Important update about the Lakeshore Harvest Ride.
After much discussion and thoughtful reflection, the Board of the Friends of the Blue Star Trail has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Lakeshore Harvest Ride. While riding bicycles in the countryside is certainly a recommended and safe activity, bringing hundreds of visitors and volunteers together at the start and finish, buffet lunch, and multiple stops at vendors along the route is not a good idea under current circumstances.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we live for now, but it has not broken our spirit or our commitment to you. Nor has it dampened our enthusiasm for the Blue Star Trail. Imagine how many of us would have enjoyed using the Trail during this period of restricted activity!
We love the Lakeshore Harvest Ride. In particular, we love our riders, volunteers, sponsors and the Lakeshore Harvest Country group farms and wineries who come together each year to help make the Ride one to remember and an important fundraiser for the Blue Star Trail. The Ride has long been the one day each year when hundreds of riders from across the region come together to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of Southwest Michigan. And it will be again--we are already looking forward to the 10th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride now scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021.
After much discussion and thoughtful reflection, the Board of the Friends of the Blue Star Trail has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Lakeshore Harvest Ride. While riding bicycles in the countryside is certainly a recommended and safe activity, bringing hundreds of visitors and volunteers together at the start and finish, buffet lunch, and multiple stops at vendors along the route is not a good idea under current circumstances.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we live for now, but it has not broken our spirit or our commitment to you. Nor has it dampened our enthusiasm for the Blue Star Trail. Imagine how many of us would have enjoyed using the Trail during this period of restricted activity!
We love the Lakeshore Harvest Ride. In particular, we love our riders, volunteers, sponsors and the Lakeshore Harvest Country group farms and wineries who come together each year to help make the Ride one to remember and an important fundraiser for the Blue Star Trail. The Ride has long been the one day each year when hundreds of riders from across the region come together to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of Southwest Michigan. And it will be again--we are already looking forward to the 10th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride now scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
“It’s a Harvest for your senses.”
Close your eyes and let your imagination take you on a journey.
You’re riding your bike along the backroads of Southwest Michigan.
It’s a spectacular September day, sun-washed and idyllic.
Just ahead is a charming family farm.
The scent of cider is in the air and the sound of laughter welcomes you.
Now, open your eyes and make that journey a reality.
The 10th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride is Saturday, September 18, 2021.
Get ready for riding, tasting, shopping and sharing.
It’s not just a Ride. It’s a Harvest for the senses.
Best of all, it supports construction of the Blue Star Trail.
You’re riding your bike along the backroads of Southwest Michigan.
It’s a spectacular September day, sun-washed and idyllic.
Just ahead is a charming family farm.
The scent of cider is in the air and the sound of laughter welcomes you.
Now, open your eyes and make that journey a reality.
The 10th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride is Saturday, September 18, 2021.
Get ready for riding, tasting, shopping and sharing.
It’s not just a Ride. It’s a Harvest for the senses.
Best of all, it supports construction of the Blue Star Trail.
ABOUT
Welcome to the one Michigan bike tour that lets you see, touch, smell and taste the riches of this breathtaking region. The Lakeshore Harvest Ride glides you through the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan. You can visit wineries, cider mills, family farms, orchards and art studios along the way. And there are individual bike routes for every rider, ranging from 15 to 67 miles in length.
CAUSE
All of the net proceeds from this Michigan bike tour go to support the Friends of the Blue Star Trail, an all-volunteer charitable organization. We are committed to constructing a 20-mile recreational paved off-road trail near the shore of Lake Michigan from Saugatuck to South Haven for everyone to enjoy.
CLIMATE
This is the best time for a Michigan bike tour. September graces Southwest Michigan with dryer, cooler weather. The summer crowds have ebbed, but our harbor towns of Saugatuck/Douglas and South Haven are still bustling with fun activities and cultural events.
IMPORTANT DATES
Early Bird Registration Discounts End August 22, 2021Last day to save $15 each off the Day of Ride Registration fee. And groups of 3 to 10 Riders save $20 per person.
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Regular Registration Discounts End
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Online Registration Ends
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HIGHLIGHTS
Shopping: Unlike other Michigan bike tours, you don’t just pass by scenic farms and vineyards, you can stop to shop. Better yet, we deliver your purchases to you at the end of your ride.
Destinations: Visit art studios, wineries, cider mills, family farms and orchards along the way. Learn more about these tour stops.
Routes: Choose to begin the ride in Douglas or in South Haven, Michigan. Each starting point has four routes for varying abilities ranging from 15 to 67 miles in length. Learn more about our bike routes.
Terrain: Most of the routes are on flat to rolling terrain. The 60 and 67-mile routes have some hilly sections. All routes are on paved roads and paths except for a small section of hard packed trail near the Kal-Haven Trailhead and some driveways to our tour stops.
Refreshments: The tour includes lunch, snacks, water and Gatorade.
Fees: To save up to $20, register by August 22, 2021.
T-shirts: The 9th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride t-shirt is new for 2021 and available in both long and short sleeve styles. T-shirts can be ordered at bikereg.com/lhride and must be purchased by September 4th, for event day pick-up. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for purchase on Ride day.
Jerseys: Designed exclusively for the Lakeshore Harvest Ride, our popular cycling Jersey is back again this year. Featuring sport cut styling, front full zip and 3 rear cargo pockets. Now available in both short and long sleeves. Jerseys must be purchased by August 6th, for event day pick up. Go to bikereg.com/lhride to order. A limited number of Jerseys will be available for purchase on Ride day.
Destinations: Visit art studios, wineries, cider mills, family farms and orchards along the way. Learn more about these tour stops.
Routes: Choose to begin the ride in Douglas or in South Haven, Michigan. Each starting point has four routes for varying abilities ranging from 15 to 67 miles in length. Learn more about our bike routes.
Terrain: Most of the routes are on flat to rolling terrain. The 60 and 67-mile routes have some hilly sections. All routes are on paved roads and paths except for a small section of hard packed trail near the Kal-Haven Trailhead and some driveways to our tour stops.
Refreshments: The tour includes lunch, snacks, water and Gatorade.
Fees: To save up to $20, register by August 22, 2021.
T-shirts: The 9th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride t-shirt is new for 2021 and available in both long and short sleeve styles. T-shirts can be ordered at bikereg.com/lhride and must be purchased by September 4th, for event day pick-up. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for purchase on Ride day.
Jerseys: Designed exclusively for the Lakeshore Harvest Ride, our popular cycling Jersey is back again this year. Featuring sport cut styling, front full zip and 3 rear cargo pockets. Now available in both short and long sleeves. Jerseys must be purchased by August 6th, for event day pick up. Go to bikereg.com/lhride to order. A limited number of Jerseys will be available for purchase on Ride day.
Here’s another reason to love the Ride: We now offer a GPS app that guides you along your route.
Track every turn, know your mileage and even see the grade of your route from your phone.
Track every turn, know your mileage and even see the grade of your route from your phone.
LODGING
Come for the Ride and stay for the weekend. For information about lodging, restaurants and other events during the weekend of the Ride, click on the links below. Some B&B’s and hotels are offering special discounts to our Riders.
STARTING POINTS
Kal-Haven Trailhead | 66 Bailey Ave. | South Haven, MI 49490
Schultz Park | Schultz Park Dr | Douglas, MI 49406.
The Friends of the Blue Star Trail coordinate the Lakeshore Harvest Ride in cooperation with the Saugatuck-Douglas Visitors Bureau, the South Haven Visitor Bureau, the Lakeshore Harvest Country and Blue Coast Artists groups.
