Annual cycling tour of UP starts today in Manistique

MANISTIQUE -- The annual Tour Da Yoop, eh cycling event was set to kick off today from Manistique on its 10-day, 1,200-mile journey around the Upper Peninsula.

Tour Da Yoop raises funds and awareness for bike safety and families battling childhood cancer through its partnership with U.P. Lions Serve Childhood Cancer.

Since 2020, the event has helped generate more than $400,000 to support Upper Peninsula families, providing financial assistance, emotional support and resources when they are needed most, organizers stated in a news release.

"Tour Da Yoop, eh isn't about who rides, it's about why we ride," event founder James Studinger said in the release. "When riders get here, they realize this is bigger than cycling. It's about showing up for people who need it most."

The fully supported ride spans 10 consecutive days from today through Sunday, Aug. 2. Cyclists will travel from Manistique through communities that include Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Houghton, Copper Harbor, Marquette, Grand Marais, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace and back to Manistique.

The tour is scheduled to spend Saturday night in Iron Mountain, after riding stage 2 from Escanaba. Sunday night will be in Ironwood, Monday and Tuesday nights in Houghton, which includes the Copper Harbor Loop. Marquette will be the host community Wednesday night.

The full listing of each tour stop can be viewed at https://www.tourdayoopeh.com/rider-central/locations. Riders can participate in one, three, five or all 10 days, making the event accessible to a wide range of abilities, organizers said.

The entire Tour Da Yoop is considered to be the longest loop event route in the country -- roughly the same distance as Detroit to Disney World in Florida, the event's web site notes. Those who complete all 10 stages earn a "plaid jersey" and are inducted into the event's Hall of Plaid, which now lists more than 90 who achieved this distinction since Studinger established the tour in 2018.

Participants are supported by a dedicated Support and Gear team, hydration stations every 30 to 35 miles and a network of volunteers and local communities.

Again this year, several area Lions Clubs plan to have hydration stations along the route -- Vulcan Norway Loretto Lions at the Long Branch Saloon in Faithorn and Stephenson Lions at Kleinke Park on Day 2 and Crystal Falls Lions at the Klint Safford RV Park in Iron River on Day 3.

What sets TDY apart is the connection built along the way. Organizers termed it, "Strangers at the start. Teammates by the finish."

A news release states: "From early morning rollouts to end-of-day celebrations, riders share more than the road, they share purpose, vulnerability, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves."

For more information or to register to ride, go online to www.tourdayoopeh.com.