FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are e-Bikes allowed on the Lakeshore Harvest Ride?
A. Yes, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed. A Class 1 e-bike is a pedal-assist electric bicycle that provides motor assistance only while pedaling up to a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Q: How popular is the Lakeshore Harvest Ride?  How big is it?
A. Now in its 15th year, the Lakeshore Harvest Ride attracts more than 500 riders. With the variety of stops and routes, many riders come back each year to try something new.  It's always the 3rd Saturday in September.

Q: How busy are the roads for Lakeshore Harvest Ride routes? How much is paved?
A. The routes are on paved roads, shared with cars. The only exception is a 3-mile section of crushed limestone, part of the Kal-Haven trail, which starts in South Haven. There are also some dirt driveways to some of the Ride Stops. We have mapped routes that are mostly on quiet roads, as riders consistently ask for less busy roads. The routes cross over I-196 in several places, using isolated overpasses (no car exits).
For the routes that include South Haven, there are a few places where riders should ride single-file:

• 109th Ave between Overhiser Orchards and Brush Farms
• 66th St between 109th Ave and 107th Ave
• Blue Star Highway between 107th Ave & Lakeridge Rd (4' wide shoulder)

For the routes that include Douglas, there are a few busy road crossings where riders should be extra careful:

• Crossing M-89 on the way to Peachbelt Studio
• Crossing 58th St while following 126th Ave on the way to Douglas

Q: Which route is best for me? Should I start in Douglas or South Haven?
A. That's up to you. Douglas and South Haven are both great destinations to begin your ride. Each starting point offers three different route lengths to choose from, with every route having a variety of stops to experience wineries, family farms, orchards and art studios. Remember to take the number of stops into account when planning your day which can add to your total time on the ride.

Q: What if I don't want to follow the routes exactly?
A. That's up to you. Some riders adjust their routes for distance or to visit a particular stop. Just remember that our SAG drivers will be focused on Lakeshore Harvest Ride’s official routes and may not be able to support you.

Q: Can I change my starting location or distance?  What is the starting time?
A. Yes, you can go into your registration page on BikeReg to change your starting location or distance.  Starting times are flexible between 8 to 10 am on Saturday.  We just ask that riders finish no later than 3:30 pm.

Q:  Where do I pick up my T-shirt and/or Jersey?
A. We will have your T-shirt and/or Jersey available at the check-in point associated with your starting location. Check-in is Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and Saturday morning from 8:00 to 10:00 AM.

Q: What happens if the weather isn't very good?  Do you make adjustments?
A. Lakeshore Harvest Ride proceeds rain-or-shine. The start and end times don't typically move either, since we have so many volunteers and tour stops with committed schedules. Last year some riders got a bit soaked in the morning and others adjusted to a later start but everyone had a great time despite the rain.

Q: Are Helmets Required?
A. Yes, our insurance requires that all riders must wear helmets. If you've forgotten your helmet, contact the ride's local bike shops for help.