The Bulldog Bike Tour is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The
annual event supports scholarships for Ferris State University students.
"The Bulldog Bike Tour is a great opportunity to enjoy cycling in the Big Rapids area
while supporting student scholarships," said event organizer and avid cycler Kelly
Seitter, a professor in the College of Engineering Technology. "There are routes available
for any and all skill levels, up to a century (100 miles). Food stops and HAM Radio
support will be provided to keep riders safe and enjoying the day."
This year’s tour features options for 10, 23, 40, 55 and 100 miles on flat to rolling
terrain with a few challenging hills on the longer routes. The Bulldog Bike Tour routes
were selected after a review of the MDOT Road Bicycling Guide Map and through feedback
from the Mecosta County Road Commission. The tour routes are available at Map My Ride.
The Bulldog Bike Tour commences at Ferris’ Student Recreation Center.
Packet pickup and day-of-ride registration is 7:30 to 11 a.m.
The 100-mile riders should plan to start by 8 a.m., 55 milers by 9 a.m., 23 and 40 milers by 10 a.m., and 10 milers by 11 a.m.
The Bulldog Bike Tour, sponsored by the Ferris Alumni Association, is open to single and group riders and will take participants through scenic parts of Mecosta County. The first few route miles feature the paved White Pine Trail and rails-to-trail.
The early online registration fee is $50 and is due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10. After June 10, registration is $70 up to the day of the event. Participants may register the day of the event. The registration fee includes lunch following the ride, an event T-shirt and food along the way on all routes. Rest stops are spread 20 to 30 miles apart. To be eligible for a post-ride meal, participants must register prior to June 10. Neither shirts nor lunch are provided to riders who register after June 10.
Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for Ferris students.
Other highlights include:
- Well-marked roads on all routes
- Detailed route maps provided
- Roving support for emergencies
- HAM radio
- Food stops with restroom facilities
- Showers at Student Recreation Center
- Bike techs available morning of tour for last-minute help at reasonable rates
For more information, email Kelly Seitter, director of the Bulldog Bike Tour. More information is accessible by phone at (231) 591-2659.