I’m a cyclist (I would say biker, but that probably brings images of tough guys with lots of facial hair wearing leather). I tend to ride more in the height of summer because there isn’t two feet of snow on the ground. I ride most when the Tour de France is going on because it gets me motivated. I can pretend I’m not a middle-aged programmer and am instead in my prime in the countryside of France. Living less than a mile from the Leelanau Trail makes it easy for a smooth ride. I love the rail trails because they are typically well-maintained and there is not too much traffic when I’m out riding. Whenever I am traveling and have the time, I look for other rail trails for just those reasons.
I have ridden the White Pine Trail several times, but usually in the Grand Rapids area – Comstock Park, Rockford, Cedar Spring. Not only do these places have good routes, they also have breweries. But my visit to the Cadillac area was a first. The parking area on East 44th Street is less than a mile M-115, very convenient unless you need to make a left back onto the highway during the summer busy periods.
I arrived on a rainy day at the tail end a storm. With a rain jacket, it was not a terrible ride, but with a road bike like mine (no fenders), the water can come off the rear wheel and right up my back. Usually it’s not a big deal, though that time riding on Mackinac Island got a little messy. And no, that wasn’t mud on my shirt.
Pro tip: If you start with a cycling jacket and the blue skies returns and the air heats up, hang the jacket inside-out from a pocket of your jersey. The jacket will catch most of the water coming off the rear tire and keeping that jersey looking awesome.
On this trip there was no horse poo – horses are not allowed on the White Pine Trail. Instead, I had the pavement to myself heading southeast. Like all rail trails, the White Pine Trail has a very slight grade – those old trains just couldn’t chug up steep hills which really works out for us cyclists. Even heading uphill, it’s rarely a difficult climb. And admit it – you want to work on your King of the Mountain skills anyways.
The trail goes through a tunnel under M-115 as it heads southwest. Northern Michigan cycling is great, with lots of tree cover and often great views. Once in a while, you get a view of a pond. If you look closely, you can even catch a peak of some wildlife, in this case, a crane looking for an afternoon snack. It’s a much better experience than the smoke-belching 4×4 roaring past you at 65 MPH.
There are several trails throughout the state and there is a useful map on the Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance site. You’re probably closer to one than you know.
