Summerfest Countdown: New Bike Tour Will Appeal to Hardcore Cyclists, Recreational Riders

Local cyclists are invited to take a two-wheel tour of the town during Saline Summerfest, on Saturday, Aug. 10.

The inaugural Saline Summerfest Bike Tour is the brainchild of Saline High School graduate Sue Schafer, who currently resides in Fort Wayne, Ind.  Tours begin at Saline Middle School from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Schafer and friends have devised routes of 12, 25, 37, 50 and 62 miles in and around the Saline area. The fee is $5 per person and $10 per family (cash only).

Like many who grew up in Saline, Schafer catches up with old friends at Summerfest each year.

“During a few visits back home from Indiana, I attended the Saline Summerfest several times, each time enjoying what the community had to offer in a summer festival,” said Schafer, an avid cycler. “I began thinking about how I could put together all the things I love; family, friends, and summer fun which, of course, for me includes cycling.”

All of the tours begin and end at Saline Middle School, where Two Wheel Tango will provide some mechanical support. Light snacks and drinks will also be available at the school for the riders during and after their ride. Bathrooms and support will be available at the school until 3:30 p.m.

Schafer said the city and its surroundings provide nice scenery for a bike ride.

“Saline is a beautiful little town with many country roads to explore by bike. The downtown area offers great little shops and eateries perfect for a post ride treat,” Schafer said.

In fact, Schafer and Summerfest organizers hope some of the cyclists stay in town for festival fun.

“I was hoping the festival would help pull in some of my old classmates that I had not seen for years and that they too would enjoy putting a few miles on their bikes. In turn, offering a unique event such as a community bike tour may draw in new people to the festival. There are a lot of cyclists in Saline and surrounding areas that are sure to be out riding their bikes on a Saturday in the summer. So why not let them enjoy a marked route and a festival to finish their ride with?” Schafer said.

Schafer’s friend Tom Leib, who now lives in Canton, is a member of the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Leib and Salinians, like Jeff Eisemann, often ride in the Saline area. Eisemann assisted the tour with route mapping.

The routes were designed with a couple factors in mind. For one, organizers kept routes local to help attract visitors to Summerfest. Organizers also wanted routes that catered to various types of cyclists – from the hardcore peddlers to the people out stretching their legs.

To help encourage cyclists to enjoy the afternoon at Summerfest, Bike Tour organizers are opening a secure bike parking lot beside Stone Arch and Events.

“Like all small communities, parking is at a premium, a bike takes up much less space. But the bigger idea is that riding is a fun healthy family activity. So even if you don’t ride the in the tour, ride your bikes to the festival, park it and have a fun day,” Schafer said.

Here are some quick facts about the Saline Summerfest Bike Tour.

·         All riders will receive a map with the various routes. All routes will be well marked. Please be prepared with your bike in good working condition. 

·         Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Helmets are required: headphone and cell phone use is prohibited while riding. You are encouraged to keep identification with you while riding.

·         Register and pick up your tour map Friday Aug. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Saline Summerfest (South Ann Arbor and Henry Streets).

·         Ride Day Registration is from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10.

·         All routes begin and end at Saline Middle School (7190 N. Maple Rd.). Cyclists choose from routes of 12, 25, 37, 50 and 62 miles in and around the Saline area.

·         The event is supported by Sam’s Club, Brewed Awakenings, Epic Races, Two Wheel Tango, Hammer Nutrition and Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors.

·         Download the application form below.

·         Mechanical support will be provided at the school by Two Wheel Tango at Saline Middle School.

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