Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc

Virtual Rides and August Family Ride

PRESIDENT, Chuck Fanslow 1st VICE PRESIDENT, Al Davis SECRETARY, Kathleen Moss TREASURER, Mindy Ellis WEBSITE, www.mtra.org EMAIL, mtra.office@gmail.com PHONE, 989/723-1425

by Kristen Humble

What a thrill! What a rush! The completion of our June Virtual Ride challenge was an exciting one as 81 participants logged an impressive 10,546 miles as they tried to ride the length of our actual shore to shore trail in just the 30 days of June. Most of our participants found this to be a difficult challenge due to crazy weather this summer, but we had 29 riders that made it the entire length as well as two riders who made a ‘double cross’ completing 470 miles each in the month of June. Those riders were Terry Swerengin and Bob Balzer who rode and drove their way to a double cross finish.

The virtual rides are a new division of the MTRA as of last fall and with their success, we plan to continue offering these rides along with the in-person rides that are starting back up this month with the Family Ride at Scheck’s on Aug. 7-11, then we move to Goose Creek Aug. 11-14. We are really looking forward to riding, swimming, kayaking, camping, having bonfires, eating good food, hanging with good friends, and enjoying some good riding at this event.

We are also looking forward to having our second virtual ride of the year which is a 90day challenge for riders to join and log their miles starting now (Aug. 1) through Oct. 31 with the goal of getting 235 miles or 470 miles. This event had almost 300 participants last year and all profits go toward the MTRA who helps to keep many of the horse trails and camps nice in Michigan. When you sign up, you receive a T-shirt and a bumper sticker for participating and if you are a member of MTRA and meet the mileage requirement, you also receive a trophy. It’s a super motivating challenge that gets you out riding all fall chasing those miles and connecting on our Facebook page where we share trail stories, tips, good spots to ride, encouragement, dedications, and so much more.

Join us on our rides, there’s so much to be excited about in the MTRA. Check out our website at www.mtra.org and our Facebook pages to keep up to date with all the happenings. Ride on!

Bob Balzer and David Richmond (left) and Terry Swearengin (right) driving through Empire, Mich. They drove over 470 miles each in the month of June. Most times they drove to downtown Empire to have breakfast.