7 miles around or about 45 minutes of easy pedaling. For those looking for more challenging riding the steep ride up to the interior of the Island is rewarded with beautiful sights that take you back 100 years.

Search out Arched Rock, or one of the many historic homes and churches, or ride to the livery stables and rent a horse and buggy for the afternoon. When you are tired of riding take a tour through historic Fort Michilimackinac with live reenactments of life in the 1700s. We will meet up for supper at one of the fine restaurants in the area before heading to the Inn for the evening.

Friday we will wake to the smell of breakfast (included) being cooked and the smell of lilacs in bloom. In fact Friday is the start of the week long Lilac Festival! Enjoy the activities involved with the festival or just see the spots you didn't have time for on Thursday before we board the ferryboat and return to Mackinaw City in the evening. Again we will have dinner together and maybe walk the downtown area to see the shops, maze of mirrors, or laser light show before turning in for the evening.

Saturday morning we will join the "Big Mac Scenic Shoreline Bike Tour" with hundreds of other riders. There will be maps provided, rest stops with food and water along the way, and rescue vehicles in case of mechanical trouble. Distance options range from 25 to 100 miles (that's about 2 1/2 to 8 hours of moderate effort with time for rest stops). The longer distances will have the opportunity to ride the "tunnel of trees", a long winding stretch of road rated as one of Michigan's most beautiful. This isn't a race, and everyone can ride at a pace and distance that is comfortable for them.

We'll all meet up again for dinner and stories of the day. For those with energy left to venture out in the evening, it is a short walk to the theater where you have the option of seeing "Forever Plaid" (additional cost).

Sunday is a rare opportunity for early risers. As part of the Shoreline Tour, riders will be allowed to ride across the Mackinaw Bridge weather permitting! This happens just two times a year and for a very limited number of people. If you have had enough riding and prefer to sleep in, that is just fine too. The rest of the day is yours to explore the area or get an early start on your drive home if you must.

P.S. Want a special treat? Ask about renting a Cannondale tandem bicycle for either day's ride for $20/day. How cool would it be to tool around the Island on a tandem without having to worry about cars!

LET BOB KNOW YOUR INTEREST