If you’ve been following me for any time at all than you’ve probably noticed a few mentions about the Leelanu Trail. It is one of the trails that make up the local multi-use trail network developed and maintained by TART Trails. (For the record – I don’t work for TART, I’m just a fan, so I’m happy to big them up now and again.)

I do nearly all of my running and cycling on these trails so I was excited to hear, earlier in the year, that a large unimproved section of the Leelanau Trail was going to be paved. I was particularly eager for it to be done because while I like running on all sorts of surfaces, my bike has skinny tires and only really works on pavement. 

Yesterday was the first day since the paving was completed that I had a chance to get out and ride that was cool enough for me to not spontaneously burst into flames.

I have to say that the ride was lovely. Visitors and residents in my rather pretty part of the world have yet another route to explore to enjoy the scenery. Here are just a few of the sights from my ride.

A cherry stand. Sadly not open for business. (I assume having to do with the cherry crop being ruined by the crazy weather this year)

A cool drink of water and a sit down. I took advantage of the drink but was too eager to explore the rest of the new trail to sit down.

I almost rode past this without even seeing it. Next time I may have to take a closer look.

What’s this? A bridge??

Cool bridge over the road! Yes, I’m a complete dork, I got excited. I’ve never ridden my bike over traffic before.

The prize at the end of the trail!

The charming little village that you see in the photo above is Suttons Bay. I think I will be making this ride a regular thing. I got in about 25 miles on my bike, got to see some beautiful scenery plus Suttons Bay has a number of good restaurants to add some extra incentive. Since this is already sounding a bit like a tourist brochure… Check out traversecity.com for more information on all of the cool stuff to do around these parts. The Grand Traverse/Leelanau Counties Area has gotten a number of accolades recently.  (I borrowed the following image from there.)