Tag: Michigan

One Week to PALM!!!

June 14, 2026 / michelletuckerman / 2 Comments

Good morning fellow PALM friends,

I can’t believe we are but a week away from PALM 2026! I would like to take a moment to welcome all of you to this year’s adventure. Attached are videos explaining what to expect when you arrive at 7:30 am in Oscoda to start your journey or after 12 noon in Pentwater and a typical day on PALM. Parking in Pentwater is not all located at the school. Please be sure to follow the signage and map to ensure that everyone is parked in the correct location for the overnight and week long term parking.

Find your perfect overnight camping spot and pitch your tent. CPAP users can find the designated CPAP camping area for access to power squids (please use the power for only CPAPs). If using the Comfy Campers tenting service, check in at their awning/tents for the night. RV/camper parking is available on the road in front of the school. Note that campers cannot be plugged into the school, though generators are allowed but must be turned off during quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Registration check-in will be from 3-5 pm arranged by rider bib numbers. All participants must have a signed waiver to check-in; blank waivers will be available on site. If traveling with a minor without a parent or guardian, their waiver must be signed by a parent beforehand. After check-in, dinner is on your own. The first nightly meeting is at 7:30 pm for riders and volunteers to find dinner in Pentwater, with subsequent meetings at 7 pm for the rest of the week. Check-in will reopen for an hour after the Saturday meeting and again from 7:30-8:30 am on Sunday. Note that it is not a water bottle gift year, so please bring your own from home.

As we prepare for the week, remember that Michigan’s weather is unpredictable, so pack accordingly. A suggested packing list is available on our website (All About PALM section). To keep your clothing dry in case of rain, use plastic baggies for packing (wet tents in the trucks can get everything wet). Ensure bags weigh 40 pounds or less and are manageable by one person. Don’t forget to bring cash in small bills for tips, bike shops, and some stores along the route. As an early childhood educator, I enjoy spirit week (during the ride and/or at camp), and here are the daily themes: Nature Made Sunday (nature-inspired shirt/jersey), Make a Joke Monday (shirt/jersey with funny sayings), Talk About It Tuesday (wear something representing an organization), Wear It Wednesday (previous PALM gear), Theatrical Thursday (be creative!), and Friday is for PALM 2026 shirts and parade gear.

Don’t forget your helmet! Helmets MUST be worn by all riders at all times while on your bike, including in school parking lots. Riders may be asked to leave the ride for helmet violations, as this can void our ride insurance coverage.

✨✨ This year, we will have a share table. Bring clean, good-condition bicycling clothing to offer to other riders. ✨✨

For those riding the bus from Oscoda, please arrive by 7:30am to start loading bicycles before the busses arrive. Riders must remove pedals (wrenches available), computers, bags, water bottles, and other removable items. Ebike batteries should remain on the bike and not be loaded under the bus due to fire hazards. Once the busses arrive, load your luggage beneath the bus and board. Get comfy and enjoy your ride to Pentwater.

I look forward to riding the northern route with all of you! These routes are my favorite, and with them come more hills. As Gene says, hills build character, and I can’t wait to build character together this year.

See you Saturday,

Jess Rasmussen (@JessRasmussen-bikemom on YouTube)

2026 PALM Chair

The Countdown Is On: Just 12 Days Until PALM 2026!

June 8, 2026 / michelletuckerman / 7 Comments

The countdown is officially on!

In just 12 days, cyclists from across Michigan and beyond will gather in Pentwater to dip their back tire in Lake Michigan and begin the journey across the Lower Peninsula to Oscoda on the shores of Lake Huron.

Whether you’re a first-time rider or a PALM veteran, now is the time to put the finishing touches on your preparations:

🚴 Complete those final training rides – your backside will thank you later!

🎒 Review your packing list

🚌 Confirm your transportation plans

🚲 Give your bicycle a final safety check

👕 Get ready to show off your PALM 2026 shirt

💵 Pack some small bills to support local schools, student groups, and volunteers along the route

PALM is more than a bike tour—it’s six days of scenic roads, welcoming communities, new friendships, unforgettable memories, watermelon stops, and the unique experience of crossing Michigan under your own power.

From the Lake Michigan tire dip in Pentwater to the Lake Huron tire dip in Oscoda, every mile brings adventure, accomplishment, and fun.

The PALM planning committee had our final pre-tour meeting yesterday. We can’t wait to welcome riders, volunteers, SAG drivers, truck drivers, and support teams for another incredible week on the road.

Visit https://palmbiketour.org for information on buses and to download your Ride with GPS routes.

6 days. One state. Two Great Lakes. Countless memories.

See you in Pentwater!

Just Over 4 Weeks Until PALM 2026 — It’s Almost Time to Roll! 🚲

May 20, 2026 / michelletuckerman / 0 Comments

The countdown is officially on — in just over four weeks, riders will gather at the shore of Lake Michigan in Pentwater to begin an unforgettable journey across the mitten.

Soon enough, tires will dip into Lake Michigan, friendships will form (or pick right back up where they left off), and six days later riders will celebrate together at Lake Huron in Oscoda.

PALM has always been about more than miles. It’s about community, adventure, traditions, and making memories one pedal stroke at a time.

Whether this is your first tour or your twentieth:

Pull your bike out and give it a quick once-over.
Start thinking about packing lists.
Get a few rides in to wake up those cycling legs.
Check your registration details.
Tell your friends — there’s still time to join the adventure.

And don’t forget…the famous PALM moments are waiting:
🍉 Watermelon stops
🍬 Licorice breaks
🚚 Friendly SAG support
🛠️ Route mechanics
🏕️ Camp conversations
📸 Scenic views across Michigan
🚲 The satisfaction of crossing the state under your own power

Before you know it, we’ll be watching riders line up, hearing freewheels click, and beginning another incredible week together.

June 20–26, 2026 is coming fast.

Your bike is ready. Michigan is waiting.

See you at the lake!

🚨You Asked, We Listened: The 2026 PALM T-Shirt Is Here 🚨

May 2, 2026 / michelletuckerman / 4 Comments

Fresh drop, PALM style.

👕 Front

Clean, bold, and Michigan proud—capturing the spirit of the ride.

🔁 Back

All the stops. All the stories. All the bragging rights.

🎯 Why You Want It

Looks good on and off the bike
Your official “I did that” badge
Guaranteed to spark conversations (and maybe a little envy)

⚠️ Quick Heads-Up

After May 10th, pricing goes up—and the rad t-shirt is no longer available..

👉 Get Yours

Warning: May cause excessive smiling and repeat registrations.

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

March 8, 2026 / palmbiketour / 0 Comments

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

February 22, 2024 / palmbiketour / 8 Comments

► 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

January 22, 2024 / palmbiketour / 5 Comments

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

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

December 22, 2023 / palmbiketour / 0 Comments

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

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Seven months to PALM XLI

November 22, 2023 / palmbiketour / 2 Comments

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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