63days until
the Tour of the White Pine Trail

Sponsored By:



Sue's County Kitchen
Cedar Springs, MI

Trailside Treats
Ice Cream Stand - Belmont, MI

On the Trail in Rockford, MI

 Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-0844

Ride Details

-
7th annual Tour of the White Pine Trail  

The Tour of the White Pine Trail is a two-day, 184 mile color tour by bicycle of the entire Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park from Grand Rapids to Cadillac and back. It is sponsored by Friends of the White Pine Trail, a non-profit organization that promotes, develops, and maintains the trail. The net proceeds from this event will be contributed to this organization to fund operations.

 
The Route 
The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail is Michigan’s longest Rail Trail State Park, stretching a distance of 92 miles from Comstock Park to Cadillac. This scenic trail passes through thirty-one municipalities and townships, crosses 22 rivers and streams. The terrain alternates between farmlands and woods.    
 
The starting and finishing point is Fifth-Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, with an overnight stay in Cadillac. Trail Paving has been completed from Comstock Park to Sand Lake and from Reed City to Big Rapids. Approximately 70% of the White Pine Trail is unpaved and varies from hard pack, to gravel and sand. A mountain, hybrid, or cyclocross bike is recommended.   

The long distance and unpaved surface make it physically demanding. This tour is not for the casual cyclist! You should have ridden at least 1,000 miles during the three months prior to the ride, including at least one 75 mile day. There will be no sag wagon as no vehicles are allowed on the trail. Your bicycle and physical conditioning must be in top shape. You should have a cell phone with you during the ride.    
 
Tour Options 
The two day tour is a 184 mile round trip from Grand Rapids to Cadillac and back the next day. There is also an optional one-day ride that is a 92 mile one-way ride on either day. Riders electing this option must provide their own transportation to or from Cadillac.  
 
Friday Night (pre-ride accomodations)
Riders must make their own accommodations. For out of town riders, there are a number of hotels in the Grand Rapids area. See the Lodging Page for options. The closest to the starting point is the Comfort Suites, located across from Fifth Third Ballpark.  
 
Parking 
Overnight parking will be available at Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Drive, Comstock Park, MI Please note that parking at Fifth Third Park will be at your own risk. Enter at the main entrance and go past AJ's to the first lot on the left.
 
Saturday Night (overnight in Cadillac)
Riders must make their own accommodations. 

The Comfort Inn Cadillac is an official sponsor of the ride and has a special discounted rate available by calling them at 231-779-2900 and requesting the "White Pine Trail" rate. Please reserve before Sept 15th to guarantee room availability and rate. There are several other hotels in the city of Cadillac. Please refer to Lodging Page for options or contact the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau.  

 
Food 
Your registration fee includes food on both Saturday & Sunday at stops located on the Trail, spaced at approximately 25-mile intervals. 

Riders, please choose a sandwich selection for Saturday from the menu and enter the number on the ride application. There will be a pancake breakfast in Leroy on the Sunday morning return trip. 
 

October 2nd &3rd, 2010 • 184 Miles   

Baggage Shuttle (Full tour only)  
Baggage shuttle vehicles will carry your belongings to your designated sleeping location in Cadillac.  Your baggage cannot weigh more than 25 pounds.  Baggage will be returned on Sunday after 3:00 p.m. to Fifth Third Park 
 
Helmets Required 
All entrants are required to wear an ANSI, SNELL, or ASTM/SEA-approved helmet. 

Tour Shirt 

We are offering a Tour of the White Pine Trail long-sleeve shirt. The shirt is breathable and very high quality and available during registration for only $20.00.

Friends of the White Pine Trail 

Friends of the White Pine Trail is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization whose purpose is to: 
  •   Educate the Public about White Pine Trail history.  
  •   Promote White Pine Trail.  
  •   Improve and Maintain the White Pine Trail by securing funding.  
  •   Help the municipalities adjacent to White Pine Trail make the trail an asset to their communities. 
 
Individual and family memberships are only $5.00 per year.  All participants are encouraged to join. A membership application form is available on this site.  Find out more about the Friends of the White Pine Trail by visiting their website at www.whitepinetrail.com
 
How to Register 
On-line registration is available at Active.com and is the recommended way to register. The ride brochure has a registration form, or you can print out a larger version of the paper form. Fill out and return the entry form and liability waiver.  Riders must specify their lunch selection for Saturday. The pre-registration entry deadline is September 29, 2010.  Late and day-of registrations will be accepted, but the cost will be increased and no one-day rate will be available. You must fill out the entry form completely.  Be certain to sign and date the entry form (note that a parent or guardian signs for entrants under 18).  Include a check payable to Friends of the White Pine Trail to cover the basic entry fee and any optional costs.   Send to: 

                   TWPT, P.O. Box 159, Belmont MI  49306-0352.   
 Incomplete or improperly filled out entry forms will be returned with your check. 

                     

Saturday Sandwich List click here to see more selections.
#1 Corned Beef Reuben on Rye
#8 Grilled Turkey and muenster on Rye
#19 Roastbeef/cheddar on grilled sourdough
#22 Tuna and cheddar on rye
#23 Chicken Salad wrap
#38 Grilled Ham & Cheese on Rye
#50 Chicken Pico de Gallo wrap

 
Questions 
If you have questions about any aspect of The Tour of the White Pine Trail contact Dennis Hamel  at TourWPT1@Gmail.com