About this Event
Ride Specifics
Mileage: Day 1 we ride that beaut of a route to the Indiana Dunes. This is the biggest day. About 75 miles and camp at the national park.
Day 2 we roll out around noon and slow roll our way about 45 miles up to Weko Beach Campground in Bridgman, MI.
Day 3 is a chill day. Relax on the beach all day or ride into town for some beers or hop on the 25ish mile loop that an OOFD will be leading. Or even go adventure off on your own through the gorgeous country roads of Michigan beer and wine country. So much good beer, food, wine, and beach to explore. The campground is a 4 minute walk to a stellar beach and the epic dunes of Warren are just a few minute walk down the beach.
Day 4 we ride about 40 miles up to Van Buren State Park which is just south of Grand Haven, MI.
Day 5 we ride about 60 miles to South Bend, IN and hop the South Shore Train back to the city. A UHaul will transport bikes back to Chicago as the South Bend stop cannot take bikes this year due to track construction.
Support: Sag van that will carry one school sized backpack per rider
Lodging:
Thursday - Dunewood Campground - Indiana Dunes, IN
Friday/Saturday - Weko Beach Campground - Bridgeman, MI
Sunday - Van Buren State Park - Van Buren, MI
Pace: 12-15mph
Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated and possible snow.
Age: Adult Ride (21+)
Trip Description
What's Included: 4 nights/5 days of bike camping (It is possible to join us a day late and leave a day early if needed)
This ride is an ecstatic celebration of Lake Michigan and all that it coast has to offer. This is going down in the heart of the summer and there will be plenty of chances to go swimming in our gem of a lake. Hence the name, the SWMI, "swimmy", ride. Roll with some of the best guides OOFD has to offer as we finally break into our 4th state, Michigan! Learn about the ecology of the lake and the lake shore while also exploring some of its hidden gems and excellent local spots.
We understand pulling off a 5 day ride might be tough, so you can join us Thursday night or Friday morning at the IN Dunes. The south shore train is super convenient for this. Also, if you need to dip out on Sunday, the Amtrak and South Shore can get ya back to the city no problem. But the price for the trip is all the same, so you should take advantage of this extended summertime adventure if you can.
For a more in depth breakdown of what each day looks like, check this out.
What's Included
- Campground fees (hated cabins, firewood, etc.)
- Food for Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.
- Education about our local history and nature
- Really nice and supportive guides
What's Not Included
- Food for Day 1 lunch
- Food for Day 2 lunch
- Snacks
- *We will stop at designated restaurants where you can buy your lunch
About the Guides
Our guides are part of a community of volunteers that believe in adventure and helping others find adventure right out our front door. They exude a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive spirit which are foundational values at OOFD. They have love and appreciation for their home and like sharing knowledge about that home with others, thus helping the riders to develop a stronger sense of gratitude for our local history and nature.
The guides will be set with the route and an extensive script about the area you’ll be riding through with intentionally chosen breakpoints along the way.
They are more than someone to follow on the ride. They are trained and will be there to encourage and support you as well as support with mechanicals that may arise.
Transfer/Refund/Cancelation Policy
Participant Cancellation: No Refunds. By registering, you acknowledge and agree there will not be a refund if you cancel or do not show up for the event. Tickets cannot be resold.
Transfers permitted before the event and to an event in the same calendar year. Check out this Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take. Contact us if you have any issues.
Organizer Cancellation: Full Refund | Nobody wants an event to be canceled. In the rare circumstance the organizer cancels the event at their discretion, registered participants will receive a full refund.To date, this organization has canceled minimal events; primarily in response to the Covid19 pandemic.
Weather and Rain: We do not cancel an event for rain, storm, or any other weather. We ride rain or shine. Chicago weather is typically passing, if the weather requires, we will pause the ride and wait in a sheltered space then continue biking. Some of the best views of the lake and greenery on the trails are after a rainstorm.
Radical Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination Agreement Here
This is included in your registration form. Showing up with a welcoming and inclusive spirit is crucial and expected of everyon that rides with us.
Bike Camping Packing Checklist and Tips here
Learn More About Us
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
12th Street Beach, 12th Street Beach, Chicago, United States
USD 530.92 to USD 588.55
