Three of my week-long cycling trips included "PALM".... Pedal Across Lower Michigan. As the name implies, our group of 400 - 700 cyclists pedaled from Lake Michigan ( the west coast of the state ) to Lake Huron, on the east side of the state. The daily average mileage was 60 miles. We camped overnight in tents at public schools across the state. Every year was a different route, passing through cities too small to be on any map, taking in the beauty that Michigan offers to cyclists who don't mind spending some time traversing the lightly traveled roads. This is indeed the true way to enjoy the countryside and friendships formed with fellow cyclists.

I've also enjoyed riding with a smaller group in several cycling trips along the Michigan coastline. Two of these included "TOTT"... Tour Of The Thumb in "93" and "94". This week-long tour (tour referring to a scenic trip) started near Port Huron on Lake Huron, following the coast line of the "thumb " of Michigan, around Port Austin, down to Bay City, then ending in Au Gres. This group was about 150 cyclists.

In 1996 I completed "ShoreLine East". This ride of approximately 150 cyclists started in Oscoda, on Michigan's "Sun Rise Side", traveling up the coast line of the upper Lower Peninsula. We camped in Alpena, and Rogers City while heading toward Mackinaw City. We spent two beautiful nights at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground. The two nights in Mackinaw gave us time to explore the " Island" by bike... Mackinac Island that is... Old forts...Fudge Shops...the Grand Hotel...and an eight mile road around the island; an island with no cars allowed. We finished our week by exploring the friendly cities of Gaylord and Mio. We finished exactly one week, and 400 sunny miles later, back in Oscoda.

My current touring bike is the Trek 520: