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Adult Bike Camping in July with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL
July 11 - July 15
$450EVENT DETAILS
A 4-night Celebration of Lake Michigan’s Southern Coast
Pace: Casual10-12 mph.
Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated.
Lodging:
Thursday – Dunewood Campground – Indiana Dunes, IN
Friday/Saturday – Weko Beach Campground – Bridgeman, MI
Sunday – Van Buren State Park – Van Buren, MI
Support: Sag van that will carry one school sized backpack per rider
Meals: All meals are included except breakfast and lunch on Day one and lunch on Day 3
Transportation: The starting point will be accessible by South Shore Train Line. Return via South Shore Line in South Bend, IN. A UHaul will transport bikes back to Chicago, as the South Bend stop cannot take bikes this year due to track construction.
TRIP DESCRIPTION
What’s Included: 4 nights/5 days of bike camping (It is possible to join the group a day late and leave a day early if needed)
This ride is an ecstatic celebration of Lake Michigan and all that it coast has to offer. This is going down in the heart of the summer and there will be plenty of chances to go swimming in the gem of a lake. Hence, the name, the SWMI, “swimmy”, ride. Roll with some of the best guides OOFD has to offer as the group finally breaks into it’s 4th state, Michigan! Learn about the ecology of the lake and the lake shore, while also exploring some of its hidden gems and excellent local spots.
The organizers understand pulling off a 5-day ride might be tough, so you can join the group Thursday night or Friday morning at the IN Dunes. The south shore train is super convenient for this. Also, if you need to dip out on Sunday, the Amtrak and South Shore can get ya back to the city no problem. But the price for the trip is all the same, so you should take advantage of this extended summertime adventure if you can.
Day 1: Ride that beaut of a route to the Indiana Dunes. This is the biggest day. About 75 miles and camp at the national park.
Day 2: Roll out around noon and slow roll our way about 45 miles up to Weko Beach Campground in Bridgman, MI.
Day 3: Chill day. Relax on the beach all day or ride into town for some beers or hop on the 25ish mile loop that an OOFD will be leading. Or even go adventure off on your own through the gorgeous country roads of Michigan beer and wine country. So much good beer, food, wine, and beach to explore. The campground is a 4-minute walk to a stellar beach, and the epic dunes of Warren are just a few minute walk down the beach.
Day 4: Ride about 40 miles up to Van Buren State Park, which is just south of Grand Haven, MI.
Day 5: Ride about 60 miles to South Bend, IN and hop the South Shore Train back to the city. A UHaul will transport bikes back to Chicago, as the South Bend stop cannot take bikes this year due to track construction.
For a more in depth breakdown of what each day looks like, check this out.
Transfers: Organizers have limitations for ticket transfers, but they may accommodate in the event certain criteria are met. You may review this updated Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take.
MILEAGE
Day 1: 75 miles
Day 2: 45 miles
Day 3: rest day, riding optional
Day 4: 40 miles
Day 5: 60 miles