Skip to main content
HomeRide Around Torch

Ride Around Torch

Experience Michigan's Most Scenic Bike Tour!

Sunday, July 21, 2024 - Elk Rapids, MI

37th Annual Ride Around Torch

Preregistration closes on July 5

Onsite "Day-of-Ride" registration but at an increased cost

* Online Registration Closed *

Day of event registration: July 21 from 7:00-10:00 am

RAT_2024.png

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.



Jump to Preregistration

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

T-Shirts

Light-weight cotton-blend fabric

Pre-ordered with registration by June 21


Men’s short sleeve shirt: S through XL - $25; XXL - $27

Women’s rounded neckline short sleeve shirt: XS through XL - $25; XXL - $27


Fit is true to size

Extra Lunches

For non-riders

Pre-ordered with registration by July 5


$25

RAT_2024_Shirts.jpg

T-Shirt Options

Preregistration

 

  • Opens on February 1 and closes on July 5
  • Is 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

 


PREREGISTER ONLINE HERE

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.


All GPS Routes RideWithGPS


26 Mile Route Printable PDF


40 Mile Route Printable PDF


63 Mile Route Printable PDF


100 Mile Route Printable PDF

Ride Details


HIGHLIGHTS

  • Detailed route maps and cue sheets provided
  • Roving SAG support
  • Great snacks at food stops
  • Lunch 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 Bay
  • Free camping the night before the ride at the School
  • Pre-ride bike tech support provided at registration by Brick Wheels
  • All 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 riders
  • Riders 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 abreast
  • Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a cycling adult
62-65.jpg

Packet Pick-up

  • Packet pick-up is 7:00-10:00 am at the Elk Rapids High School.
  • Earlier packet pick-up is not available
  • Century riders must start by 8:00 am
  • 63 milers must start by 9:00 am
  • SAG support ends on all routes at 3:00 pm so gauge your ride time accordingly
  • Parents or guardians must sign a release for riders aged 17 or under
  • Your 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 ratdirector@cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org


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. 


35-65.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion Widget
E-Bikes
E-Bikes

This year all e-bikes are welcome on RAT!

Accordion Widget
Registration and Departure Times
Registration and Departure Times
  • Day of event registration is open from 7-10:00 AM at Cherryland High School
  • 100 mile riders must depart by 8:00 AM
  •  63 mile riders must depart by 9:00 AM
Accordion Widget
Tour Support
Tour Support

Roving SAG support is available until 3:00 on all routes.

Accordion Widget
Lodging and Camping
Lodging and Camping

Rustic Camping will be available on a grassy area at Cherryland High School. Overflow camping will be available on the outside of the football field, across the street to the north. Porta-johns will be available and there will be access to an indoor bathroom with sinks and toilets from 4pm Saturday until 10 am on Sunday at the concession stand at the football field. Showers will be available at the High School on Sunday from noon-4pm.


The Village of Elk Rapids doesn’t have any Hotels or Motels, but there may be Airbnb space available. The closest hotel space is in Acme at the Grand Traverse Resort or Sleep Inn & Suites. Other choices could be found at: www.Traversecity/Hotels.

Accordion Widget
Cancellations
Cancellations

Cancellations with full refund of event fees are available through July 5.

Contact ratdirector@cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org if you need to cancel.


The RAT is held rain or shine! 

Accordion Widget
Grant recipients
Grant recipients

Our profits from the Ride Around Torch and Leelanau Harvest Tour are used to support our local grant program.  Since 1999, we have granted over $400,000 to enhance bicycling in our area.  In 2023 grants were used for many projects including:

  • $1 per rider from the RAT and Leelanau Harvest Tour to support bicycle advocacy at the State level
  • 2 Bike racks at trailheads and community locations
  • 2 fix-it stations at trailheads and community locations
  • Support for TART trails Pathway to Good Harbor paving project in Sleeping Bear Dunes
  • First aid supplies and toolkits for NORTE coaches
  • Financial assistance for improved signage for the Friends of the Betsie Trail
  • Support for the NMMBA Vasa Single Track Trailhead Improvement Project
Accordion Widget
Cherry Capital Cycling Club membership
Cherry Capital Cycling Club membership

We welcome new members from all over the country. Many riders who vacation in the Grand Traverse area like to keep abreast of our rides, activities, events, GPS maps, and volunteer opportunities. We ride at the speed of fun!



6-81.jpg
5-49.jpg
24-49.jpg
 Website issues? Please contact the Website Director.