Trace The Mitten
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About

TRACE THE MITTEN

How I Got Started

This ride occurred a year before my first Trace the Mitten tour. I had not done any riding for the previous 14 years. My 20 miles day left me with muscle cramps, but a desire to cycle again. It was not until 6 months later that I made a consistent effort to go cycle touring again. Over those 14 years my asthma had worsened and I was now diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and I had not done anything more strenuous than a  walk. My first formal training ride was 2 miles out and 2 miles back. Gradually I worked up to daily mileage and became knowledgeable in preparing to tour around the lower peninsula of Michigan. I hope that you find this site worthwhile and happy trails. 

Trace the Mitten

In the 1980s I was participating in Triathalons and did two three days tours from my home to Mackinaw City, Michigan. Times have changed and now the idea of competition seemed beyond my  physical limitations. I would try to  ride at a pace that I could sustain. Having a long-range goal is a great motivator. I would try to keep building my stamina.  Remembering the beauty of Michigan  of my previous tours I arrived at the idea to go around the shoreline of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, which is commonly referred to as "The Mitten" (Look at the palm of your right hand.). Michigan also has the Upper Peninsula and it also makes a mitten (Hold left hand, palm up and perpendicular above right hand.) 

    Accounts of Virtual Tours with routes and sights along the way.
     Check the Blog for the photos, maps, and journals.
May-Sept. 2020      Route 66
Sept.-Nov. 2020     Parks, Peaks, Prairies-Yellowstone to Minneapolis
Nov.-Jan. 20-21       Minneapolis to St. Ignace, MI
Jan.-Mar. 2021         Length of British Isles- Land's End to John O'Groats
Apr.-July 2021         West Shore of Lake Michigan
Nov.-Feb 21-22       Northern Tier West from Wisconsin
Feb-Sept. 2022      Pacific Coast Highway
Oct.-Mar. 22-23      Southern Tier-San Diego to St. Augustine.

Planning and Itinerary - Video Clip

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  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Gallery
    • Michigan Lighthouses
    • Historic Sites
    • Day Rides >
      • Michigan
      • Indiana
      • City Signs
    • Tours >
      • Trace the Mitten 2011
      • Trace the Mitten 2012
      • Great Lakes Relaxed
      • Great Lake to Lake Inaugural
      • Michigander 2017
      • Michigander 2018
      • Michigander 2019
    • Equipment
  • Links
  • Blog