Last Minute Directions for the Ride Around Torch!

Road Construction finished for the day with 3^rd St in Elk Rapids closed to traffic. This means a change in how you drive to registration as well as the beginning and end of the ride. Once In Elk Rapids, turn east on Ames St as usual. Turn south on Rivershore Dr, turn left on Meguzee Pt Rd which loops south and east of the High School and into the parking lot.

The Tour route will reverse these directions to take all riders to Ames St. Plan to follow the arrows marked on the road. This route will add about a mile to the Tour distances. The paper maps and Ride with GPS have not been changed and will be accurate (except distances) once you reach Ames St. I’ve attached a map to give you a visual of the change.

For those planning to camp in a RV: RVs are only allowed to park north of the Middle School in the grassy and gravel area there. Parking is at a premium so be mindful of how you park your rig so we can continue to offer this free benefit in future years.

Tent camping is still available on grassy areas of the school property.

It looks like we will have great weather. Looking forward to a glorious summer day!

Tour Overview

The Ride Around Torch is an annual one-day 26, 40, or 63 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. Join us for this recreational, social tour that features great routes, plentiful snacks, scenic views, and the After RAT Party, a catered picnic at the beach with live music.

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.

Ride Fees

$60 - (2/1 - 3/31)

$65 - (4/1 - 7/7)

$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 28

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 10

$25

Preregistration

Opens on February 1 and closes on July 7
Is limited to 1000 riders!
All preregistration is online

Day of Event Registration

Is available in person on July 20, 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

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

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
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, 308 Meguzee Point Rd, 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 and After RAT Party location is at the stunning beachfront in downtown Elk Rapids where we enjoy the day, live music, 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 7.

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 $430,000 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 20, 2025. Starting in Sutton's Bay Michigan, this tour features the best of fall scenery along bike paths and roads, passing along lakes, beaches, apple orchards, and rolling hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

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E-Bikes

This year all e-bikes are welcome on RAT!

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Registration and Departure Times

Day of event registration is open from 7:00 -10:00 AM at Elk Rapids High School, 308 Meguzee Point Rd, Elk Rapids MI 49629
63 mile riders must depart by 9:00 AM

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Tour Support

Roving SAG support is available until 3:00 on all routes. Be aware that SAG vehicles may not be able to transport your bicycle if it has a non-standard frame (recumbent, tandem, etc.) or weighs more than 40 pounds.

The food stops have a plentiful variety of snacks and drinks available, some gluten free. Food stops will remain open until the last rider passes their location or until the posted closing time, whichever comes first.

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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 4 pm Saturday until 10 am on Sunday in the concession stand at the football field. Showers will be available at the High School on Sunday from noon until 4 pm.

RV parking is available in a designated area, not in the main High School parking lot that is reserved for car traffic. A map of available parking will be sent to registrants by e-mail the week before the ride.

The Village of Elk Rapids has quite a few choices in and around Elk Rapids and Torch Lake, including a new hotel in Elk Rapids called The Dexter. In addition, there are other options including Agaming Golf Resort, Blue Pelican Inn, Paradise Pines Resort, The Starboard Inn, Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel, Wandawood Resort and White Birch Lodge. Please check the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce website, on the Accommodations webpage for more info.

Hotel space is also available in Acme at the Grand Traverse Resort, Holiday Inn Express, or Sleep Inn & Suites. Other choices in Traverse City can be found at: www.Traversecity/Hotels.

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Cancellations

Cancellations with full refund of event fees are available through July 7.

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

The RAT is held rain or shine!

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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 $430,000 to enhance bicycling in our area. In 2024 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
Traffic calming radar-controlled speed sign for Elk Rapids where the new Nakwema Trail enters Village streets
2 fix-it stations at trailheads and community locations
Support for TART trails Bayfront Trail construction project
Support for TART trail etiquette video
Scholarships for underprivileged kids to participate in NORTE
Support for the NMMBA Vasa Single Track Trailhead Pavilion Construction Project
Support for NMMBA construction of new mountain bike pump track trails at VASA Trailhead

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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!