Tag Michigan

Less Than Four Months Until PALM XLIII — The Countdown Is On!! 🚴

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Are you registered?

We’re officially inside the four-month window until the next Pedal Across Lower Michigan — and that means the adventure is getting real.

In just a few short months, hundreds of riders will roll across Michigan’s lower peninsula together for a week of cycling, laughter, watermelon stops, and the kind of memories that only happen on the road. If you’ve been thinking about joining PALM this year, consider this your friendly nudge — now is the time to register and start preparing.

The good news is you don’t need to be a professional cyclist to enjoy PALM. This tour is designed to be family-friendly, welcoming, and supportive for riders of all experience levels. Along the route you’ll find:

  • Regular water stops to keep you hydrated
  • Fresh watermelon and licorice stops (a PALM tradition)
  • Bike mechanics ready to help with unexpected issues
  • Educational opportunities for both new and experienced riders
  • Activities to keep young riders entertained
  • An incredible volunteer team keeping everything running smoothly

Between now and tour week, riders can start building endurance, tuning up bikes, and maybe convince a friend or two to join the fun. A few training rides now will make those summer miles feel a whole lot sweeter.

And if riding the full route isn’t in the cards, PALM still runs on volunteers. SAG drivers, truck drivers, and support volunteers play a huge role in making the tour safe and enjoyable for everyone. If you are interested in volunteering please email palmbiketour@yahoo.com.

So mark the calendar, dust off the bike, and start the countdown!

PALM will be here before you know it.

See you on the road. 🚴‍♀️🍉
Michelle Tuckerman
PALM Registration Representative


PALM is a family-friendly, scenic and affordable bicycle tour across Michigan’s lower peninsula. Included are support and gear (SAG) service, overnight facility use for tent camping with showers and bathrooms, transport of luggage between sites, road markings and GPS cues for routes, daily fruit stop, bicycle education, and children’s activities! Optional add-ons include meal plans, transportation from the end to the start, and third-party campsite setup service. E-bikes are welcome!

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.

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