Thanks for posting this. I live in Central Michigan, near the Fred Meijer trail. This route is on my bucket list as part of a tour around the Great Lakes.
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! I love biking in Michigan! -- it's a beautiful state. I hope you enjoy pedaling around that lake sometime soon. Keep me posted. Happy adventures to ya!
Great video. Thanks so much. Retiring next year and heading out to many trails like the GAP/C&O, OTE, Katy, Erie Canal, etc. This one is top of my list for mid-summer riding. You two are the best!!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! And a big congrats to you on your upcoming retirement! I hope you get to enjoy all the trails on your bucket list. Well wishes and happy & safe adventures to ya! Thx again😎✌🏼🚲
That’s amazing! So cool you did it going the other way around! When did you go? Where was your starting/ending point? What’s your next adventure?! Ride on my friend!🤘🏼🚲
Thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! So awesome you are doing this trip! When are you planning to do it? I wish you a joyful and safe adventure! 😎👍🏼
Wow, I'm only 25 minutes in, and had to take a break to say what an enjoyable video. I have my maps, and route planned, just need to pull the trigger. Thanks for the entertainment on this cold winter day in Illinois!
Appreciate the positive vibes! Happy you enjoyed our video :) It was an absolute blast for us to pedal around the beautiful lake and see how it would go. Great way to spend some long summer days - pedaling meditation throughout the beautiful and ever-changing Midwest landscapes. I highly recommend it!
Great video! I love the way it was done. I live in Michigan and plan on riding my bike to Lake Michigan next spring (150 miles). This video was great motivation.
Thank you for watching and adding your positive comment! Appreciate the feedback. Where are you planning to start and end your ride next spring?Michigan has some awesome bike trails! Beautiful state. Cheers!😎🙏🏼👊🏼🚲
This was cool, congratulations. I have camped up in Hiawatha National Forest. I loved it up there in the U.P. I live in West Town in Chicago, I’d love to do this ride one day.
@@tacosnachosburritos cheers😎🙏🏼 thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! It’s so beautiful up in the UP! I hope you get to enjoy this ride someday- we loved it! Happy adventures to u!👊🏼
That’s awesome you are doing this ride. It was so much fun! We also were not too thrilled about the south end of the lake but it actually was not as bad as we thought it might be. We were also excited to make it they the south end and get home at that point of the trip-we we’re probably running on adrenaline. Overall, the whole trip was epic! You’re gonna love the adventure. Keep me posted! All the best.😎👊🏼🚲
I been watching bike tours videos because I want to do one myself. I came across this one and noticed that you went through a small city I use to live in. Some my family and friends live there. That is Oconto part of the route from Green Bay to Marinette.
Hey thanks for checking out my video! We had a blast on this trip! We also enjoyed biking through Wisconsin and Michigan - there were lots of great bike trails. I wish you the best as you figure out your next adventure.There are many rail trails and bike paths out there to explore. Cheers ✌
Awesome video! You two rolled right through my stomping grounds in the Escanaba area. Some day I'm going to try something like this you folks are inspiring me to finally do it. Thank you for sharing.
Hey thanks for the great comment…and for watching! Had a blast doing this trip! We love your stomping grounds! Biking in Michigan is awesome. Cheering you on to get around the lake at some point! Happy spring/summer to ya! 😎👊🏼
I just finished a 19-day trip around Lake Michigan a week ago - it was so much fun watching your video and seeing some of the exact same scenery! You stopped in a lot of the same towns. Great job!
That’s amazing! Great job to you as well!🙌🏼. A wonderful accomplishment to bike around Lake Michigan. Happy for you! I also appreciate the kind words and support! Cheers and all the best!😎✌🏼🚲
Nice work i did the loop the opposite direction in 2016 solo. Was fun took a fishing boat from marinette to door county. all the bike trails around lake michigan are a blessing
Thanks for the comment! Your trip sounded epic as well! We really enjoyed the bike trails in MI. Look forward to the next trip. Happy and safe travels out there! Cheers :)
Thank you very much for sharing your video! Still new to the bike scene, hoping to get more involved with touring as I get experience. I really enjoyed your video…..it provides motivation to me to get out and ride!
Thank you so much for watching and adding your positive comment! I’m cheering you on as you take your steps to being ready for a bike tour! It was years in the making for me… and I still continue to refine my ways and learn something new each tour. All part of the learning adventure! All the best and keep me posted when you plan that first tour. Cheers! 🙏🏼😎👍🏼🚲
Great video, great bike ride. What an adventure. Congrats! I like to ride in the Milwaukee area and the lakefront. I go almost every nice day, and usually do 30 mile rides. I can't imagine doing 50-70 miles a day. What a great accomplishment.
Thanks for the uplifting comment and for watching! Had a blast doing this adventure. Still savoring this ride. Every day of pedaling all day on this trip we got a little stronger, enough to make it around. Lots of lovely bike trails in Wisconsin and around Milwaukee! Glad to hear you get out and enjoy them as well. If you can do 30, then you can totally do 50-70! Happy and safe pedaling out there!💪🏼😎👍🏼🚲
Thanks, Steve :) Appreciate the comment. The trip was indeed awesome and memorable. Highly recommend it. All the best and safe riding out there. Cheers!
Hey thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! Cheering you on! Keep training- you can do it! and you will love this ride. All the best! Cheers😎🙏🏼🚲👍🏼
That’s awesome!🙌🏼🚲Congrats on your ride around the lake! How was the trip? Thanks a bunch for watching my video and adding your positive comment. Cheers, all the best!😎👊🏼
Thank you for your positive comment! I hope you get to do this ride in 2022! It was lots of fun! Where will you start your ride? Keep me posted! Cheers😎👍🏼🚲
Awesome ride and video. It’s nice how you didn’t try to knock out big miles each day. It allowed you to stop and take in the sights. I would like to do a much shorter version, taking the ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon.
Slow and steady worked out perfectly for us :) It was a lovely pace to pedal around the lake! Thanks for checking out our video. A shorter version of this trip sounds great as well. Share some footage if you go! Happy travels out there!
I watched the entire video in one sitting. I wonder if that stretch near the Michigan City steam cooing tower was the only uncomfortable trafficey road ride. I did that and the Calumet Trail and the beaches in 2015 on a Indianapolis to Grand Rapids ride. It's nice to know that there is so much good cycling infrastructure on this loop. My bucket list got longer today.
Thanks for watching! I’m so glad we did this loop tour! It was such an awesome adventure. A great ride to put on your list for sure. There were some sections where we were not on bike trails (like in Michigan City area and also riding eastbound at times along US 2 in the UP-with the logging trucks) but overall it was a terrific and safe journey. I hope you get to enjoy it someday soon!😎👍🏼🚲
Nice video!! In the planning stages of the same trip for 2022, I would like some info on your route, if you could share. Can't hardly wait through the winter to start. Just got done riding from Lake Superior to Indiana in August and it was a blast. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! I highly recommend this trip and hope you get to do it in ‘22! Congrats on the Lake Superior~IN ride! 🤙🏼🚲With our ride, we mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments! All part of the adventure! 🙌🏼😁👍🏼
Hey! I live in Albany Park too, and I'm planning to do this ride in late July - counter clockwise. I'd love to hear more about your trip if you'd be up for it.
Hey Tim! Thanks for watching our ride! We had an absolute blast and would highly recommend the trip. Awesome that you are planning the counter clock version. I’ll be curious to hear how it goes. We no longer live in Chicago but enjoyed our time in Albany Park. We moved out of the city. Any questions I can answer about the trip? Happy to share whatever I can. Cheers!😎👊🏼🚲
On the trip back from the Indiana Dunes on the Calumet Trail, where did you go to get back to Lakeshore Trail? Was there a lot of city roads through Gary, Indiana?
Thanks for watching! We traveled south around Gary from Marquette Greenway to Burnham Greenway to S. Ewing Ave to S. Lake Shore Drive…to N. Lake Shore Drive. I wasn’t sure what to expect as we had never done this route either, but it was actually ok, but definitely more of city energy so had to be extra careful…all good and doable tho! An exciting ending to our circle around! 🚲😁👍🏼 Hope this helps!
I saw on another video that they have a sign posted that bicycles and mopeds not allowed but they provide a phone number. Apparently you call the number and someone in a pickup truck will carry you over. This video was from 2017 and it cost the guy $5. Who knows in Michigan if they will do that now during the Covid since they are such a lockdown state.
Thanks for checking out our trip! So cool that you are doing this same ride! I highly recommend it. Last summer, the Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. I’m not sure what the status of this service is this summer, but worth looking into ahead of time to be prepared. Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued our way down the MI coast. Thanks again for watching and safe/happy travels out there! When are you starting your ride?
Adding this to my bucket list after I do the Erie canal in May. I have driven this route, so I'm curious on how you got from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City area? Is there a ferry you didn't talk about?
Hey thanks for watching! Erie Canal sounds like a great ride. I hope you enjoy. Good question. During our adventure years ago now, Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued pedaling our way down the MI coast! It was awesome. Otherwise, I’m not sure what we would have done! Perhaps the Mackinaw bridge shuttle service is now available tho - something to research further. Thanks for watching and safe/happy travels out there! Cheers😎✌🏼
Also, thanks for your nice comments about the Wisconsin side. Watched another guy and all he did was complain. It was obvious from rest of his vid that he didn’t plan very well.
Looks like you had a great ride. My son and me are plaining to ride around Lake Michigan this summer. How was M 35 from Marinetti to Escanaba?. What was the road shoulder like?
Terrific bike ride - we loved it! From what I recall, M35 was all good, no problem. The traffic speed picks up with 2 lanes going each direction. The shoulder seemed safe and spacious enough with a rumble strip adding a bit more protection. Never felt uncomfortable about it. Enjoyed every day of the trip. Hope the same for you! When do you plan to go? What is your starting destination?
@@Iliketoadventure Thanks for the reply. We are planning to start riding from Kalamazoo Mi in late June. We are going to skip the southern tip of the lake and ride up the Michigan coast line to the Badger car ferry and take that across to Wisconsin. And then around the top of the lake and back down the coast back to Kalamazoo. We live in Utah so it will be good to see that part of the country.
Thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! We had a blast doing this ride! With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site or hotel/motel. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! I hope this info helps! Cheers and happy biking around the lake in July! 😁👍🏼 🚲
Great trip! Impressed by the trails! Would you estimate it to be 50/50 road to trails or more trails, more road? I’ve done four big trips and the last one, Empire State Trail, was glorious being on trails for 85% of the time.
Thanks a bunch for watching and commenting! We had a blast on this ride around the lake! The Empire State Trail sounds awesome too! Would love to check it out someday. I like to say our trip was about 60/40 trails, all bundled up into a fun adventure! 😎👍🏼🚲 Amy trips planned for the future? Cheers!👊🏼
10 Days, 100 miles per day, camping in a tent every night except one, cooking our own meals. The year? 1977, my friend and I did it, just the two of us when we were only 17 years old. Zero bike trails, and no helmets. Anyone have any questions? :)
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! I highly recommend this trip! 🤙🏼🚲With our ride, we mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments! All part of the adventure! I can share my strava ride if you send me a quick email. Cheers!🙌🏼😁👍🏼
Enjoyed the video. Thank you. Did have one question about your Bike Helmet mirrors? What brand are they? And are you happy with them? They seem bigger than many others.
Hey thanks for watching and adding a comment. Our bike helmet mirrors are from EVT Safe Zone. We love them and have been using for several years. I highly recommend. EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror a.co/d/6Zw8h8R. Safe and happy adventures to you!😎👍🏼
Thanks a bunch for watching and adding your positive comment! Appreciate it👍🏼 I’d say prolly about 60% bike trails along the way but still very rideable! Overall felt safe and comfortable with the route. Might have been a few stretches of little road shoulder but mostly felt good. I hope you get to check this ride off your list someday! Cheers!😎🙏🏼🚲
Unfortunately nothing shareable/downloadable yet- working on it tho. We followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone via the Bicycle Route Navigator app. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. All part of the adventure :)
Great video! I'm looking into biking to Mackinac Island from the Milwaukee area. Since you've done both ways, what would you recommend? Up along Wisconsin and through the UP, or down through Chicago and up along the west coast of Michigan?
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! This ride was so much fun! I’ve only rode this route clockwise from Chicago, up thru Wisconsin, up thru the UP, and down Michigan. I really like the way we went but would be curious to hear other opinions on going counterclockwise. Keep me posted if you do it! All the best to you! Cheers😎👍🏼🚲
Enjoyed this video very much. Can you share the details of your route or have some type of electronic file of the route that can be downloaded to a GPS device ? Keep up the adventures !!
Thanks for your comment, JIm! We very much enjoyed pedaling around the lake and would highly recommend this trip. We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! :) When are you thinking of doing the ride? Where is your starting point? It's gonna be awesome! Keep me posted.
@@Iliketoadventure Super thanks for the information. I appreciate the details. Hopefully next Summer as one of my "retirement" trips. Keep you posted !!
Thanks for sharing. I am planning my trip. It it better to stick to a set itinerary and have all your camping set up ahead of time? Or did you have flexibility in case you felt like riding more/less?
Hey AJ! Thanks for watching our circle tour bike adventure! Awesome to hear that you are planning to do a ride around the lake. Where will you be starting your trip? When are you planning to go? With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. This was Nikki’s first long distance trip, so we biked as far as she could make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. Are u going solo or with a partner/group? It took us 19 days to bike around the lake (one rest day). If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). The ride was a blast! I highly recommend it! Keep me posted!
Just finished watching Circle Tour Lake Mich. Great video! Some questions: What kind of bikes did you use how much maintenance was done on them and how did you navigate your rt.? Also do you have another adventure in the plans?
Thanks a bunch for the positive comment..and for watching! I ride a Kona Sutra and my wife rides a Cannondale. I was carrying most of the weight in my panniers because my bike is able to hold more weight. We had our bikes tuned up before we started the 1040 mile journey. We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! :) I’ve got a few ride ideas for next summer that I’m considering but nothing official yet. I’ll spend the winter planning the next one. Any recommendations? Any adventures in your future? Cheers and happy adventuring! 😁👍🏼
Happy to share our epic adventure! Thanks for checking it out. We were self-sufficient- had all our food, kitchen, camping, clothes, necessities. I was carrying almost 100lbs.on my bike, maybe 30lbs on Nikki's bike. We liked being prepared to be on our own anytime, but we also enjoyed/appreciated having the option to stay at a motel/hotel if needed. It always easy to pack too much is what I also find out, haha! When is your trip? Sounds awesome. Share some footage! Safe n happy travels out there! :)
Thanks for your comment, Phillip! Happy our bike trip video inspired you to take this biking adventure! I highly recommend this trip around the lake. It was a lovely ride! We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps. These maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. All part of the adventure! :) When are you thinking of doing the ride? Where is your starting point? Excited for you! Keep me posted.
Wonderful journey and great recording. Thank you for sharing. This is what I want to do, I am in the process of preparing for doing this trip solo, hopefully this August. I probably will do the same like you did with stay in hotel when needed. Did you have to book your hotel in advance? Stay safe out there, looking forward to view more of your adventure. 👋
Thanks for watching! Awesome to hear that you are planning this ride in August!. Where will you be starting your trip? With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site or hotel/motel. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. This was Nikki’s first long distance trip, so we biked as far as she could make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). The ride was a blast! I highly recommend it! Look forward to hearing about your trip! Happy and safe travels! Cheers :)
@@Iliketoadventure Thank you for all the wonderful tips.🙏 I plan to start my tour at Grand Haven and head South toward Chicago and then up around the lake. I am still on planning stage, I need to do more research about which route/road and where the camp sites are. My target range is around 60-70 miles/day, if I can book camp site in advance would be great otherwise I will stay in some hotel and If I can't I will do stealth camping 🙂. My timing is flexible so if I can finish the loop in 14-17 days that would be great. I am in photography too so I think I might take my camera along and shoot whenever opportunity arises. I have most camping equipments ready except the stove and couple essential for camping in the wilderness. I've been riding since 1980, all road hi-speed biking. This will be my first tour on a randonneur. Again thank you for your wonderful video and sound advices. Stay safe. 👋
Loved the video and I hope to use it to inspire my wife to do a similar trip. We would probably ride from Kalamazoo to Muskegon and ferry across the lake, then go up and around. I worry about the UP section. It looked like heavy traffic and not a lot of options. You missed some (not a ton) of good riding in the Lelanau Peninsula. Any favorite stops and hotels? What’s your next ride? Hoping for a Vermont ride one day too. Thanks again. ✌🏻
Thank you so much for taking the ride with us! Also appreciate the heads up about Lalanau Penninsula- we’d love to do more biking in Michigan and are open to any good recommendations! Keep ‘em coming! We absolutely loved biking in MI! Really hope you and your wife can take the ride you mentioned. The UP was a bit more “trafficy” for my wife’s taste, because we had to ride on the shoulder (fairly wide with protective rumble strip) of US 2 at times. We also enjoyed some time on the North Country Scenic Trail. It is mostly shoulder road riding in the UP section tho. It’s definitely doable tho. We camped a bunch and also stayed in reasonably priced hotels/motels when we were craving a cool room and warm shower. One motel that stood out was the Skyline Motel in Epoufette. Nothing fancy but an enjoyable stay, with lovey views of the lake from our room. Also a great restaurant right next to it. Came in handy after all our pedaling. I hope this info helps a bit. Cheering you both on! Keep me posted please. As for me, I’ve got a few trip ideas for next summer. Maybe Pueblo, CO to Carbondale, IL- that would complete my cross country route. Also, the Katy Trail in MO. I’m really intrigued by the BC Trail from Alberta to Vancouver. Sound epic!! Cheers and all the best!✌🏼🚲😎
Hey, I live in Vermont. Though road biking in Vermont is heavily marketed by the state's tourism bureaus, in reality it seems like it leaves a lot to be desired relative to the Midwest, where I grew up. Namely, there's just a lack of safe roads with adequate shoulders. There are lots and lots and lots of tight, blind corners in most of VT's hilly/mountainous areas that leave me feeling pretty anxious whenever I ride there. That being said, there ARE some really nice areas for riding, including the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, the completed sections of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and along the Connecticut River in southern VT. I really, really like riding in the Champlain Islands, which are a string of fairly flat islands in the middle of Lake Champlain that reminds me a little of Door County, WI. They are connected by causeways, and allow one to ride 100 or so miles from Burlington up to Montreal, Quebec. which I've done twice, and was absolutely fantastic both times. (You can actually turn the ride into a narrow loop route if you want), Quebec, in my opinion, offers phenomenal riding in and around Montreal, and along most of the province's southern section along the St. Lawrence river. One state over from VT, NH's Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail is super scenic as well if you're up for some easy gravel and cinder trail riding that passes within sight of Mount Washington (www.xnhat.org/)
Great ride, I have ridden many of those same roads and trails on long trips I have done in MI. I can't believe you only had 10 subscribers/likes. Did what i could there, made it 11! I noticed the only place I saw any face coverings was in Chicago, looked like every where else was "normal"?
Thanks for watching and subscribing! This was an awesome summer adventure! I had no idea this bike tour would be so enjoyable. Many great bike trails all the way around the lake! And yes, unfortunately we saw lots of people without masks. We always had our masks handy and ready to put on whenever we encountered people in towns, cities, on the path, etc. Mostly, we were on the bike trail by ourselves, socially distancing from everyone! Epic trip :)
Great ride indeed! Sounds like you also enjoyed a good portion of it! What were your starting/ending destinations? Good noticing about the missing footage of our bridge crossing from UP to Mackinaw City! :) The Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued our way down the MI coast! It was awesome. Thanks for watching and safe/happy travels out there!
@@Iliketoadventure I took the LMB tours. Shoreline West www.lmb.org/ride-calendar/shoreline-west-2021/. I am thinking of doing the MUP route by myself, hopefully this summer.
@@StephenDuncan Highly recommend the UP ride! Hope you find yourself pedaling across the UP this summer. If so, share some footage! Cheers and safe n happy riding out there!
Hey Adam! Happy summer to you. Good question. The Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued our way down the MI coast! It was awesome. Thanks for watching and safe/happy travels out there!
Thanks a bunch for the positive comment..and for watching! We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! Cheers and happy adventures around the lake! I hope you get to do this ride. Also, I am enjoying your UA-cam channel as well - great stuff! 😁👍🏼🚲
@@archietuttle2682 Thanks for the comment. Yes, the AC maps do not disappoint! I’ve enjoyed using them over the years as well. This circle lake ride was a great tour - I recommend it. Cheers and happy adventures! 😎👊🏼
Hey thanks for watching and adding your positive comment! I used my old model GoPro and iPhone to record videos and pictures. That’s it! The trip was a blast!😎👍🏼
I realize it wasn't the main focus of your ride, but I feel you missed a big biking opportunity, and a way to avoid the bridge. At St. Ignace, you could have taken a ferry to Mackinac Island, biked around it, and taken the ferry to Mackinaw City.
@@Iliketoadventure if you've never been the island is a must. You can rent bikes there or bring your own. There are no cars, just pedestrians, horses, and bikes.
@@auntdee845 I’ve heard about the island but have not yet experienced it. It’s definitely on our list now. It sounds amazing! Thanks again for letting me know. Happy adventures to you this summer!🌞👍🏼
Looks like it was a good ride. Did you make Hotel reservations ahead or just find them as you went? Also Is your route available? It looks like you were off the main roads episodically
Thanks for watching! We had a blast doing this ride! With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site or hotel/motel. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. This was Nikki’s first long distance trip, so we biked as far as she could make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! I hope this info helps! Cheers and happy adventuring! Any adventures planned on your future? 😁👍🏼 🚲
@@Iliketoadventure Thanks for the information. I just finished the GAP/C&O last week. I think I am a year or two out from Lake Michigan. Next summer either Erie Canal trail or Ohio river to Cleveland.
Thanks for watching! Sorry for the late reply. Gotta love a nice soak after a long ride- it was a special treat! Luckily we never had any issues with bikes and hotels. Had an awesome trip!😎👍🏼
Archie Tuttle 1 second ago Have you encountered any motels that won't let you bring a bike into your room? Just curious-- I bike tour as well, and I've never had a problem. Though I always stay at really cheap places like Motel 6, Howard Johnsons, etc, and others in small towns and rural areas that seem happy just to have me there. I did stay at one Days Inn in a larger city that required me to put it in a storage room.
Might I suggest you do a little better job of editing your videos. Running everything in the fast foward mode really sucks. There are several people out there that have produces bicycle touring videos that describe how to properly edit them and build content. You may want to look at some of them.
Ok, thanks. Yes, this video edit definitely had a fast pace. All good tho - it was a fun project. I do enjoy researching and learning from others’ touring videos, how to edit and build content videos, etc. In the end, I enjoy doing it my own way, proper or not. Peace
Thanks for posting this. I live in Central Michigan, near the Fred Meijer trail. This route is on my bucket list as part of a tour around the Great Lakes.
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! I love biking in Michigan! -- it's a beautiful state. I hope you enjoy pedaling around that lake sometime soon. Keep me posted. Happy adventures to ya!
I just googled the Fred Meijer trail. Looks beautiful!
Great video. Thanks so much. Retiring next year and heading out to many trails like the GAP/C&O, OTE, Katy, Erie Canal, etc. This one is top of my list for mid-summer riding. You two are the best!!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! And a big congrats to you on your upcoming retirement! I hope you get to enjoy all the trails on your bucket list. Well wishes and happy & safe adventures to ya! Thx again😎✌🏼🚲
Just did the same loop, in the opposite direction.
Had an awesome time, and met some incredible people. Can't wait to plan my next adventure!
That’s amazing! So cool you did it going the other way around! When did you go? Where was your starting/ending point? What’s your next adventure?!
Ride on my friend!🤘🏼🚲
Thank you for naming the trails
Happy to share! Lots of terrific trails along this adventure! Thanks for watching!
Cheers😎🙏🏼🚲
We are planning the same trip. This was a very helpful video, and very well done. Thanks.
Thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! So awesome you are doing this trip! When are you planning to do it? I wish you a joyful and safe adventure! 😎👍🏼
Wow, I'm only 25 minutes in, and had to take a break to say what an enjoyable video. I have my maps, and route planned, just need to pull the trigger. Thanks for the entertainment on this cold winter day in Illinois!
Appreciate the positive vibes! Happy you enjoyed our video :) It was an absolute blast for us to pedal around the beautiful lake and see how it would go. Great way to spend some long summer days - pedaling meditation throughout the beautiful and ever-changing Midwest landscapes. I highly recommend it!
I didn’t know there was a route around Lake Michigan with so many trails. Thanks for making this video. I just added this to my to do list.
Thanks for watching and commenting! I highly recommend this trip- it was a blast! Happy pedaling!
Great video! I love the way it was done. I live in Michigan and plan on riding my bike to Lake Michigan next spring (150 miles). This video was great motivation.
Thank you for watching and adding your positive comment! Appreciate the feedback. Where are you planning to start and end your ride next spring?Michigan has some awesome bike trails! Beautiful state. Cheers!😎🙏🏼👊🏼🚲
Nice Video. Beautiful scenery, especially Michigan.
Thanks for watching and adding your positive comment! It’s was a fantastic adventure… and yes, Michigan was quite beautiful! Cheers😎🙏🏼
This was cool, congratulations. I have camped up in Hiawatha National Forest. I loved it up there in the U.P. I live in West Town in Chicago, I’d love to do this ride one day.
@@tacosnachosburritos cheers😎🙏🏼 thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! It’s so beautiful up in the UP! I hope you get to enjoy this ride someday- we loved it! Happy adventures to u!👊🏼
I’m starting to plan my trip as well…(I’m not too thrilled about the south end of the lake…). fantastic video.
That’s awesome you are doing this ride. It was so much fun! We also were not too thrilled about the south end of the lake but it actually was not as bad as we thought it might be. We were also excited to make it they the south end and get home at that point of the trip-we we’re probably running on adrenaline. Overall, the whole trip was epic! You’re gonna love the adventure. Keep me posted! All the best.😎👊🏼🚲
I have ridden the lower half of the lake and because it is almost entirely bike paths it is pretty easy peasy. No problems, enjoy ;
Wow, great ride and a great accomplishment. With really nice documentation! Congrats!
Thank you very much for your comment! Still savoring the memories from this trip! One of my faves for sure!
Cheers! :)
I been watching bike tours videos because I want to do one myself. I came across this one and noticed that you went through a small city I use to live in. Some my family and friends live there. That is Oconto part of the route from Green Bay to Marinette.
Hey thanks for checking out my video! We had a blast on this trip! We also enjoyed biking through Wisconsin and Michigan - there were lots of great bike trails. I wish you the best as you figure out your next adventure.There are many rail trails and bike paths out there to explore. Cheers ✌
Awesome video! You two rolled right through my stomping grounds in the Escanaba area. Some day I'm going to try something like this you folks are inspiring me to finally do it. Thank you for sharing.
Hey thanks for the great comment…and for watching! Had a blast doing this trip! We love your stomping grounds! Biking in Michigan is awesome. Cheering you on to get around the lake at some point! Happy spring/summer to ya! 😎👊🏼
I just finished a 19-day trip around Lake Michigan a week ago - it was so much fun watching your video and seeing some of the exact same scenery! You stopped in a lot of the same towns. Great job!
That’s amazing! Great job to you as well!🙌🏼. A wonderful accomplishment to bike around Lake Michigan. Happy for you! I also appreciate the kind words and support! Cheers and all the best!😎✌🏼🚲
Did around the Lake Michigan 30 years ago some good memories from your trip .
Thanks for watching! Awesome that you did the trip too! Are you still enjoying any bike trips these days? Happy adventures! 😁👍🏼
Nice work i did the loop the opposite direction in 2016 solo. Was fun took a fishing boat from marinette to door county. all the bike trails around lake michigan are a blessing
Thanks for the comment! Your trip sounded epic as well! We really enjoyed the bike trails in MI. Look forward to the next trip. Happy and safe travels out there! Cheers :)
Thank you very much for sharing your video! Still new to the bike scene, hoping to get more involved with touring as I get experience. I really enjoyed your video…..it provides motivation to me to get out and ride!
Thank you so much for watching and adding your positive comment! I’m cheering you on as you take your steps to being ready for a bike tour! It was years in the making for me… and I still continue to refine my ways and learn something new each tour. All part of the learning adventure! All the best and keep me posted when you plan that first tour. Cheers! 🙏🏼😎👍🏼🚲
Great video, great bike ride. What an adventure. Congrats! I like to ride in the Milwaukee area and the lakefront. I go almost every nice day, and usually do 30 mile rides. I can't imagine doing 50-70 miles a day. What a great accomplishment.
Thanks for the uplifting comment and for watching! Had a blast doing this adventure. Still savoring this ride. Every day of pedaling all day on this trip we got a little stronger, enough to make it around. Lots of lovely bike trails in Wisconsin and around Milwaukee! Glad to hear you get out and enjoy them as well. If you can do 30, then you can totally do 50-70! Happy and safe pedaling out there!💪🏼😎👍🏼🚲
Awesome trip. Thanks for sharing the video. All the best, Steve
Thanks, Steve :) Appreciate the comment. The trip was indeed awesome and memorable. Highly recommend it. All the best and safe riding out there. Cheers!
Great trip, thanks for taking us along...😁👍
We had a blast on this bike adventure! Thank you for riding along!🚲😁🙏🏼 I just subscribed to your channel! Great stuff!🙌🏼
really enjoyed watching your ride, thanks for sharing
thanks for your kind words and for watching this journey- it was a blast! Cheers! :)
Seems like a great tour and right outside your door.
It was a fantastic ride around the lake! So cool to leave from our doorstep and end up back home 19 days later. Thanks for watching!😎🙏🏼
this was amazing to watch, i'd need a lot of prior training, but would absolutely love doing this one day! thanks for sharing!
Hey thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! Cheering you on! Keep training- you can do it! and you will love this ride. All the best! Cheers😎🙏🏼🚲👍🏼
Great video! I just finished the same trip 3 weeks ago and your video was a great inspiration!
That’s awesome!🙌🏼🚲Congrats on your ride around the lake! How was the trip? Thanks a bunch for watching my video and adding your positive comment. Cheers, all the best!😎👊🏼
Thank you for the video. Great! Do you have the route on Strava or bike with GPS?
Good cycling trip I want to try out one day like u two
Thank you for watching! I hope you can also enjoy a cycling trip one day! All the best! :)
Great video, with great info. I plan to do the ride this year. Summer 2022
Thank you for your positive comment! I hope you get to do this ride in 2022! It was lots of fun! Where will you start your ride? Keep me posted! Cheers😎👍🏼🚲
Leaving tomorrow 7/25/22!! Nervous and excited. Hoping for good weather. Planning 17-18 days on the bike
Added this to my "Bike It List"!
That’s awesome! I hope you get on this loop at some point soon! It’s was an incredible journey! Thanks for watching~ cheers😎🙏🏼
Awesome ride and video. It’s nice how you didn’t try to knock out big miles each day. It allowed you to stop and take in the sights. I would like to do a much shorter version, taking the ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon.
Slow and steady worked out perfectly for us :) It was a lovely pace to pedal around the lake! Thanks for checking out our video. A shorter version of this trip sounds great as well. Share some footage if you go! Happy travels out there!
Very nice video. I enjoyed it.
Appreciate the positive comment :) Happy and safe travels out there!
I watched the entire video in one sitting. I wonder if that stretch near the Michigan City steam cooing tower was the only uncomfortable trafficey road ride. I did that and the Calumet Trail and the beaches in 2015 on a Indianapolis to Grand Rapids ride. It's nice to know that there is so much good cycling infrastructure on this loop. My bucket list got longer today.
Thanks for watching! I’m so glad we did this loop tour! It was such an awesome adventure. A great ride to put on your list for sure. There were some sections where we were not on bike trails (like in Michigan City area and also riding eastbound at times along US 2 in the UP-with the logging trucks) but overall it was a terrific and safe journey. I hope you get to enjoy it someday soon!😎👍🏼🚲
Great video. Congrats on the ride.
Hey thanks for watching! Appreciate the positive comment. Still savoring this fun ride!
This is awesome. Thanks
Thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! It was an awesome ride around the lake! Highly recommend it! Cheers😎👍🏼
You go!!! Wow!!!! Cool
Thanks for watching, Jer!😀✌
Nice video!! In the planning stages of the same trip for 2022, I would like some info on your route, if you could share. Can't hardly wait through the winter to start. Just got done riding from Lake Superior to Indiana in August and it was a blast. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! I highly recommend this trip and hope you get to do it in ‘22! Congrats on the Lake Superior~IN ride! 🤙🏼🚲With our ride, we mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments! All part of the adventure! 🙌🏼😁👍🏼
Great job ! Nice video
Thank you for watching! I also appreciate the positive comment. Cheers!😎🙏🏼🚲
amazng trip...🎉
An awesome adventure around the lake!😎👍🏼🚲
Hey! I live in Albany Park too, and I'm planning to do this ride in late July - counter clockwise. I'd love to hear more about your trip if you'd be up for it.
Hey Tim! Thanks for watching our ride! We had an absolute blast and would highly recommend the trip. Awesome that you are planning the counter clock version. I’ll be curious to hear how it goes. We no longer live in Chicago but enjoyed our time in Albany Park. We moved out of the city. Any questions I can answer about the trip? Happy to share whatever I can. Cheers!😎👊🏼🚲
That was cool!
Super cool ride around the lake indeed! One of my faves! Thanks for watching! 😁🙏🏼🚲
On the trip back from the Indiana Dunes on the Calumet Trail, where did you go to get back to Lakeshore Trail? Was there a lot of city roads through Gary, Indiana?
Thanks for watching! We traveled south around Gary from Marquette Greenway to Burnham Greenway to S. Ewing Ave to S. Lake Shore Drive…to N. Lake Shore Drive. I wasn’t sure what to expect as we had never done this route either, but it was actually ok, but definitely more of city energy so had to be extra careful…all good and doable tho! An exciting ending to our circle around! 🚲😁👍🏼 Hope this helps!
Thanks for this. I'm doing the same trip in June. How did you guys get across the Mackinac Bridge?
I saw on another video that they have a sign posted that bicycles and mopeds not allowed but they provide a phone number. Apparently you call the number and someone in a pickup truck will carry you over. This video was from 2017 and it cost the guy $5. Who knows in Michigan if they will do that now during the Covid since they are such a lockdown state.
Thanks for checking out our trip! So cool that you are doing this same ride! I highly recommend it.
Last summer, the Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. I’m not sure what the status of this service is this summer, but worth looking into ahead of time to be prepared.
Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued our way down the MI coast.
Thanks again for watching and safe/happy travels out there! When are you starting your ride?
Adding this to my bucket list after I do the Erie canal in May. I have driven this route, so I'm curious on how you got from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City area? Is there a ferry you didn't talk about?
Hey thanks for watching! Erie Canal sounds like a great ride. I hope you enjoy. Good question. During our adventure years ago now, Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued pedaling our way down the MI coast! It was awesome. Otherwise, I’m not sure what we would have done! Perhaps the Mackinaw bridge shuttle service is now available tho - something to research further. Thanks for watching and safe/happy travels out there! Cheers😎✌🏼
State of Michigan says there’s a phone on both sides of the bridge. They will haul you across no charge. You may need to wait though.
Also, thanks for your nice comments about the Wisconsin side. Watched another guy and all he did was complain. It was obvious from rest of his vid that he didn’t plan very well.
@@FLUSHER822 great news, thanks for the update. I’m glad shuttle service is back up and running!
@@FLUSHER822 I loved biking through Wisconsin! Beautiful state, terrific people, and great bike paths!
😊👍🏼
Looks like you had a great ride. My son and me are plaining to ride around Lake Michigan this summer. How was M 35 from Marinetti to Escanaba?. What was the road shoulder like?
Terrific bike ride - we loved it! From what I recall, M35 was all good, no problem. The traffic speed picks up with 2 lanes going each direction. The shoulder seemed safe and spacious enough with a rumble strip adding a bit more protection. Never felt uncomfortable about it. Enjoyed every day of the trip. Hope the same for you! When do you plan to go? What is your starting destination?
@@Iliketoadventure Thanks for the reply. We are planning to start riding from Kalamazoo Mi in late
June. We are going to skip the southern tip of the lake and ride up the Michigan coast line to the
Badger car ferry and take that across to Wisconsin. And then around the top of the lake and back down the
coast back to Kalamazoo. We live in Utah so it will be good to see that part of the country.
Nice!
Thanks for watching! Had a blast on this trip!😁👍🏼🚲
Awesome video, thanks for sharing. I'm hoping to do the same trail in July. Is there a route that I can find online to follow the same route as you?
Thanks for watching and adding a positive comment! We had a blast doing this ride! With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site or hotel/motel. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! I hope this info helps! Cheers and happy biking around the lake in July!
😁👍🏼 🚲
Great trip! Impressed by the trails! Would you estimate it to be 50/50 road to trails or more trails, more road? I’ve done four big trips and the last one, Empire State Trail, was glorious being on trails for 85% of the time.
Thanks a bunch for watching and commenting! We had a blast on this ride around the lake! The Empire State Trail sounds awesome too! Would love to check it out someday. I like to say our trip was about 60/40 trails, all bundled up into a fun adventure! 😎👍🏼🚲 Amy trips planned for the future? Cheers!👊🏼
10 Days, 100 miles per day, camping in a tent every night except one, cooking our own meals. The year? 1977, my friend and I did it, just the two of us when we were only 17 years old. Zero bike trails, and no helmets. Anyone have any questions? :)
Sounds awesome! Congrats! Memories to savor for a lifetime. It’s a fun ride around the lake!😎✌🏼🚲
Thank you for the video. Great! Do you have the route on Strava or bike with GPS?
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! I highly recommend this trip! 🤙🏼🚲With our ride, we mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments! All part of the adventure! I can share my strava ride if you send me a quick email. Cheers!🙌🏼😁👍🏼
@@Iliketoadventure awesome! I am familiar with ACA and will check out their maps. If you provide me your email, I’ll send you a request.
Bret
Enjoyed the video. Thank you. Did have one question about your Bike Helmet mirrors? What brand are they? And are you happy with them? They seem bigger than many others.
Hey thanks for watching and adding a comment. Our bike helmet mirrors are from EVT Safe Zone. We love them and have been using for several years. I highly recommend. EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror a.co/d/6Zw8h8R. Safe and happy adventures to you!😎👍🏼
Wonderful video. Thank you much. Would you say that trails were 70% of the tour? This is on our list after Ohio to Erie Trail.
Thanks a bunch for watching and adding your positive comment! Appreciate it👍🏼 I’d say prolly about 60% bike trails along the way but still very rideable! Overall felt safe and comfortable with the route. Might have been a few stretches of little road shoulder but mostly felt good. I hope you get to check this ride off your list someday! Cheers!😎🙏🏼🚲
Do you have a downloadable trail for this?
Unfortunately nothing shareable/downloadable yet- working on it tho. We followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone via the Bicycle Route Navigator app. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. All part of the adventure :)
Great video! I'm looking into biking to Mackinac Island from the Milwaukee area. Since you've done both ways, what would you recommend? Up along Wisconsin and through the UP, or down through Chicago and up along the west coast of Michigan?
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting! This ride was so much fun! I’ve only rode this route clockwise from Chicago, up thru Wisconsin, up thru the UP, and down Michigan. I really like the way we went but would be curious to hear other opinions on going counterclockwise. Keep me posted if you do it! All the best to you! Cheers😎👍🏼🚲
Enjoyed this video very much. Can you share the details of your route or have some type of electronic file of the route that can be downloaded to a GPS device ? Keep up the adventures !!
Thanks for your comment, JIm! We very much enjoyed pedaling around the lake and would highly recommend this trip. We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! :) When are you thinking of doing the ride? Where is your starting point? It's gonna be awesome! Keep me posted.
@@Iliketoadventure Super thanks for the information. I appreciate the details. Hopefully next Summer as one of my "retirement" trips. Keep you posted !!
Thanks for sharing. I am planning my trip. It it better to stick to a set itinerary and have all your camping set up ahead of time? Or did you have flexibility in case you felt like riding more/less?
Hey AJ! Thanks for watching our circle tour bike adventure! Awesome to hear that you are planning to do a ride around the lake. Where will you be starting your trip? When are you planning to go? With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. This was Nikki’s first long distance trip, so we biked as far as she could make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. Are u going solo or with a partner/group? It took us 19 days to bike around the lake (one rest day). If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). The ride was a blast! I highly recommend it! Keep me posted!
Just finished watching Circle Tour Lake Mich. Great video! Some questions: What kind of bikes did you use how much maintenance was done on them and how did you navigate your rt.? Also do you have another adventure in the plans?
Thanks a bunch for the positive comment..and for watching! I ride a Kona Sutra and my wife rides a Cannondale. I was carrying most of the weight in my panniers because my bike is able to hold more weight. We had our bikes tuned up before we started the 1040 mile journey. We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! :) I’ve got a few ride ideas for next summer that I’m considering but nothing official yet. I’ll spend the winter planning the next one. Any recommendations? Any adventures in your future? Cheers and happy adventuring! 😁👍🏼
Thanks for sharing your adventure. I’m planning a short trip to Ann Arbor MI from Chicago. How much weight you were carrying?
Happy to share our epic adventure! Thanks for checking it out. We were self-sufficient- had all our food, kitchen, camping, clothes, necessities. I was carrying almost 100lbs.on my bike, maybe 30lbs on Nikki's bike. We liked being prepared to be on our own anytime, but we also enjoyed/appreciated having the option to stay at a motel/hotel if needed. It always easy to pack too much is what I also find out, haha! When is your trip? Sounds awesome. Share some footage! Safe n happy travels out there! :)
LOL at the route hugging the lake..... except Gary, IN.
Truth, haha!😂
you have inspired me to take this trip. Can you provide info on maps/routes?
Thanks for your comment, Phillip! Happy our bike trip video inspired you to take this biking adventure! I highly recommend this trip around the lake. It was a lovely ride! We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps. These maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. All part of the adventure! :) When are you thinking of doing the ride? Where is your starting point? Excited for you! Keep me posted.
mantap ka salam kenal aku dari Indonesia😊
Thank you for watching!😁👍🏼🚲
Wonderful journey and great recording. Thank you for sharing. This is what I want to do, I am in the process of preparing for doing this trip solo, hopefully this August. I probably will do the same like you did with stay in hotel when needed. Did you have to book your hotel in advance? Stay safe out there, looking forward to view more of your adventure. 👋
Thanks for watching! Awesome to hear that you are planning this ride in August!. Where will you be starting your trip? With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site or hotel/motel. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. This was Nikki’s first long distance trip, so we biked as far as she could make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). The ride was a blast! I highly recommend it! Look forward to hearing about your trip! Happy and safe travels! Cheers :)
@@Iliketoadventure Thank you for all the wonderful tips.🙏 I plan to start my tour at Grand Haven and head South toward Chicago and then up around the lake. I am still on planning stage, I need to do more research about which route/road and where the camp sites are. My target range is around 60-70 miles/day, if I can book camp site in advance would be great otherwise I will stay in some hotel and If I can't I will do stealth camping 🙂. My timing is flexible so if I can finish the loop in 14-17 days that would be great. I am in photography too so I think I might take my camera along and shoot whenever opportunity arises. I have most camping equipments ready except the stove and couple essential for camping in the wilderness. I've been riding since 1980, all road hi-speed biking. This will be my first tour on a randonneur. Again thank you for your wonderful video and sound advices. Stay safe. 👋
Loved the video and I hope to use it to inspire my wife to do a similar trip. We would probably ride from Kalamazoo to Muskegon and ferry across the lake, then go up and around. I worry about the UP section. It looked like heavy traffic and not a lot of options. You missed some (not a ton) of good riding in the Lelanau Peninsula. Any favorite stops and hotels? What’s your next ride? Hoping for a Vermont ride one day too. Thanks again. ✌🏻
Thank you so much for taking the ride with us! Also appreciate the heads up about Lalanau Penninsula- we’d love to do more biking in Michigan and are open to any good recommendations! Keep ‘em coming! We absolutely loved biking in MI! Really hope you and your wife can take the ride you mentioned. The UP was a bit more “trafficy” for my wife’s taste, because we had to ride on the shoulder (fairly wide with protective rumble strip) of US 2 at times. We also enjoyed some time on the North Country Scenic Trail. It is mostly shoulder road riding in the UP section tho. It’s definitely doable tho. We camped a bunch and also stayed in reasonably priced hotels/motels when we were craving a cool room and warm shower. One motel that stood out was the Skyline Motel in Epoufette. Nothing fancy but an enjoyable stay, with lovey views of the lake from our room. Also a great restaurant right next to it. Came in handy after all our pedaling. I hope this info helps a bit. Cheering you both on! Keep me posted please. As for me, I’ve got a few trip ideas for next summer. Maybe Pueblo, CO to Carbondale, IL- that would complete my cross country route. Also, the Katy Trail in MO. I’m really intrigued by the BC Trail from Alberta to Vancouver. Sound epic!! Cheers and all the best!✌🏼🚲😎
Hey, I live in Vermont. Though road biking in Vermont is heavily marketed by the state's tourism bureaus, in reality it seems like it leaves a lot to be desired relative to the Midwest, where I grew up. Namely, there's just a lack of safe roads with adequate shoulders. There are lots and lots and lots of tight, blind corners in most of VT's hilly/mountainous areas that leave me feeling pretty anxious whenever I ride there. That being said, there ARE some really nice areas for riding, including the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, the completed sections of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and along the Connecticut River in southern VT. I really, really like riding in the Champlain Islands, which are a string of fairly flat islands in the middle of Lake Champlain that reminds me a little of Door County, WI. They are connected by causeways, and allow one to ride 100 or so miles from Burlington up to Montreal, Quebec. which I've done twice, and was absolutely fantastic both times. (You can actually turn the ride into a narrow loop route if you want), Quebec, in my opinion, offers phenomenal riding in and around Montreal, and along most of the province's southern section along the St. Lawrence river. One state over from VT, NH's Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail is super scenic as well if you're up for some easy gravel and cinder trail riding that passes within sight of Mount Washington (www.xnhat.org/)
Great ride, I have ridden many of those same roads and trails on long trips I have done in MI. I can't believe you only had 10 subscribers/likes. Did what i could there, made it 11! I noticed the only place I saw any face coverings was in Chicago, looked like every where else was "normal"?
Thanks for watching and subscribing! This was an awesome summer adventure! I had no idea this bike tour would be so enjoyable. Many great bike trails all the way around the lake! And yes, unfortunately we saw lots of people without masks. We always had our masks handy and ready to put on whenever we encountered people in towns, cities, on the path, etc. Mostly, we were on the bike trail by ourselves, socially distancing from everyone! Epic trip :)
Looks like a great ride. I've done the lower Michigan side. You skipped the part from the UP to Mackinaw, or I missed it.
Great ride indeed! Sounds like you also enjoyed a good portion of it! What were your starting/ending destinations?
Good noticing about the missing footage of our bridge crossing from UP to Mackinaw City! :) The Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued our way down the MI coast! It was awesome. Thanks for watching and safe/happy travels out there!
@@Iliketoadventure I took the LMB tours. Shoreline West www.lmb.org/ride-calendar/shoreline-west-2021/. I am thinking of doing the MUP route by myself, hopefully this summer.
@@StephenDuncan Highly recommend the UP ride! Hope you find yourself pedaling across the UP this summer. If so, share some footage! Cheers and safe n happy riding out there!
You rode past my in-laws house in Holland!
They live in a great spot! Also enjoyed watching your bike tour around the lake. Nicely documented!
I was just up in Mackinaw City for the first time, curious if you rode over the bridge which I don't think you could, if you drove over it
Hey Adam! Happy summer to you.
Good question. The Mackinac Bridge had indefinitely suspended its bicycle trailering program as part of measures to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Also, as you may know, bicycles are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. Luckily, my mom just happened to be road tripping in her van through the UP at the time. She met us on the north side of the Mackinaw Bridge and drove us across. We stayed at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and then continued our way down the MI coast! It was awesome. Thanks for watching and safe/happy travels out there!
@@Iliketoadventure Adam wasn't the only one who wondered about that. Thx
Is there a way you can share the exact route? Beautiful. I’m,I’ve outside of Chicago and want to do this route.
Thanks a bunch for the positive comment..and for watching! We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! Cheers and happy adventures around the lake! I hope you get to do this ride. Also, I am enjoying your UA-cam channel as well - great stuff! 😁👍🏼🚲
We did the route via Google maps, it worked out fine ;
That’s awesome!🙌🏼Congrats! I hope you enjoyed the ride! How many days did was the trip? What was your starting/ending point? Cheers😎🚲
@@Iliketoadventure Nice! I haven't ridden this route, but I've done others with Adventure Cycling maps, and they never disappoint.
@@archietuttle2682 Thanks for the comment. Yes, the AC maps do not disappoint! I’ve enjoyed using them over the years as well. This circle lake ride was a great tour - I recommend it. Cheers and happy adventures! 😎👊🏼
Love it! I would like to know which camera you used.
Hey thanks for watching and adding your positive comment! I used my old model GoPro and iPhone to record videos and pictures. That’s it! The trip was a blast!😎👍🏼
I realize it wasn't the main focus of your ride, but I feel you missed a big biking opportunity, and a way to avoid the bridge.
At St. Ignace, you could have taken a ferry to Mackinac Island, biked around it, and taken the ferry to Mackinaw City.
Thanks for letting me know! Perhaps another time we will try that route. We still had a blast the way we did it.
😎👍🏼
@@Iliketoadventure if you've never been the island is a must. You can rent bikes there or bring your own. There are no cars, just pedestrians, horses, and bikes.
@@auntdee845 I’ve heard about the island but have not yet experienced it. It’s definitely on our list now. It sounds amazing! Thanks again for letting me know. Happy adventures to you this summer!🌞👍🏼
Looks like it was a good ride. Did you make Hotel reservations ahead or just find them as you went? Also Is your route available? It looks like you were off the main roads episodically
Thanks for watching! We had a blast doing this ride! With our trip, we did not have our itinerary all set. We did try to plan a couple or few days ahead, but we were also quite spontaneous. We were initially concerned about campgrounds possibly being full since it was the heart of the summer. Whenever possible we looked ahead a day or two to see if we could book a camp site or hotel/motel. We never had issues getting a site. We also never really knew how far we were going to make it each day. This was Nikki’s first long distance trip, so we biked as far as she could make it each day. Sometimes we chose a cheap motel/hotel/Airbnb, etc. Overall, we were giving ourselves about 3 weeks to do the trip, not knowing how long it would actually take us. If I was going solo, I think I could have done the trip in approximately 12-14 days, depending on the many variables (weather, my health, bike health, special locations, etc). We mostly followed Adventure Cycling maps (see North Lakes Section 2 & 3) from Escanaba, MI to New Buffalo, MI. We had hard copies and digital access to the maps on my phone. These AC maps did not cover our entire route, so we had to use google maps to plan our route from Chicago, IL to Escanaba, MI as well as New Buffalo, MI to Chicago. I programmed the directions into my Garmin as well. Still managed to get off trail for moments at times, haha. All part of the adventure! I hope this info helps! Cheers and happy adventuring! Any adventures planned on your future?
😁👍🏼 🚲
@@Iliketoadventure Thanks for the information. I just finished the GAP/C&O last week. I think I am a year or two out from Lake Michigan. Next summer either Erie Canal trail or Ohio river to Cleveland.
That room at 14:05 looked nice esp after a long ride... im always worried that hotels wont let me bring my bike in
Thanks for watching! Sorry for the late reply. Gotta love a nice soak after a long ride- it was a special treat! Luckily we never had any issues with bikes and hotels. Had an awesome trip!😎👍🏼
Archie Tuttle
1 second ago
Have you encountered any motels that won't let you bring a bike into your room? Just curious-- I bike tour as well, and I've never had a problem. Though I always stay at really cheap places like Motel 6, Howard Johnsons, etc, and others in small towns and rural areas that seem happy just to have me there. I did stay at one Days Inn in a larger city that required me to put it in a storage room.
Planning on an early spring counterclockwise attack🎉
That’s awesome! I hope you have a great adventure. Where are you starting? Safe travels!😎👍🏼🚲
@@Iliketoadventure A few miles outside Chicago beginning from my front door in Park Ridge, along the Botanical Garden trail.
That’s awesome. Have a safe and fun ride around the lake!🙌🏼🚲
@@Iliketoadventure Park Ridge, just nw of Chicago.
Oh yeah, I know Park Ridge. Have a great ride! Will you be video documenting your trip? Enjoy!
Might I suggest you do a little better job of editing your videos. Running everything in the fast foward mode really sucks. There are several people out there that have produces bicycle touring videos that describe how to properly edit them and build content. You may want to look at some of them.
Ok, thanks. Yes, this video edit definitely had a fast pace. All good tho - it was a fun project. I do enjoy researching and learning from others’ touring videos, how to edit and build content videos, etc. In the end, I enjoy doing it my own way, proper or not. Peace
For me, the fast forward mode is great. Many cycling videos are slooow - probably yours.
Chill out