Ride Around Torch

Tour Overview

The Ride Around Torch is an annual one-day 26, 40, 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. You will enjoy 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.

Routes

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. It features the same hills and flats of the other routes only less.

The 40 mile ride extends the 26 mile ride from the Crystal Beach Park food stop, by going east, then north through the charming village of Alden, toward Clam River, before looping back to the Crystal Beach food stop. The route will then rejoin the 26 mile route to the post ride picnic in Elk Rapids.

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. A shortcut is available that reduces the ride to just over 50 miles.

The 100 mile ride is a challenging century with the rolling shoreline of Torch Lake, numerous extreme hills and then some. Racing clusters are not recommended.

Ride Fees

$60 - (2/1 - 3/31)

$65 - (4/1 - 7/5)

$75 - “Day of Ride” registration

$40 - children 12 and under

*online fee and sales tax (when applicable) applied at checkout

Preregistration

Opens on February 1 and closes on July 5Is limited to 1000 riders!All preregistration is online

Day of Event Registration

Is available in person on July 21, 2024 from 7:00-10:00 am

Maps

Digital GPS versions of our routes are available on the online RideWithGPS service. Our upgraded account enables our participants to enjoy the turn-by-turn voice commands as they navigate the route using the free version of Ride With GPS and their app on a smartphone! 

Printable versions are downloadable in a PDF format.

Maps will also be provided in your pre-registration packet and at registration.

Ride Details

HIGHLIGHTS

Detailed route maps and cue sheets providedRoving SAG supportGreat snacks at food stopsLunch will be a wonderful catered buffet at the end of the ride at Veteran’s Park in Elk Rapids. The menu includes: Burgers, Bratwurst, Vegan Veggie Burgers, Red Skin Potato Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, Creamy Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit, Black Cherry Ice Cream and Lemonade.Showers back at the School until 4:00 pm.Swimming at the Village Beach on East BayFree camping the night before the ride at the SchoolPre-ride bike tech support provided at registration by Brick WheelsAll classes of E-bikes are welcome Tour profits are donated to organizations and groups that support and improve bicycling in our region through our grant program

SAFETY

All riders are expected to follow the health guidelines at the time of the ride. Hand sanitizer will be readily available at all locations during the day. Cooperation with guidelines is imperative for the success and safety of the Ride Around Torch and we thank you for your efforts. Helmets must be worn by all ridersRiders are to obey all traffic rules and laws and to ride in a courteous and safe manner. Michigan law requires cyclists to ride as close to the right as practicable and not more than two abreastChildren 15 and under must be accompanied by a cycling adult

Packet Pick-up

Packet pick-up is 7:00-10:00 am at the Elk Rapids High SchoolEarlier packet pick-up is not availableCentury riders must start by 8:00 am63 milers must start by 9:00 amSAG support ends on all routes at 3:00 pm so gauge your ride time accordinglyParents or guardians must sign a release for riders aged 17 or underYour wristband is your admission to food stops, the picnic and for SAG support

START/FINISH LOCATION

The start location is Elk Rapids High School, 620 East 3rd Street, Elk Rapids MI 49629. It is located on the east side of Elk Rapids, about 17 miles north of Traverse City off US 31. At the traffic light on US 31, turn east on Ames Street and follow the signs to the school.

The finish location is at the stunning beachfront in downtown Elk Rapids where we enjoy the day and our delightful picnic buffet. It is less than 2 miles from the tour starting point and bike routes are marked for your return.

REFUND POLICY

The bike tour is a rain or shine event. Individuals may cancel their registration and request a refund up to July 5.

In the unlikely event that state or local COVID-19 restrictions prevent holding the ride it will be cancelled no less than 30 days prior to ride, after which the registrants will be given the choice of receiving a refund or donating their fees to the Cherry Capital Cycling Club. Donations will be used to support Traverse area trails, cycling education and cycling infrastructure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Questions may be directed to [email protected]

Our two, one-day tours, the Ride Around Torch and the Leelanau Harvest Tour have enabled the CCCC to conduct a productive and meaningful grant program that supports bicycling projects that contribute to achieving our mission of promoting bicycling as part of a healthy lifestyle. Since 1999 the CCCC has proudly granted over $400,000 to local organizations seeking to do projects like this.

Leelanau Harvest Tour

For more cycling fun, plan to ride our stellar fall tour, the Leelanau Harvest Tour on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Starting in Sutton's Bay Michigan, this tour features the best of fall scenery along bike paths and roads, passing along lakes, apple orchards, and rolling hills.