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 and abilities. However, there are other rides in Michigan and our surrounding states that you might decide to try as an alternative 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 are not filled as of the end of January.
The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. www.goba.com. June 18-25, 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 is flat to rolling and takes place in central 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 the Columbus Zoo and the U.S. Air Force Museum. 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 23 to July 30. www.outdoor-pursuits.org/xoba/ The ride is limited to 250 participants and provides limited sag service. This year's route will travel through western Ohio, with flat to rolling terrain. The daily distances range from 52 to 70 miles, with a total of 444 miles.
Rides sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicyclists. www.lmb.org. The League sponsors several rides, including the Pedal and Paddle on June 4-5 and the Sunrise Adventure October 7-9. 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.
Another option for trips that involve several days of cycling and are based at a hotel or conference center are available from the Road Scholar organization (formerly called Elderhostel). These programs are for mature adults, and most participants in the bicycling programs range in age from 45-70. So these are not options for families. I have participated in each of the programs listed below, and I enthusiastically recommend all of them. Check out the details and dates at www.roadscholar.org. You can also email me at www.palmbiketour@yahoo.com if you want to know more about these programs.
Program #13922RJ. Bicycle Through Amish Country. Rides of 20-40 miles each day on the flat, quiet country roads in northern Indiana.
Program #9947RJ. Bicycling on the Great Allegheny Passage. Bike a 30-40 mile section of this beautiful rails-to-trail route south of Pittsburg each day.
Programs #13329RJ and #13306RJ. Biking the C & O Canal Towpath. Bicycle sections of this bike path that stretches from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD.
We sincerely hope that all of you find a biking adventure that you can enjoy in 2011, and we hope that you will be able to join us on PALM in 2012.
Ellie, PALM Mail Granny
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