Three Overnight Bikepacking Experiences Planned in 2024
What do the 3 locations for MVA’s Bikepacking 101, summer of ‘24 series have in common? YOU!
Once you have pre registered, you will be contacted by Nancy Beeman, MVA member and the tour leader, for this series of overnight excursions (nbeeman@sbcglobal.net).
#1 Sub 24, Saturday June 1 - Sunday June 2
Camping at Farnsworth Metropark, Waterville
Saturday 30 miles, Sunday 20 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45588183
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45588201
This is a beginner level trip. You should be comfortable riding a loaded bike up to 30 miles per day, for 2-3 consecutive days on mostly flat terrain. Each rider is responsible for carrying their own equipment. You should know how to fix your own flat tire, however, basic mechanical assistance will be available from others in the group. You must carry your own tube and repair equipment. You should have a phone or other device with GPS route downloaded onto it.
-
The ride will begin and end in Whitehouse, OH, from the parking lot on St Louis Ave on the South Fork of the Wabash Cannonball Trail
-
We will leave the starting location at 1:00 Saturday and ride approximately 30 miles to the campground
-
We will return Sunday morning, approximately 20 miles.
-
Vault toilets, no showers, no electric.
-
You will need to bring your own dinner and breakfast meals. There will be a stop for coffee and donuts Sunday, on the way back.
-
There is no SAG
Fee: $5
There is a limit of 10 tents
Surface/ Recommended tire size: Paved/ road tires OK / gravel tires if you wish to ride the gravel section of the tow path after setting up camp.
Registration is required.
Helmets are required.
Farnsworth Metropark, group camping site. Farnsworth is a narrow park along the Maumee River overlooking Missionary, Butler and Indian islands, which are owned by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
The ruins of the Interurban Bridge, which crosses the river at Farnsworth, is a favorite subject of painters and photographers. The iconic bridge is partially built atop Roche de Bout, a large, protruding rock in the river that served as an early landmark for native people, European explorers and armies. The abandoned span, once the world's largest earth-filled, concrete reinforced bridge, was part of a commuter railway system.
Farnsworth has always been about the water. Water-based recreation has been a focus of the park since its inception when it was originally named Waterville Park.
#2 Sub 24, Saturday July 27 - Sunday July 28
Camping at Lake Hudson, MI
Saturday 40 miles, Sunday 40 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45561838
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45561882
This is an intermediate level trip. You should be comfortable riding a loaded bike up to 50 miles per day, for 2-3 consecutive days, on moderate terrain. All riders are expected to be self-contained and fairly self-sufficient. You should know how to fix your own flat, and do basic
mechanical repairs. Basic mechanical assistance may be available from others in the group.
You should know how to navigate and create routes using RWGPS or other navigation system of your choosing in case of separation from the group.
-
The ride will begin and end at the Sylvania Municipal Court building, 6700 Monroe St, Sylvania
-
We will leave starting location at 12:00 Saturday and ride approximately 40 mi to the campground
-
We will return Sunday morning, approximately 40 miles
-
Vault toilets, electric, no showers
-
You will need to bring your own dinner and breakfast meals
-
There is no SAG
Fee: $5
There is a limit of 12 riders
Surface/ Recommended tire size: Paved, some dirt, gravel roads/ min recommended tire 32c
Registration is required.
Helmets are required.
Lake Hudson Recreation Area, MI, located near the Ohio border, surrounds the park’s namesake no-wake lake and is home to a designated dark sky preserve, a semi-modern campground, a designated swim beach, a boating access site, a 1.5-mile trail and more. The
park is also popular for fishing – and known for muskie – paddling, hunting and more. The park encompasses a lake, native grass fields that are part of a pheasant restoration project and forested areas.
The park is home to a dark sky preserve – the first in Michigan’s state park system – offering excellent night-sky viewing. The preserve, located by the park’s picnic shelter, is open 24 hours a day year-round.
#3 Two Nights, Labor Day Weekend, Saturday Aug 31 - Monday Sept 2
Camping at Van Buren State Park, South Haven, MI
Saturday 46 miles, Sunday 46 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45570079
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45863412
This is an intermediate level trip. You should be comfortable riding a loaded bike up to 50 miles per day, for 2-3 consecutive days, on moderate terrain. All riders are expected to be self-contained and fairly self-sufficient. You should know how to fix your own flat, and do basic
mechanical repairs. Basic mechanical assistance may be available from others in the group. It is recommended that you know how to navigate and create routes using RWGPS or other navigation system of your choosing in case of separation from the group.
-
The ride will begin and end in Kalamazoo, Michigan
-
We will leave the Arcadia Street Festival Place, 145 E Water St, Kalamazoo, at 12:00 and ride the Kal-Haven Trail 46 miles to the campground. Dinner in camp the first night. Layover day on Sunday at Van Buren SP. Options to hike or cycle. Options for lunch and dinner in South Haven
-
We will return to starting location Monday morning, 46 miles
-
There are restrooms, showers, water, and electric at Van Buren State Park
-
You will need to bring your own dinners and breakfast meals, plus 3 large water bottles
-
There is no SAE
Fee: $15 for 2 nights camping (parking is additional if you choose to leave a car in the
garage).
You are responsible for finding parking for your own vehicle. There are 2 indoor parking garages in Kalamazoo. Cost of garage parking (3 days = about $30). We recommend carpooling to make it more affordable. Contact Nancy if you would like help in arranging carpooling to Kalamazoo.
Ellis Parking Company
Arcadia District - Parking Ramp 4
306 N Rose St
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Central City Parking
Epic Center Ramp / Kalamazoo Mall District - Parking Ramp 2
136 E South St
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Surface/ Recommended tire size: Packed limestone/ recommended 32c minimum. Bigger is
better!
Van Buren State Park is set along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is home to high dune formations, a modern campground, 1 mile of sandy beach, woodland trails and a day-use area.
The day-use area offers picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and two modern restroom buildings. Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sunbathing.
From the park, visitors can access the Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, which offers a scenic, 4-mile paved route into the City of South Haven. Along the way, visitors can access Van Buren Trail State Park (gravel surface) near 16th Avenue and continue on an additional 12 miles (south) to the City of Hartford. The Kal-Haven Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 33.5 miles of additional trail.
The charming beach town of South Haven is just minutes away and boasts unique eateries, wineries, boutiques and natural scenic surroundings. Other points of interest include the Michigan Maritime Museum, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, the Flywheeler Museum, an art
center and many public golf courses.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO