TOUR DA U.P.
Waterfalls and woodfires are highlights
of this western Upper Peninsula bike tour
in Ontonagon & Gogebic Counties
By Frida Waara It's been said there are two things we never grow tired of watching – fire and falling water. This
summer get a good dose of both on the 12th annual Tour Da U.P. Bike tour. Spend your days pedaling a route through western Upper Michigan's waterfall country and your nights swapping stories around the campfires at the state's most scenic campgrounds in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties.
The five–day tour leaves Sunday, August 4, from Watersmeet, a small town on the shores of Tamarack Lake, close to the Wisconsin border.  "Every year we plan a new route and it just keeps getting better," says Mike Smith, one of the tour organizers. He adds, "This year it's really a water oriented trip because aside from beginning near Tamarack Lake, we'll be camping on the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Gogebic, Upper Michigan's
largest inland lake. Plus, riding through Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, we're bound to see some picture perfect rivers because these two counties have more waterfalls than any other place in Michigan. In fact, the first night we camp at Bond Falls, a real landmark on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River."
Day two the tour heads 58 miles north to the Lake Superior shoreline.
The tour will settle in for two days at Union Bay Campground in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness Area, the state's largest area of undeveloped wilderness. You will need an extra day to explore this 92–square–mile playground of virgin forest, hiking trails and rugged shoreline, not to mention nine waterfalls and beautiful Lake of the Clouds. Wednesday the tour travels 49 miles south for a night at Lake Gogebic,
Michigan's largest inland lake. Thursday, the final 35 mile stretch back to Watersmeet winds through the U.P. towns of Bergland and Bruce Crossing.
The five–day tour logs approximately 200 miles.
"We know that's an easy goal for many regular riders, so we started the 'Golden Butt' award," says Smith. "It honors distance, not speed."
"It doesn't matter if you get to camp first," explains 18–year–old Eryka
Thorley of Marquette. "The real contest is for who can keep riding and rack up the most miles on their odometer."
Thorley, who is registered for her fourth Tour Da U.P., not only vies for "Golden Butt" but uses the week to train for the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic back in Marquette on the Saturday after the tour.
"The first time I ever entered the Ore to Shore, my first mountain bike race, it was right after the Tour Da U.P. and I took first place in my age
group. I know those five days of steady riding really helped."
But for the other class of riders, those with no interest in racing and even wonder if their legs or lungs can average 25 miles a day, Eryka's father has this advice:
"I tell folks just ride as far as they want and then hop in the support van and hitch a ride to the nightly campsite," says Ron Thorley of Marquette. "Support is a high priority on this tour. They want the whole family to
take part, so that means whether you ride a little or a lot, they'll make sure to accommodate participants of every age and ability. If you have a sleeping bag, tent, bike and a helmet, you've got what it takes to do this."
What bike to bring may be a question for some riders. Smith has this recommendation: "The western U.P. is typically hillier than the rest of the region and the pavement and shoulder on this route aren't always the best, so I'd use a mountain bike on this tour."
Adult registration is $325 and includes most meals and snacks, along with nightly camping. If you prefer hotel lodging, that can also be arranged. Youth 17 and under qualify for a discount but those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
The Tour Da U.P. is the annual fund–raiser for Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan. Twenty years ago, TFH came to the U.P. providing help to troubled children and families. Money raised from the tour
supports community based group homes, treatment foster care and school training, as well as day treatment and home–based services.
"It's so rewarding when mom, dad and the kids are all on the tour together making memories," says Smith, who also works for the agency. "That's how you build strong family foundations and that's what Teaching Family Homes is all about."
FOR MORE INFO
12th Annual Tour da UP, Sunday through Thursday, August 4–8, 2002, Watersmeet, Mich.
To find out more call 906/226–5059 or key in www.teachingfamilyhomes.org.
3rd Annual Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic, Saturday, August 10, 2002, Marquette, Mich.; www.oretoshore.com; 888/578–6489. | 
