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A ride through the U.P.

Registration open for upcoming Tour Da Yoop, Eh bicycle race

MARQUETTE — Registration is still open for the 2021 Tour Da Yoop, Eh, which takes place Aug. 6-15 in the Upper Peninsula.

Cyclists are encouraged to ride as many or as few days as they would like, with individualized packages to fit a rider’s needs. Rides average 120 miles per day.

Any rider who completes all 10 sections over any course of time, even up to 10 years, will be eligible to receive a plaid finisher’s jersey.

If a rider finishes all 10 sections in 10 straight days, he or she receives a plaid finisher’s jersey for free. Each year, this group of riders, called “PlaidERs,” is invited to take part in PlaidER Day where they can ride the last section of the Tour Da Yoop, Eh for free.

Riders have continuous support along each route and can choose to ride solo or together, as fast or slow as they wish, taking in the sights and meeting other riders along the way. These self-guided rides run through all 15 U.P. counties, alongside three Great Lakes, past hundreds of waterfalls and through numerous towns.

James Studinger, founder of Tour Da Yoop, Eh, has worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation and just about every city TDY rides through to provide a safe route for riders, with a primary goal of keeping riders off the main highways as much as possible.

Rides take place ­­­on wide-open, paved roads, allowing riders to stay off main highways 95% of the time and experience the safest ride possible. Along with directional signs at important intersections, riders will use Ride with GPS to give turn-by-turn directions along their route. Riders will also be given peace of mind knowing that supporting teams are with them, finishing with the last rider and providing any type of assistance needed along the route.

Studinger, a Siena Heights University graduate, grew up in Manistique and is currently a resident of Oakland County. He said in a news release, “I started Tour Da Yoop as a way for people to explore and experience all of the beauty that Michigan has to offer in a safe and peaceful way. Through this process, we are also helping to support local businesses and showcase each city’s personality, history and beauty.

“I invite everyone to come and join me on this bucket list adventure. It may take you one year or 10 years to complete, but it’s something you will remember for a lifetime.”

Sponsors locally, nationally and in the U.P. help to make this ride a success for the cyclists.

Studinger said, “We could not be more appreciative of the generosity of our sponsors who help give these riders not only encouragement but refueling power and energy to continue on their ride.”

Multiple sponsorship levels and opportunities are available. To design a sponsorship or discuss options, contact Dawn Kelley at DawnK@ExpandMarketingGroup.com.

The schedule is:

≤ Section 10, Aug. 6, St. Ignace to Manistique, 120 miles

≤ Section 1, Aug. 7, Manistique to Escanaba, 92 miles

≤ Section 2, Aug. 8, Escanaba to Iron Mountain, 122 miles

≤ Section 3, Aug. 9, Iron Mountain to Ironwood, 132 miles

≤ Section 4, Aug. 10, Ironwood to Houghton/Hancock, 137 miles

≤ Section 5, Aug. 11, Copper Harbor Loop, 116 miles

≤ Section 6, Aug. 12, Houghton to Marquette, 123 miles

≤ Section 7, Aug. 13, Marquette to Grand Marais, 105 miles

≤ Section 8, Aug. 14, Grand Marais to Sault Ste. Marie, 114 miles

≤ Section 9, Aug. 15, Sault Ste. Marie to St. Ignace, 122 miles

Each package includes the option to add on lodging at the selected host hotels along the route or gives riders the option to make their own lodging arrangements.

“We encourage families to come and experience the U.P., whether you’re riding or cheering someone on, plus it’s a great way to make this a family vacation to remember,” said Kim Mellon, event producer for Tour Da Yoop, Eh, in a news release. “We take care of our riders. We make it a priority to know each of our riders by name and always be available to offer assistance and a newfound friendship along the way.”

All packages include the following: custom-made rider’s jersey with the route on the back, support to help with any assistance with you or your bike along the route, aid stations approximately every 30 miles that include refreshments and healthy refueling snacks, luggage pickup and drop-off to hotels and campsites within 5 miles of the host hotel, and “refresh, refuel and restock support” to provide water and healthy snacks at each aid station along with resources to purchase additional snacks, supplies or repairs.

The Cyclebration After Party will bring together riders, volunteers and workers to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments with food, music, drinks and fun.

For more information on the ride, sponsorships, testimonials and to register for Tour Da Yoop, Eh 2021, visit TourDaYoopEh.com. Tour Da Yoop, Eh can be found online and on social media at www.tourdayoopeh.com, www.facebook.com/TourDaYoopEh/ and www.instagram.com/tour_da_yoopeh/.

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