“Tour da Yoop, Eh?” to showcase U.P. splendor

MANISTIQUE — Biking is a big part of living in the Upper Peninsula. Cyclists can have a chance to be part of a unique bike ride around god’s country.

It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to spend a little over a week of cycling around the Upper Peninsula. Later this month, cyclists can have a chance to be part of the first ever “Tour da Yoop, Eh?” bike race.  From August 23rd  to September 1st , riders will spend time in the saddle marveling at what the U.P. has to offer.

“We really wanted to showcase the entire Upper Peninsula,” said race organizer Alan Barr. “We’re always looking for more things to do and to showcase our hidden gems. We have all of these communities that have so much to offer and it would be great if we had an event like this bike race that would start to showcase these communities.”

Over those ten days, cyclists can expect to ride up to 1,200 miles around God’s country. Organizers are hoping that the ride will be fun enough to gain publicity and grow in popularity, and some of the rides will show the new event’s potential.

“You want to pick a route that’s beautiful enough that the riders get the beauty of the Upper Peninsula but you also want to pick a route that doesn’t have too much traffic on it,” said Barr. “You’re going to try and get off on some of the roads that are a little more scenic and a little less traveled, and maybe a little more safe.”

Barr says that, while there are many different things that riders will remember during the Tour, he expects that the final stage will be the most memorable. Lumberjack legend Paul Bunyan, who will see the riders off, will also welcome them back into town. The final stage is sure to have some great visuals.

“Lake Michigan on one side, the forest on the other, and they’re coming into town; we’re hoping to have a huge crowd welcoming these people back from this long grueling tour,” said Barr.

Residents have offered to help out throughout the race, including providing a chase car to help riders that have bike troubles.

“It’s amazing that people from all these communities banded together to make this one large event. I think that’s just incredible. It shows how the people of the Upper Peninsula really are tight–knit Yoopers,” said Barr.

Those who are interested in participating in the race can visit the race’s website.