MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, a group of cyclists set off on a trip around the perimeter of the Upper Peninsula.
The 7th annual Tour Da Yoop, Eh kicked off in Downtown Manistique just after 8 a.m. It’s about a 1,200-mile trip, known as the largest bike loop in the country, that takes ten days to complete.
Manistique native James Studinger started the event in 2018 to promote safe biking.
“The Upper Peninsula has about 1 – 2% of the accidents to vehicles and bicycles compared to downstate,” said Studinger. “As far as I can tell, statistically, it might be the safest place in the country to ride your bike.”
For the last few years, Tour Da Yoop, Eh has partnered with Upper Peninsula Lions Serve to raise awareness and money for families battling childhood cancer. The group’s mission is to raise $149,000 for the cause.
The trip consists of ten stages, averaging 120 miles each. It includes stops in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Houghton, Marquette, Grand Marais, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace. Participants who complete the entire route will earn a plaid Tour Da Yoop, Eh jersey.
Along the way, the group will get to see much of the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty. Studinger says they’ll also get to meet a lot of its nicest people.
“What everybody walks away with and why people keep coming back with and, most importantly, the people that we meet along the way,” he said. “We get to ride our bikes in your backyard. We’re forever grateful for it, and you guys have shown us so much appreciation and kindness. That’s what makes a lasting memory on all of these bikers.”
Cyclists will return to Manistique on Sunday, August 4. To learn more about Tour Da Yoop, Eh, click here.
