2011 Ride Around Torch

Experience Michigan's Most ScenicBike Tour! text Sunday, July 17, 2011 Elk Rapids, MI   $1 per rider is donated to the League of Michigan Bicyclists

Tour Overview
The Ride Around Torch is an annual one-day 26, 63, or 100 mile bicycle tour primarily along the scenic shores of Torch Lake, Michigan's longest and one of its most beautiful inland lakes with unusually clear, bright turquoise hued waters. Several villages and hamlets lie along the lake's shore including Alden, Eastport, Clam River and Torch River. The ride is a recreational, social tour that is neither a race nor a test of strength although the very hilly 100 mile route can be a challenge.
The 26 mile ride is an out and back around the north end of Elk Lake through Torch River to the food stop at Crystal Beach Park. Same hills and flats of the other routes only less.
Our signature 63 mile ride circles Torch Lake passing through Eastport, Clam River, Alden and Torch River with hills, flats, scenic views and multiple food stops.
The 100 mile ride is a challenging century with the rolling shoreline of Torch Lake, extreme hills and then some. Racing clusters are not recommended.
Fees
RIDE FEES	EXTRA LUNCHES	T-SHIRTS
By June 30: • Individual - $25 • Family - $55   (with minor children)	Adult non-rider: $10 Child non-rider: $8	A premium quality shirt:    • Short sleeve - $15    • Long sleeve - $20      (with entry by June 30)
Please Note: Ride fees will increase on July 1 and again on the day of ride. Save $$$ by registering early!

Registration

EASY: Download mail-in registration form available here, complete and send to us. EASIER: Register conveniently online using Active.com.

Ride Details

HIGHLIGHTS • Well-marked roads for all routes. • Detailed route maps provided. • Roving SAG support. • Great snacks at food stops. • Scrumptious picnic lunch at the Elk Rapids Village Beach from noon to 4:00 p.m.   featuring brats, hot dogs, Caesar, potato, pasta and three bean salads, coleslaw, baked   beans, chips, iced tea and lemonade. • Showers at Elk Rapids High School until 4:00 p.m. • Swimming at the Village Beach on East Bay. • Bike tech available morning of tour for last minute help at reasonable rates. • Breakfast is available at T. J. Charlie’s, 135 River Street in downtown Elk Rapids   beginning at 6:00 a.m. SAFETY  • Helmets must be worn by all riders. • Riders are to obey all traffic rules and laws and to ride in a courteous and safe manner.   Michigan law requires cyclists to ride as near to the right as practicable and nor more   than two abreast. • Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a cycling adult. REGISTRATION/PACKET PICK-UP  • Register prior to tour by:   1. Completing and mailing in the tour registration form by Monday, July11 or   2. Going online to register using Active.com. A small fee will be added.       Online registration closes at midnight, Thursday, July 14. • Save by registering by July 1.• Day of ride registration is available. • Packet pick-up/day of ride registration is 7 to 10:00 a.m. at the Elk Rapids HS. • Century riders must start by 8:00 a.m.: 63 milers by 9:00 a.m. SAG support ends on   all routes at 3:00 p.m. so gauge your ride time accordingly. • Parents or guardians must sign a release for riders aged 17 or under. • Your wristband is your admission to food stops, the picnic and for SAG support. START/FINISH LOCATION  The Elk Rapids HS is located on the east side of Elk Rapids, MI about 17 miles north of Traverse City on US31. At the traffic light on US31, turn east on Ames Street and follow the signs to the high school. For MapQuest directions from your location, click here. All routes finish at the Elk Rapids Village Beach at the west end of River Street. Directionsback to the high school are on the route maps. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  $1.00 per rider is donated to the League of Michigan Bicyclists to support safe cycling. This is a rain or shine tour so no refunds after July 1. Questions may be directed to ratdirector@cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org. Information on hotels, motels and camping may be obtained from the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau.