SUTTONS BAY — The 40th annual Leelanau Harvest Tour will roll out Saturday, Sept. 20, with new routes and a finish line picnic along the Suttons Bay waterfront.
Per an Aug. 28 news release from the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, it announced major changes to this year’s ride, including redesigned routes aimed at being more scenic and safer. Riders will have the option of 18-, 38- and 70-mile courses, with the longest route stretching to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
“All new routes, including more picturesque as well as safer routes, waterfront food stops and a finish line picnic at Suttons Bay,” said tour director Rick Venner, vice president of the cycling club.
In past years, the tour offered 25-, 40-, 66- and 100-mile routes extending as far west as the Homestead resort. This year, all courses will head north, beginning at 8 a.m. at Herman Park near Suttons Bay High School.
Each route will circle Lee Point, with the 38- and 70-mile rides continuing farther into Leelanau County before returning to North Park for the picnic.
Registration is $65 in advance and $75 on the day of the event, the same as last year. The fee covers food stops, a picnic lunch, SAG wagon support, and assistance from more than 50 volunteers.
All proceeds benefit local bicycling projects, including infrastructure, trails and programs. The 550-member cycling club has contributed more than $460,000 to area municipalities since its founding.
Riders may register online at cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org or in person at the Herman Park Pavilion from 8 to 10 a.m. the morning of the ride.