Ride Around Torch 2026 *** CANCELLED ***

RAT 2026 HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO POOR AIR QUALITY FORECAST - WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN 2027! IMPORTANT UPDATE (July 9th)MDOT HAS REOPENED M-88 AT THE NORTH END OF TORCH LAKE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC!Our apologies as the past 2 weeks have been extremely busy for the RAT planning team. Exceptionally heavy rains in late June forced 2 critical road closures that drove us to replan our signature 63 mile ride route. Ride files, maps, signage, route descriptions, virtually everything had to be re-done!As of yesterday morning (July 9th), the most impacting segment of road closure has been reopened to a single lane of vehicle traffic, under stop light control. This has allowed us to return to our original 63 mile route!THE 68 MILE REROUTE WITH NO “SHORTCUT” IS NO LONGER APPLICABLE - Please disregard all “re-route” contingencies.Tour OverviewThe 2026 Ride Around Torch is an annual one-day recreational bicycle tour primarily along the scenic shores of Torch Lake, Michigan's longest and one of its most beautiful inland lakes with unusually clear, bright turquoise hued waters. This year marks our 40th anniversary! In addition to the 26, 40, and signature 63-mile routes we have introduced a newly designed Chain-O-Lakes Century option for 2026! Whatever distance you decide, you’ll enjoy well-marked routes, fully stocked food stops staffed by friendly volunteers, and helpful SAG teams ready to assist with any mid-ride problem. When you have finished, relax with live music in the park, a delicious buffet lunch which includes ice cream, or take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Grand Traverse Bay!RoutesThe 26 mile ride is an out and back around the north end of Elk Lake through Torch River to the food stop at Crystal Beach Park. It features the same hills and flats of the other routes only less.The 40 mile ride extends the 26 mile ride from the Crystal Beach Park food stop, by going east, then north through the charming village of Alden, toward Clam River, before looping back to the Crystal Beach food stop. The route will then rejoin the 26 mile route to the post ride picnic in Elk Rapids.Our signature 63 mile ride circles Torch Lake passing through Eastport, Alden and Torch River with hills, lakeside flats, and scenic countryside views. A shortcut is also available that eliminates a few hills and reduces the overall length to just over 50 miles.All new for 2026 is the 105 mile Chain-O-Lakes Century ride that adds to the 68 mile route with extensions that include Atwood, Central Lake, Ellsworth and Bellaire. A truly epic route, it was designed with the goal of maximizing lakeside views across the entire upper chain of lakes that comprise the Elk River Watershed.Ride Fees$65 - (2/1 - 3/31)$75 - (4/1 - 7/9)$85 - “Day of Ride” registration$40 - children 12 and under*online fee and sales tax (when applicable) applied at checkoutPreregistrationOpens on February 1 and closes on July 9$10 discount for early registration!Is limited to 1000 ridersAll preregistration is onlineDay of Event RegistrationIs also available in person on July 19, 2026 from 7:00-10:00 amMapsNavigable versions of our routes are available via the online RideWithGPS service. Our club account enables all participants to enjoy the turn-by-turn voice commands as they navigate the route using the free version of Ride With GPS and their app on a smartphone! Printable versions of all route maps with cue sheets are downloadable in a PDF format.Hard-copy maps with cue sheets will also be provided in your registration packet on the day of event.Ride DetailsHIGHLIGHTSDetailed route maps and cue sheets providedRoving SAG supportGreat snacks at food stopsLunch will be a wonderful catered buffet at the end of the ride at Veteran’s Park in Elk Rapids. The menu includes: BBQ Pulled Pork, All-Beef Hot Dogs, Vegan Veggie Burgers, Creamy Cole Slaw, Italian Pasta Salad, Spinach Salad with Roasted Beets, Fresh Fruit, Black Cherry Ice Cream and LemonadeA complimentary post ride yoga session - bring your matDiscounted beverage pricing at Short's Pull Barn after the picnic - remember to wear your wristbandShowers back at the High School until 4:00 pmSwimming at the Veteran’s Park Beach on East BayFree camping the night before the ridePre-ride bike tech support provided at registration by Bayfront Beach & BikeClass 1, 2 and 3 E-bikes are welcomeTour profits are donated to organizations and groups that support and improve bicycling in our region through our grant programSAFETYAll riders are expected to follow the health guidelines at the time of the ride. Hand sanitizer will be readily available at all locations during the day. Cooperation with guidelines is imperative for the success and safety of the Ride Around Torch and we thank you for your efforts.Helmets must be worn by all ridersRiders are to obey all traffic rules and laws and to ride in a courteous and safe manner. Michigan law requires cyclists to ride as close to the right as practicable and not more than two abreastChildren 15 and under must be accompanied by a cycling adultPacket Pick-upPacket pick-up is 7:00-10:00 am at the Elk Rapids High SchoolEarlier packet pick-up is not available105 milers must start by 8:00 am63 milers must start by 9:00 amSAG support ends on all routes at 3:00 pm, AND post-ride picnic ends at 4:00 pm so gauge your ride time accordinglyParents or guardians must sign a release for riders aged 17 or underYour wristband is your admission to food stops, the picnic and for SAG supportSTART/FINISH LOCATIONThe start location is Elk Rapids High School, 308 Meguzee Point Rd, Elk Rapids MI 49629. It is located on the east side of Elk Rapids, about 17 miles north of Traverse City off US 31. At the traffic light on US 31, turn east on Ames Street and follow the signs to the school.The finish and After RAT Party location is at the stunning beachfront at Veteran's Memorial Park in downtown Elk Rapids where we enjoy the day, live music, and our delightful picnic buffet. It is less than 2 miles from the tour starting point and bike routes are marked for your return.REFUND POLICYThe RAT is a rain or shine event. Individuals may cancel their registration and request a refund up to July 6.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONQuestions may be directed to ratdirector@cherrycapitalcyclingclub.orgOur two, one-day tours, the Ride Around Torch and the Leelanau Harvest Tour have enabled the CCCC to conduct a productive and meaningful grant program that supports bicycling projects that contribute to achieving our mission of promoting bicycling as part of a healthy lifestyle. Since 1999 the CCCC has proudly granted $500,000 to local organizations seeking to do projects like this.Leelanau Harvest TourFor more cycling fun, plan to ride with us on our stellar fall event, the Leelanau Harvest Tour on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Originating out of Sutton's Bay Michigan, this tour features the best of fall scenery along bike paths and country roads, passing along lakes, beaches, apple orchards, and rolling hills.