Hiawatha Adventure 2017

Group bike ride will start and finish in small town of Rapid River from where we will follow Bay De Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail which is fairly leveled singletrack, broken only by an occasional stream crossing followed by gravel and paved roads and atv/snowmobile trails. There will be a ride share from O’Hare Airport area (14 participants max.) – $120 per person (includes gas and trailer for bike). You can also drive there on your own and meet us at the trailhead in Rapid River (details below).

This is not a car supported adventure so you’ll need to carry all your necessary items like tent, sleeping bag, food, water, spare bicycle parts, dishware. One stove, repair tool kit, water filtration system, three additional gas tanks should be sufficient for the entire group. I’ll bring these with me along with UV water filtration device – SetriPen. That way everyone won’t have to carry duplicated items which is also additional weight on your bike. I think all of you will agree with that?

This is a “no-one-left-behind” ride. In case of emergency or tough situation we will work together as a team to come up with a satisfactory solution. IF YOU ARE NOT A TEAM PLAYER THAN THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU!!!

Group will be sleeping on the established campgrounds along the lakes with access to drinking water and vault toilets. There is no reservation for specific sites cause all these campgrounds are walk-up only.

Total camping fees: ~ $30.

What bicycle to bring? MTB, Fat Bike or cross bike will do.

DETAILS:

Day 1:

38 miles (singletrack, gravel roads)
Rapid River, MI to Hovey Lake Campground

* arrival at the trailhead located just outside of Rapid River (trailhead coordinates: 45°55’53.5″N 86°55’06.8″W )
* loading stuff on the bikes and head north onto Bay De Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail
* water refill if necessary at the Haymeadow Creek Campground
* evening arrival at the Hovel Lake Campground
* dinner in nearby Buckhorn Resort

Day 2:

43 miles (gravel road, atv trail, paved road, snowmobile trail)
Hovey Lake Campground to Gemini Lakes Campgrounds

* leaving campground after breakfast (Buckhorn resort will be closed in the morning so make sure to buy some food day before or bring it from home)
* our first destination will be Munising, MI, a small town on the shores of Lake Superior. Along the way we will also stop by Wagner and Agler Falls.
* in Munising will have a longer stop for food, drinks and water refill
* from there we will ride towards Miners Castle and Upper Overlook located within Pictured Rock National Lakeshore (picture above). You will also have a moment for a short hike to Miners Fall so bring sandals for change.
* from waterfall will head toward our campground located on the shores of Gemini Lakes.

Day 3:

42 miles (snowmobile trail, atv trail, gravel road)
Gemini Lakes Campgrounds to Camp Seven Lake Campground

* from Gemini Lakes will follow the Adams snowmobile trail which will lead us south towards Town of Shingleton. There are few stores with food and drinks (there will be no stores available along our route on day 4 so make sure to stock up).
* our route will continue down south all the way to another small settlement called Steuben. There is a small grocery store with basic supplies and water source.
* from Steuben to our last campground is only 15 miles of smooth gravel road ride.

Day 4:

27 miles (gravel roads)
Camp Seven Lake Campground to Rapid River

* breakfast, packing our bikes and of we go towars Rapid River. Like I mentioned before, there will be no stores until we reach the end of the ride so make sure to refill all your water bottles.

BE PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING! Yes we have sheduled route but there could be some changes due to unexpected obstacles so be ok with that. We are guests in the wilderness and mother nature is our host so be prepared for her hospitality. LIKE I MENTIONED BEFORE, NO ONE STAYS BEHIND! We will ride as a team!

Make sure to bring sufficient amount of water bottles, food, most necessary clothes (don’t worry if you will stink, we won’t care about it, you’re outdoors!), camping equipment, flashlight, bike lamp (at least front one). All the lakes near campgrounds are open for swimming and very very clean.

FEES:

RIDE SHARE up to 14 people – $120 p. person/roundtrip ($50 of non-refundable deposit is required not later than 7 days before the trip (PayPal, cash, credit card). Gas inlcuded.

Van will be leaving from O’Hare area (southeast corner of Irving Park Rd. and Mannheim Rd. – BP gas station and McDonald’s).

I recommend using a Spothero to find a cheap, multi-day parking in that area).

CAMPING FEES – $30

FOOD, DRINKS, SOUVENIRS along the route.

If you want to use Metra Rail than I can pick you up from Franklin Park Metra Station. Let me know.

Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.

Contact details:
Jerry Ciosek – 630 946 4077