Tour de TART 2026 — Traverse City, MI

Get ready to roll! TART Trails is thrilled to host the annual Tour de TART on Friday, July 17, 2026. This family-friendly ride promises an evening of fun, food, and fantastic views along the Leelanau Trail. Ride the Leelanau Trail – Start at the Open Space Park and bike 16 scenic miles to North Park in Suttons Bay. Fuel Up – Enjoy two tasty snack stops along the way. Dine Bayside – Celebrate at the finish line with a delicious meal, a cash bar featuring local wine and microbrews, and great company. Easy Return – Kick back on a relaxing bus ride back to Traverse City, while your bike is safely transported back to the Open Space Park in a secure truck. Start Time and Location: Riders can hit the trail anytime between 4 PM and 6:30 PM from the Open Space Park in downtown Traverse City Return Shuttle: Buses start rolling at 6 PM, with the last bus leaving at 9 PM sharp. Volunteers will keep an eye on your bike until you’re reunited back at the start. Each rider gets a numbered wristband to match their bike—no mix-ups, just smooth sailing. When Friday, July 17, 2026 Rolling start between 4:00 - 6:30 pm (riders can start anytime within that window of time!) until 9:00 pm Where Start | Open Space Park, 108 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI Finish | North Park, 601 Front Street, Suttons Bay, MI Route Ride roughly 16 miles along the paved Leelanau Trail that takes users through rolling hills, forests, orchards and meadows, and past streams, lakes, and ponds. There are two aided food and water stops along the route at Fouch Road and Bingham Road respectively. Parking & Bathrooms There is limited parking at the Open Space. Spots that are available are paid. There are additional paid parking locations nearby within the city of Traverse City, please check out the parking map. Free parking is available on most residential streets following posted regulations. There is free parking for Tour de TART participants in the back lot of the Bayview Professional Center (10850 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684) and at Leelanau Studios (10781 E Cherry Bend Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684). Bathrooms can be found at the Cherry Bend Road trailhead, DeYoung Natural Area trailhead, Bingham Road rest stop, Suttons Bay pond/lagoon area, Suttons Bay Fourth Street trailhead, Suttons Bay beach by the marina, and at North Park in Suttons Bay. Return Transportation Riders will be transported back to Traverse City by school bus. Buses leave when full, with the first bus leaving around 6 pm and the last bus leaving at 9 pm sharp. Bikes will accompany the buses on trucks. Pre-Event Shuttle Riders who wish to start and finish in Suttons Bay will have the opportunity to park at North Park and take the pre-ride shuttle from Suttons Bay to Traverse City. The pre-ride shuttle leaves North Park in Suttons Bay at 4 pm sharp, so please arrive early for bike loading. PLEASE NOTE This is not the post-event shuttle back to Traverse City. The post-event shuttle is available for all participants who start in Traverse City and finish in Suttons Bay. WEATHER CANCELLATION In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, threatening rain), we may postpone or cancel Tour de TART. Please check emails the morning of the event for updates. In the event of cancellation or postponement, your registration fee is non-refundable but will be considered a tax-deductible donation to TART Trails.