HCP Summer Solstice Ride June 5th, 2010

[Nechan]

Time to mark the HCP on your calendars.

The Northern Chapter will be hosting our annual High Country Pathway Summer Solstice Ride on June 5th, 2010. The High Country Pathway is the only trail in Michigan to be handpicked by the International Mountain Bicycling Association as an Epic Ride!

The High Country Pathway is like no other trail in Michigan's lower peninsula. When you are on the trail you feel like you are in a really remote area. The terrain varies from lowlands with boardwalks to gently rolling hardwoods to sections with many hills, a couple which are too steep to ride. There are a few scenic vistas along the way. This is some of the best mountain bike riding you will find in the United States.

The 80-mile ride typically takes from 12 to 15 hours to complete with an average speed of 6 to 8 miles per hour. This counts time to enjoy the scenery along the way. While this may sound like a slow pace, only a handful of racers have been able to ride at a higher speed. This trail can be physically demanding at times and takes a lot of energy to ride. Other options are available if this sounds like too much time in the saddle.

Because of the remoteness of this area, we typically don't offer very much support for the ride. Be sure to outfit to self-support. We do spot a few cars along the route so that you can stash extra food and water along the way, or to be used in an emergency. We don't have an appointed group leader. We usually all start riding at the same time and small groups varying by rider capability form along the way. This seems to work very well.

Ride Description: We are trying to accommodate different abilities by offering two choices: 80 miles and 45 miles. On the 80-mile ride you will ride the entire trail in one day, approximately 14 hours (11 hours in saddle). The shorter 45-mile ride covers what many consider to be the best part of the trail, taking 6 to 8 hours to complete. Warning to riders not fit enough to complete the ride. These rides are very strenuous. For those who aren't as ambitious, we recommend other options, such as the Clear Lake/Jackson Lake Pathway or the Shingle Mill Pathway.

Camping: We will be staying in the group campground at Clear Lake State Park. Located just 9½ miles north of Atlanta on M-33, this is an idea place to bring the whole family. There's a large central fire pit with benches, hand pump, and pit toilets. It is just a short walk to the hot showers, real toilets, sandy beach, trails, etc. If you are planning to bring a camper, plan to reserve a campsite in the regular campground.

Driving Directions: Clear Lake State Park is located 9½ miles north of Atlanta on M-33.

[bh357]

Never to early to start thinking about a HCP ride

I'll be there, riding the full 80.

[feldpaj]

its on my calendar, and no schedule conficts yet

and as of right now all the parts on my bike are in great shape.
thanks tom for the help reassembling.

has spring trail maintainance been scheduled?

[Nechan]

has spring trail maintainance been scheduled?

Not yet, probably will be early May. Depends when the snow finally melts.

Nechan

[purple helmet]

i'll be there collecting the parts as they fly off joe's bike

[tmb]

June 5th should work, I'll be rollin' big wheels this year

T

[RandallZ]

It has been a few years, but I plan on attending - there should be at least three of us making it up there for the ride.


Maybe it's time to try single speed...

[bh357]

Hopefully Blacksword and SteveF (aka Jim Marshall and Roy Riegels) show up and ride the Fun 50

Actually, I believe that Jon (Blacksword) will be making it.

[c0nsumer]

I'd like to make this too. Just not sure how it'll work out... It is a Saturday, though.

[SteveF]

Hopefully Blacksword and SteveF (aka Jim Marshall and Roy Riegels) show up and ride the Fun 50

Actually, I believe that Jon (Blacksword) will be making it.

You can believe I'll be making it, too! (hoping to anyway) Might even camp it this time...I think my new bike would be perfect for this trail!

[Nechan]

17 weeks and counting down.

Nechan

[Nechan]

80 days to HCP SS ride and counting.

Nechan

[TheyCallMeBruce]

I have wanted to do this for the last couple of years, but *beep* just keeps happening. This is the year I will do it. The fun 50 at least.

There, I have made a public commitment - there is no backing out now. If I start to waffle, feel free to apply peer pressure or just kidnap me and drag me along. I will thank you later.....

[jonvenlet]

hoping to do the fun 50 this year! i got some work to do to get ready though

last years ride was a highlight of my year for sure!

[Nechan]

Less than 9 weeks to the HCP SS ride. Time to start getting some saddle time in!

Nechan