Local area trail links to destination corridor stretching across Michigan. Great Lake-to-Lake bike event to debut this September

“A new cross-state bike event this fall will not only let cyclists dip their tires in two of the Great Lakes, but will mark the debut of a multi-use trail network that outdoor enthusiasts believe will become a destination corridor in Michigan.”
–M-Live, Tanda Gmiter, Aug. 1, 2019. Photo Credit: Patrice Johnson

by Patrice Johnson

“A new cross-state bike event this fall will not only let cyclists dip their tires in two of the Great Lakes, but will mark the debut of a multi-use trail network that outdoor enthusiasts believe will become a destination corridor in Michigan.”

–M-Live, Tanda Gmiter, Aug. 1, 2019

Get ready. You’ve probably heard that the near-complete Mike Levine Lakelands Trail stretches through Munith, Stockbridge and Unadilla Township. But are you aware that it serves as a vital link in a destination corridor connecting Lake Michigan to Lake Huron? Mid-September, 150 bicyclists are set to pass through this area as part of an event designed to christen the cross-state trail.

The inaugural Great Lake-to-Lake bike ride will take riders across the state from Sept. 13 to Sept. 19. The route, beginning in the beach town of South Haven, will stretch east to Port Huron. Participating riders have paid $750 per person to register and are expected to pedal through the Munith-Stockbridge-Unadilla areas on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

According to M-Live, “The 275-mile ride is being billed as a sightseeing adventure. It’s limited to 150 riders, and registration ended on Aug. 15. Highlighting Michigan’s multi-use trails system and back roads, the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1 Inaugural Ride cyclists will pedal through award-winning scenery in popular tourist destinations as well as towns off the beaten path.”

The route connects 16 individual trails and goes through Kalamazoo, Jackson, Munith, Stockbridge, Gregory, Pinckney, Brighton, and Rochester Hills. The ride ends in historical Port Huron with views of the lake.

Great lake-to-lake linkage represents the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and cooperation among local and state agencies, trail enthusiasts and donors.

“The trail really is a celebration of all the work that has been done by the various communities along the route and helps to fulfill the vision of trail benefactor Mike Levine and the board of our organization,” said Bob Wilson, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

Volunteers and governing bodies in Unadilla, Stockbridge and Munith have devoted untold hours to securing grant funding, designing, arranging, and implementing myriad steps necessary to bring the local segment of the cross-state trail to fruition.

In addition, within the Village of Stockbridgemore than a mile of smooth asphalt surfaces are available. Whether pushing a baby stroller or wheelchair, all who require paved, handicap accessible trails may now enjoy local nature walks from South Clinton past Oaklawn Cemetery to M-106. Plus, the horse trail is intact. Photo Credit: Patrice Johnson

In addition, within the Village of Stockbridgemore than a mile of smooth asphalt surfaces are available. Whether pushing a baby stroller or wheelchair, all who require paved, handicap accessible trails may now enjoy local nature walks from South Clinton past Oaklawn Cemetery to M-106. Plus, the horse trail is intact.

Volunteer efforts are underway to connect the Beckwith conservancy trails with the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail.

Even more good news: The vast majority of expenses for the trails were covered through funding from Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Mike Levine, the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition, with plenty of office support from the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.

“It’s exciting,” Molly Howlett, Stockbridge village president, said as she and Corgi Lacy checked for foliage encroaching along the shoulders of the trail east of the Brogan Road crossing. “Truly exciting.” Next, Howlett and canine trooped off to schedule mowing and to clean and stock the new restroom.