Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Room to Ride
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is 1/3 of the state’s land area, but only 3% of the state’s population lives here. Being a troll (someone who lives below the Mackinaw Bridge), I crave the vastness and room to roam in the upper, and like most outdoorsy types, Josh and I love the more rural and rugged vibe. The UP features Lake Michigan and sandy beaches on its south shores, and the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, dominates the northern coast with a heavy dose of volcanic rock and plenty of elevation for adventure activities.
Bike Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: On this amazing chunk of earth, the UP’s reputation for world-class mountain biking continues to grow. There are two IMBA ride centers: one at Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw and Marquette area’s Noquemanon Trail network. Plus, the RAMBA trail system in Ishpeming/Negaunee has recently been named a top 10 national destination. Of note, Rock Solid Trails, currently the largest professional trail builder in the world, has made its home base in Copper Harbor. Add that all up, and you can ride over 300 + miles on award-winning trails, with spectacular views of gorgeous, forested topography, plus bonus, great lake vistas.
WEST End Ski & Trail (Stay & Play)
We began our recent UP bike trip in downtown Ishpeming at the West End Ski & Trail stay-and-play vacation rental. It’s a short roll from the door to the bike shop conveniently next to Velodrome Coffee for caffeine-loaded fuel and gourmet sandwiches. The historic downtown is full of reminders from its mining roots, now polished up with updated storefronts, bustling local restaurants like Congress Pizza, and more. Plus, it’s home to Doggie Styles Pet Grooming, which is probably one of the best small business names I’ve heard in a while.
WEST End has become a social hub (now in its 5th year of business and the largest Pivot dealer in Michigan), and you’ll quickly learn that biking is a big part of the communities’ persona. It is way more than a bike shop for service and parts. It’s a place for bike advice or to plot out your ride, grab some gear, and gab with the locals about the upcoming group ride or local races. Also, you’ll learn that you can bike from the shop (or the rental) to RAMBA trailheads, which will lead you to almost 80 miles of punchy climbs, punctuated with gorgeous rocky and rooty technical XC riding. Ironically, they have a Double-black trail named Sissy Pants…definitely not for sissies.
RAMBA (Range Area Mountain Bike Assoc.) is the local trail organization that builds and maintains the terrain. The area also hosts the grueling 50—or 100-mile Marji Gesick, held annually in September. With 13,000 feet of vertical, it is often called the hardest single-day mountain bike race in the country. For those hearty souls who want to test limits, check out Marji and ride RAMBA. ?
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