Two Months to PALM XLI

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Are you getting excited? We have registered riders from 23 other states, plus Canada. We have lots of first-time riders, and participants in all age divisions from trailer tots to cyclists over 80.

Are you one of them? Not sure if you are up to the challenge? You won’t be the only who hasn’t started training, but it’s not too late. You may find 38 to 54 mile rides easier than you think after you master those local 10-20 mile rides. To help keep PALM accessible we are e-bike friendly There is optional tent service available from Cozy Campers (until June 1 or full).

Last chance for add-ons: optional transportation from end of route to beginning, and the cafeteria meals package, must be added to your registration by May 10. (After this date, we cannot ensure there will be sufficient time to modify arrangements. Meals package and bus transportation options will remain on the registration page until they are no longer available.)

May’s newsletter will include packing tips and transportation details. If you have a question that needs answered before then, please comment below.

Three months to PALM XLI

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Hope you’ve started training! Try to ride 2-3 times a week, for 5-10 miles. After 2 weeks, add 5-10 miles. Gradually build up to at least a 30-40 mile ride. While not required, this preparation will help ensure your tour is a pleasant experience.

► More tips at Preparing for PALM.

This is a good time to have your bike looked at by a local bicycle mechanic and be sure it is adjusted to fit you, tires are ready for miles, and all moving parts are clean and lubricated.

► Are you registered for 2024?

Comment with the year you first rode (or will ride) PALM!

Upcoming issues:

Two months to PALM XLI
April 22: Last chance for add-ons: transportation, meals by May 10.

One month to PALM XLI
May 22: Packing tips. Check-in and Waivers. Adding routes to devices.

Four months to PALM XLI

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► We have all sites confirmed and routes will soon be on Ride with GPS!

Registration for the 2024 Pedal Across Lower Michigan bike tour is well underway. We are right on track for both new participants and returning alumni. Don’t wait for the deadline to sign up!

Join us at the Quiet Adventures Symposium on March 2 at the MSU Pavilion. Volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions, and our Chair will be presenting on bicycle touring with children.

Returning for 2024, Comfy Campers offers standard and deluxe camping packages and other items. This optional service is reserved through the link and is separate from your PALM registration.

Comment under this post with how you first learned about PALM!

Lots of great conversation, photos and memories in the PALM Alumni Group on Facebook. We are also on Instagram and Threads. #palmbiketour

Five months to PALM XLI

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Letter from the Chair

Hello PALM alumni,

I wanted to take a moment to say hello and introduce myself for those who might not know me yet. My name is Jess Rasmussen, and I was recently elected to be the 2024 PALM Chair.

I have a special affection for this ride; PALM 10 was my first bicycle tour. I started riding with my grandfather. After he passed, I conned my mother and grandmother into riding with me. We have now had four generations ride with us. I am so very blessed to have added an entire PALM family over the years.

I look forward to working with our amazing volunteers and riders to make this a great year! Our co-chairs Shawn Towsley and Paul LaRose are contacting schools and securing sites with the amenities we need. Our great route team will create the safest routes we can with the tools we have. Local input is welcome for cyclist-friendly roads.

We have a goal to reach more riders this year to join us. Any and all ideas are welcome. Thank you for helping us make PALM more than just another bicycle tour — thank you for making PALM a family.

Jess Rasmussen
PALM XLI Chair

REGISTER

Exciting news in the February post — subscribe for monthly updates:

MISSION STATEMENT:
Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM) is a non-profit group dedicated to encouraging family bicycling and the promotion of bicycling safety.

Six months to PALM XLI

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Registration opens Jan. 1, 2024! 

Register online through the ►PALM 2024 page. We have a comprehensive ►Registration Q&A which should cover any questions you may have about using RunSignup.

OUR 2024 SITES:
• Saturday, June 22 we arrive at Mona Shores High School, Norton Shores for check-in.
• Sunday, June 23 we pedal to Newaygo.
• Monday, June 24 we pedal to Vestaburg.
• Tuesday, June 25 we pedal to Saint Charles.
• Wednesday, June 26 we pedal to Vassar.
• Thursday, June 27 we pedal to Marlette.
• Friday, June 28 we pedal to Lexington.

Great information about our state laws regarding cycling and lots of safety tips from League of American Bicyclists, League of Michigan Bicyclists, National Highway Traffic Administration, Michigan Department of Transportation and more at ►Pedal Safely

Don’t miss the January post — subscribe for notifications!

Seven months to PALM XLI

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Our June 2024 route will explore historical communities north of the Lansing area — we alternate north and south routes each year. We carefully monitor future construction and other relevant details, so we won’t publish routes immediately. Find them at ►Ride with GPS when finalized.

As always, we meet on Saturday at a location near Lake Michigan, and leisurely travel east Sunday through Friday, camping along the way. Our volunteer staff is busy confirming optimal sites for our 41st bike tour. Our routes are shorter than many organized group rides, so you can bring the family!

Registration will begin Jan. 1 on ►BikeSignup. We will share a comprehensive FAQ next month.

Feel free to share this post, or just copy the image above and invite your friends!

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