Teaching Family Homes - This Year's Route

-THIS YEAR'S ROUTE-

One of the unique aspects of Tour da UP is that each year we visit a new location. In the past two years we have started to overlap and revisit the same locations and communities as previous tours. In 2008, the forgotten area of the southern U.P. will be our stomping ground. Don’t get us wrong, the Porkies, The Copper Country and Pictured Rocks are all awesome destinations. We just thought mixing it up a bit and finding less traveled back roads might be a great way to see yet another out of the way location.

So for 2008 our theme will be “Along the River at the end of Woods." Beginning and ending in Menominee, MI this year’s tour will kick off on the first day with a scenic tour along the Menominee River to an out of the way campground at Shakey Lakes. Side trips to water falls and an exotic zoo will be something you won’t want to miss. Miles for the day will be a minimum of 38.

Day 2 will have the tour riding north to the town of Iron Mountain and Lake Antoine Park. Here we will spend two nights and have an opportunity to visit a historical mine as well as a day of Whitewater Rafting in the Piers Gorge. Other side tours to downtown and a local natural area will also be opportunities to see the area. The off day is built in to get off the bike and explore on foot places you may not otherwise see. Many enjoy staying at the beach on this large inland lake and soaking up the sun.

Day 4 will begin with a trek north, then riding east in a loop back to the Carney area. This day, in terms of mileage will be a lot longer than any others. With 68 miles to cover this will test your endurance. After previewing the ride, there is a considerable amount down hill in this section. For those returning Tour da Yoopers I know what you are probably thinking…… “Mike, thinks that it’s all down hill when he his riding in the truck”. But really the loss of elevation is significant. The ride through the forested areas is incredible. You will be stunned by the remoteness and the peaceful setting along the day’s ride. We come into Carney for a small town welcome and settle in at the school for our last night.

The final day we will cris-cross backroads to Menominee for an awards lunch and a goodbye. This route will also have several hidden treasures along the way. So don’t miss it. If you have further question or want to talk about the tour in general email or call us! We are always ready to talk about da Tour.

-Other Attractions along the way-