As many of you know, PALM filled very quickly this year, and we have turned away a large number of potential riders. I think that PALM is a fairly unique ride in that we keep most of our daily distances to a maximum of about 50 miles, and we try to have a ride that appeals to a wide variety of ages, abilities, and biking experiences. However, there are other rides in Michigan and our surrounding states that you might decide to try as an alternative to or in addition to PALM. I will list some of them in this blog entry, and you can get details by checking out the web sites. As far as I can determine, these rides have not yet filled.
The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. www.goba.com. June 20-27, a 7 day loop ride. From what I have been told, this ride attracts the same variety of participants as PALM does. Like PALM, each year GOBA follows a different route, and this year's ride starts in Norwalk in northwest Ohio. The 7 days include 5 riding days of 45-60 miles each, with 2 layover days that include optional loop rides or alternate activities including a trip to Lake Erie or even Cedar Point. The ride limit is 3000, and the fee does not include meals. GOBA has an excellent web site, with lots of details about the ride and an excellent rider handbook.
Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure (XOBA). July 25 to August 1. www.outdoor-pursuits.org/xoba/ The ride is limited to 250 participants. This year's route will travel from Eaton to Youngstown, with some days relatively flat and others very hilly. The daily distances range from 52 to 74 miles, with a total of 405 miles. This year’s ride appears to have an ice cream emphasis.
TRIRI. Touring Ride Across Rural Indiana. June 21-27. www.triri.org. This year's route is in southwestern Indiana and includes 3 days of 65 miles, and 3 layover days with optional loops.
Rides sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicyclists. www.lmb.org. The League sponsors several rides, including the Sunrise Adventure June 19-21. Their other 2 rides all have longer days and challenging hills.
If you want even more options, you can go to www.nbtda.com, and search for rides all over the country.
We sincerely hope that all of you find a biking adventure that you can enjoy in 2009, and we hope that you will be able to join us on PALM in 2010.
Ellie, PALM Mail Granny
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2 comments:
We received our confirmation notices last week and are absolutely pumped about participating in PALM for the first time. Figuring out how it's all going to work with a two-year-old and a nine-month-old is no small challenge, but hopefully we'll pull it off.
I have also applied to ride in PALM for the very first time this year but have not yet heard back, but am assuming I am in as I did not get a letter of regret. I was just a little hesitant of applying as I could not find anyone to ride with me but figured maybe there would be someone out there in the Adrian, Hudson, Lenawee Cty area who was riding alone too that I could may train/ride with. I enjoy reading your blogs. Good luck with PALM with two small children. It should be a fun adventure.
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