Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails is gearing up for the much-anticipated annual Tour de TART bicycle ride on Friday, July 19, from 4-9 pm.
This vibrant event will gather over 600 riders of all ages for an unforgettable evening of cycling along the picturesque TART and Leelanau Trails, leading to a delightful bayside dinner in Suttons Bay and a comfortable ride back to Traverse City. This flagship fundraising event for TART Trails is filling up quickly, with early bird registration available until Friday, July 5 at traversetrails.org/event/tourde- tart.
The Tour de TART offers a welcoming experience for cyclists of every age and ability, making it especially popular among families. Starting at Darrow Park on Bay Street in Traverse City, riders can set off anytime between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The 17-mile paved trail, typically completed in about two hours, features two food and water stops, including the famed luau party hosted by Brick Wheels.
Upon reaching North Park in Suttons Bay, participants will enjoy a bayside feast catered by VI Grill and Fiddleheads. The menu includes crowd favorites like root beer floats from Northwoods Soda and Milk & Honey ice cream, and pies from Grand Traverse Pie Company. Additionally, local brews from North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin, and wines from Shady Lane Cellars, will be available for purchase. The evening promises fun music and activities, making it a memorable event for the entire family. Postdinner, participants can relax on a bus ride back to Traverse City, with their bikes transported separately.
This beloved event is made possible by the support of numerous community partners, sponsors, and volunteers. The 2024 Tour de TART is proudly presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network of Michigan, with further support from Hagerty, Atlas Wealth Management, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Insight Optometry, DTE Foundation, and David Clark and Phyllis Kirk. Special thanks go to Northwoods Soda, North Peak Brewing Company, Milk & Honey, Shady Lane Cellars, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Wunsch Orchards, Brick Wheels, VI Grill, Fiddleheads, and Great Lakes Potato Chips for their generous contributions of food and beverages.
Rain or shine, the Tour de TART will proceed, with all proceeds benefiting TART Trails. For additional details and to register, please visit traversetrails. org/event/tour-de-tart.
