The ride.  Jim Woodruff, a TCBA member who lives in Grand Ledge, designed this ride several years ago.  The route is beautiful:  rural, low-traffic, forested in many areas, and somewhat hilly.  It runs through southern Barry County, an area many of us would not otherwise see, let alone bicycle in.  This “Z” ride starts at Hastings High School at 8:00 a.m.  Directions to the High School follow below.

Two routes.  You can ride 68 miles (the primary route) or 56 miles.  Why two routes?  We expect the main group to ride at a “B” or “B+” pace.  However, you may not want to ride that fast.  Or you may not want to go that far.  If so, the shorter route is for you.  The two routes start and run together for the first 18 miles.  At mile 17.7, the 68’ers turn right; the 56’ers turn left.  The 56’ers ride 2.5 miles and then rejoin the primary route at mile 32.2.  You 56’ers are now about 12 miles ahead of the 68’ers.  The two routes then run together from mile 32.2 to the end.

Food.  Food and water can be purchased in stores along the route.

Directions to Start.  From Grand Ledge, drive west on M-43 to Hastings.  M-43 enters Hastings from the north (it’s called North Broadway).  Downtown, M-43 turns right and continues as West State Street.  Drive exactly two short blocks on W. State and then turn left onto South Washington Street.  If you see Applebees on your left or Wendy's on your right, you’ve gone too far!  Follow Washington straight into the High School parking lot.  Hasting High School is 35 miles from downtown Grand Ledge – a 43-minute drive according to Google Maps.

Cancelation.  The ride is canceled if the roads are wet.

For more information, please contact Jim Woodruff, (517) 897-2116, woodruff.jim@gmail.com, or Harry Levins, (517) 627-9763, harry@harrydale.com.