INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO...INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO Background: This route provides a rural...

League of Michigan Bicyclists Cross State Route

INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO

Background: This route provides a rural touring experience, avoiding most tourist or commuter traffic, while offering the option of motel lodging in small towns. After eight crossings since 1993, it has evolved to two roughly parallel routes between Luna Pier on Lake Erie to New Buffalo on Lake Michigan, through Michigan’s southernmost seven counties. A one-way trip will total about 200 to 225 miles. The route uses paved roads in pleasant farm country with rolling hills, patient drivers, woods and lakes. Motels are in reach after 25 to 60 mile rides, and camping is available in most areas. The towns are small and picturesque, with farming and railroading histories. Amish people and their buggies are evident in several areas. The route offers a taste of the rigors of trans-continental touring; hills, traffic near towns, detours, flat tires and scarce services, but also the rewards; nice scenery, friendly folks, and the potential for adventure! Most roads on the route have low traffic, and even the adjoining gravel ones are smooth and rideable with reasonable care, so feel free to improvise connections from one route alternate to another, side routes to attractions, etc. (And be equipped to ride on gravel in ANY event, because the chances of a construction detour forcing you briefly onto gravel at some point are pretty high!) In general, the southern alternate tends to offer the least traffic, and the northern alternate the hilliest terrain, but both are suitable cycling territory for a “qualified” cyclist (see next section). As you use these routes, please let the League know of any issues or suggestions, so the route can evolve and improve over time. In general, if you can handle this route and ride across Michigan in a week, you are ready for a trans-America trip – just add mountains, deserts, two or three months of time, and a dozen laundry stops. Rider Qualifications: This route doesn’t require an athlete, but it does call for reasonable physical condition, map-reading ability, knowledge of (and adherence to) the rules of the road, safe riding skills, resourcefulness in the event of surprises, and the tenacity to get up and keep going the day after heat or cold or headwinds or rain. In addition, flat-fixing skill is mandatory, as is a basic understanding of how your bike works, and how to adjust or “jury-rig” its mechanical systems (brakes, derailleurs, etc.), in the event of trouble. Equipment: There are several good books on bicycle touring which cover the gamut – technique, training, equipment, etc. But in over 18,000 miles of self-supported long-distance touring, we’ve learned a few basics which can make the difference between success and failure:

THE BIKE - Ideally, use a purpose-built touring bike whose basic structure is designed to carry a touring load, accommodate fenders, racks, and water bottles, provide adequate heel clearance to the rear panniers, and offer relaxed handling, proper gearing and powerful brakes. Mountain bikes or hybrids can work for limited loads or distances, but don’t try to use your carbon-fiber road bike for touring if you want to get there with the wheels and spokes you left home with!

Equipment (continued): GOOD WHEELS are mandatory – in our years of touring, the primary cause of the

breakdowns we’ve seen, after flat tires, is broken spokes. To survive the occasional gravel, expansion strips and potholes, while carrying a touring load, heavy-duty wheels with lots of spokes are needed (we use 40-spoke rears and 36-spoke fronts).

TIRES - We recommend reasonably wide tires – a minimum of 700x32 or 27x1-1/4, with a spare tire (foldable is nice), a couple of spare tubes and a patching kit. (Also, we prefer Schrader valves over Presta for touring, for availability and reliability reasons.)

GEARING – you need a triple crankset and a cassette/freewheel offering a nice low “granny gear” for comfortable hill-climbing. A proper low gear is about 20 “gear-inches” – achieved by the combination of a large rear cog with at least 32 teeth and a small chainring with no more than 24 teeth. Beware - don’t assume a new touring bike is geared properly for real-world touring!

Rear-view MIRRORS – you wouldn’t drive a car without one, and in our opinion they’re even more important on a bike! We like the ones that mount on the brake hood, but many riders prefer bar-end, helmet or eyeglass-mounted mirrors.

HELMETS – a necessity, of course, as we’ve proven to ourselves from personal experience!

SHOES/PEDALS – It’s a matter of preference, but we use regular running shoes with platform pedals sans clips or straps. Touring isn’t a race or an efficiency contest, and we like to be comfortable, and to be able to stomp around in muddy woods or cornfields when “necessary.” (Also, by FAR the most common injury we’ve seen among touring cyclists is skinned knees and shins from getting stuck in clipless pedals at surprise stops!)

RACKS/PANNIERS – it may seem counter-intuitive, but you need to carry much of your load in front panniers. A rear-only load is inherently unstable (as those of us who have carried our kids on rear child seats can attest), while a substantial front load makes the steering more stable and less “twitchy.”

Route Services: The motel and B&B listings are not all-inclusive – the ones used by the writers and a few others most accessible to the route are listed. The writers have only stayed in the lodging indicated, and can’t vouch for the others, so input is welcome. In the case of campgrounds, knowing that many cyclists like to camp, an attempt was made to list a few of campgrounds in each county, even if several miles off-route. (NOT being avid campers, however, the writers have only tried one of them - Gateway Park in Hillsdale County – so input is welcome!) Janet & Ralph Emmons – 2009 Revised June 2011


BERRIEN COUNTY History and Geography: Located in the southwestern corner of Michigan, Berrien County is bordered on the west by 42 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and on the south by the state of Indiana. It was named for John M. Berrien of Georgia, Attorney General under President Andrew Jackson (1829-1831). Famous men of industry and commerce who came from this area include John and Horace Dodge and Montgomery Ward. The Dodge brothers were born in Niles, and had a bicycle manufacturing shop there before moving to Detroit and becoming a supplier of parts to Henry Ford and later, producer of Dodge automobiles. Ward lived in Berrien County until 1865, when he moved to Chicago and founded the mail order department store chain which bore his name. A little-known event took place in the county in 1899, when Augustus Herring flew the first known man-supporting, heavier-than-air, motorized, “flying machine” along the shores of Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan. He did this twice, first without reporters and next with them as witnesses. However, his accomplishment was overlooked due to the distraction of having President McKinley in Three Oaks to present the gift of a cannon captured by Admiral George Dewey at the battle of Manila to the town. This gift was to thank Three Oaks for having raised the most money per capita of any U.S. community for a monument to the men of the battleship Maine, which had been sunk in Havana Harbor in 1898. The gift still stands in Dewey Cannon Park in Three Oaks. Nice for Three Oaks, but sad for Augustus Herring, whose flight took place four years before that of the Wright brothers. (It should be noted, however, that Herring’s flight isn’t recognized by the aviation community because his machine only had three horsepower! The only way it was able to lift off was by running into a 25 mph headwind, and its duration was too short to demonstrate controllability.) Today, Berrien County has a diversified economy, including (dwindling) manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and service industries. It is the heart of Michigan’s fruit belt, leading all counties in the production of peaches, pears and grapes. It is second in apples, plums and prunes and fourth in tart cherries. It is also home to Michigan’s wine production. Major Towns: Berrien Springs had been home to an Indian chief named Wolf and was originally called Wolf’s Prairie. White settlers began arriving in 1829, platted it in 1831 and named it after President Jackson’s attorney general and the many natural springs they found in the area. Berrien Springs is home to Andrews University, which has interesting natural history and archaeological museums on its campus. At one time, boxer Mohammad Ali resided in the Berrien Springs area. New Buffalo is located on the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Galien River which forms a natural harbor and draws pleasure boaters from miles around. This natural and beautiful harbor was first noticed in 1834 by a Captain Wessel D. Whittaker when his vessel ran aground in the area. After rescuing his crew, Captain Whittaker returned to his home in New Buffalo, N.Y., but he remained so impressed with the area, that he returned with several investors and began to draw up plans for a community. New Buffalo also serves as a resort destination for many Chicagoans, and excellent “Chicago-style” hot dogs are available in town.

Niles is located at the site of the French Fort St. Joseph, on the shore of the St. Joseph River. After 1761 is was held by the British and captured by Native Americans during Pontiac’s Rebellion in 1763. During the Revolutionary War, it was held for a short time by Spain. The presence of these three European Nations and the U.S. is the reason Niles is nicknamed “City of Four Flags.” The Amtrak station uses the old Michigan Central station, which was built in l892 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Scenes from several movies have been shot at this location. Today, Niles is especially appealing to antique collectors, as it has several large antique markets and another antique mall just south of the state line on US 33. Riding Conditions: Riding in Berrien County is, for the most part, quite pleasant. The road surfaces are good and the terrain ranges from rolling, to fairly steep hills, to nearly flat along M 62. In addition to small farms, and inland lakes, you will also pedal through fruit country, with vineyards which are quite picturesque and smell wonderful in the fall. Most roads have light traffic, but caution needs to be exercised on some, such as Dean’s Hill Road, which is curvy, hilly and has no shoulder. Most of the busier roads have shoulders. The Three Oaks Spokes bicycle club has numerous “loop” routes throughout the county, several of which share segments with our route. A pleasant side trip is the spur up to Three Oaks, home of the Three Oaks Spokes, the Dewey Cannon, and several eateries. Primary Sources: InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

BuchananNiles

Eau Claire

Berrien Springs

Union PierNew Bu�alo

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Cross Michigan RouteBerrien County Section Map

Lake Michigan

League of Michigan Bicyclists

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Route A 36.0 miRoute B 36.7 miConnectorGravel

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GRAVELJe�rey Rd (1/2 mi)

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Route ARoute BConnector

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Four Winds Casino

LAKE MICHIGAN

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Berrien SpringsDetailed Map

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League of Michigan Bicyclists Cross-MIchigan Route

Janet and Ralph Emmons 9/30/2013

Berrien County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

Motels* Inn of Niles & Conf. Center 930 South 11th St Niles 49120 269-684-3000** Golden Eagle Motel 1243 South 11th St " " 269-684-1000** Comfort Inn 1265 South 11th St " " 269-684-3900* Buffalo Motel 18373 US Hwy 12 New Buffalo 49117 269-469-0846* New Buffalo Inn & Spa 231 East Buffalo St " " 269-469-1000Best Western 18800 La Porte Rd " " 269-469-4193Super Inn 18716 La Porte Rd " " 269-469-3345* Village Inn Motel 9008 US Hwy 31 Berrien Springs 49103 269-471-1354

B & B'sN/A

CampingOronoko Lakes 1788 East Snow Rd Berrien Springs 49103 269-471-7389Shamrock Park 9385 US Hwy 31 " " 269-473-5691

Bike ShopsCycle & Fitness 211 East Main St Niles 49120 269-684-2000Harbor Country Bike 211 South Whittaker New Buffalo 49117 269-586-2277

Other Services, Notes* Motels previously used and found acceptable during route development** access via Fort St from 3rd to avoid riding on 11th



CASS COUNTY

History and Geography: Cass County was first organized in 1829 and named for territorial governor Lewis Cass. The earliest inhabitants were the Miami Indians, but by the 17th century, the Pottawatomi were the predominant tribe. Most of these Indians were “relocated” West, except for one band, the Pokagon, who chose to become Christians and to adopt European-American customs. Before the Civil War, this area was a part of the Underground Railroad. Many runaway slaves found safe haven in the home of Quaker William Jones, just outside of Cassopolis. Lumbering was an important industry early in Cass County’s history, but this resource was quickly depleted. By the 19th Century, agriculture was the predominant industry and it still plays an important role, with significant soy bean, corn, and hog production. Later, tourism and recreation started to become important, and many hotels and resorts started to crop up on its many lakes. Major Towns: Dowagiac was founded in 1848 and incorporated as a village in l863. It was named for the river that runs through it, originally spelled “Dowagiake,” a Potawatomi word for “fishing water,” or from “Ndowagayuk,” meaning “foraging ground.” In either case, the name was changed to its current spelling when the railroad came through in 1848. Dowagiac remains a “railroad town” to some extent, boasting an Amtrak station in the downtown area. The old downtown is located on a street running at right angles to the main highway and is easily accessible from the route. It offers well-preserved architecture and everything a cyclist needs – motel, restaurants, grocery, ice cream, etc. Riding Conditions: In Cass Co. you will encounter probably the longest stretch of sizable hills in the entire route network; along Dutch Settlement Rd on the northern alternate. There are also some pretty good-sized hills along Teasdale Lake Rd. on the southern route. (Remember - these are good for you.) Keep in mind that there is only one town along the route through this county – Dowagiac on the northern alternate - so be sure to bring your peanut butter! In spite of this, the ride is quite pleasant as you cruise past lakes, farms (including a nice pig farm called “Pork Chop Hill”), swamp land and across rivers. Traffic is generally light, and road surfaces are good. Primary Sources: InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

Teesdale Lake St.

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LaGrange

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Cassopolis

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Cross Michigan Route Cass County Section Map

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Route A 24.2 mi (Hilly)

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Developed by Janet & Ralph Emmons 2008

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AMTRAK TRAIN STATION

Spruce Ridge Golf Course

Dowagiac Elks Golf Course

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Cass County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

Motels* Baymont Motel 29291 Amerihost Dr Dowagiac 49047 269-782-4270

B & B's(none near route)

Camping** Cranberry Lake Campground 10301 Bent Rd Marcellus 49093 269-646-3336

Bike Shops(none near route)

Other Services, Notes* Motel previously used and found acceptable during route development accessible from Pokagon St along route** off route north on gravel - also has cabin and bunkhouses


ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

History and Geography: In prehistoric times, St. Joseph County was home to the Mound Builders. Much later, French explorer de La Salle found Potawatomi and Miami tribes living at the mouth of the Miami River in the area of present day Benton Harbor and St.Joseph. He built a stockade there in 1680 and renamed the river St Joseph, in honor of the patron saint of New France. Later still, pioneers were attracted to the region by its fertile prairie, which promised good farming. The earliest settlements were Sturgis, Mottville, and White Pigeon, founded in the late 1820’s. Logging was an early industry in St. Joseph County, done mainly to clear the land for farming. Crops were shipped via the St. Joseph River, which weaves its way some 210 miles through northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. It was an extremely important canoe route for both Indians and early settlers. Agriculture remains an important industry in this area, including the raising of grain, soybeans, wheat, oats, alfalfa, vegetables and hogs. An abundance of rivers and lakes attract fishermen and tourists to the region. The Langley Covered Bridge (off-route three miles north of Centerville) was built in 1887 and is the longest covered bridge in Michigan and one of the few remaining of its kind. Major Towns: Colon was founded in 1830 by the Schellhouse family, one of the first to settle in the area. Lorensie Shellhouse reportedly named the town when he picked up a dictionary and randomly saw the word “colon”. (Others claim the name derives from the twisty layout of the river in the area.) Colon is also known as “magic city,” due to having the famous magician, Harry Blackstone, as a resident. In 1926 Blackstone bought approximately 208 acres of land and this became his headquarters, workshop and the most permanent residence he ever had. It is extremely permanent now, as Harry is buried there, along with several other magicians who are buried in this cemetery. Besides having preserved a number of its turn-of-the-century buildings, Colon is also home to the “magic factory” which still draws magicians from around the country. White Pigeon lies along U.S. 12 and is the oldest incorporated village in Michigan (1837) and was named for an Indian chief who once resided there. The town offers the Little River Railroad museum, as well as one of the few remaining Old Northwest Territory land offices in the country. Land sold here for $1.25 per acre in the 1830’s! Constantine was originally known as Meeks Mill for William Meek, who purchased land there and built the first cabin in the area, along the banks of the St. Joseph River, in the winter of 1828/29. During the next winter he built a saw mill, hence the name “Meek’s Mill.” By 1910, Constantine was a town of about 1,000 and had a public library, several banks, industrial facilities, an opera house, newspaper, schools, churches and a nice hotel—the Harvey House. Many of its turn-of-the-century buildings remain in use, including the Harvey House, which no longer offers lodging, but still serves excellent meals. A large mural depicts the entrance of the hotel and background as it would have appeared in the late 1800’s, when steamboats and the railroad brought travelers.

Sturgis was named for Judge John Sturgis who came to the St. Joseph valley in 1827 and built a log cabin which still can be seen at Pioneer Park. Sturgis was the first town to welcome the Michigan Southern steam locomotive in l851, and was also fortunate due to the presence of the St. Joseph River, which provided water power for industry. Today Sturgis is the largest town in the county, with diverse business, and it is located in the middle of a popular tourist area, the “River Country” of St. Joseph County. Tom Bodett, born in Sturgis, would leave the light on for you if there were a Motel 6 there. Three Rivers is named for being at the junction of (guess how many) rivers - yes, three - the Portage, the Rocky and the St. Joseph. The community started in the early 1830s and was named by landowner, John H. Bowman. In 1895 it was incorporated as a city, and has experienced significant growth since that time. At one time it was a major location for the fur industry. Three Rivers has managed to keep its historical look by retaining many of its old buildings. Much of the downtown is on the National Historical Register, including the Silliman House, which is now a museum that is maintained by a local chapter of the DAR. Today Three Rivers is also home to St. Gregory’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery established in 1946. Riding Conditions: This county has the greatest number of “major” towns along the route, and you may notice heavier traffic as you approach any of them, but it is still a generally quiet ride. The terrain is a mixed bag of flat land and hills, lakes and woodlots. Road conditions are good, but be aware that traffic increases as you approach the towns. Primary Sources: InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

LANGLEY COVEREDBRIDGE

Schw

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League of Michigan Bicyclists Cross Michigan RouteSt Joseph County Section Map“Promoting bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on Michigan roadways!”

To Th

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Leland RdMohney Lake Rd Colon RdButler Rd Orta Eagle Rd

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PalmerLake

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KlingerLake

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Florence

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Hol

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Mechanic St


St. Joseph County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

MotelsTravel Lodge 1301 South Centerville Rd Sturgis 49091 269-651-7881Little Country Inn 800 West Chicago Rd White Pigeon 49099 269-483-7285* Holiday Inn Express 1207 West Broadway Three Rivers 49093 269-278-7766Best Value Extended Stay 1211 West Broadway " " 269-273-8100Super 8 689 South US Hwy 131 " " 269-279-8888Spartan Motel (via hwy shoulder) 58852 South US Hwy 131 " " 269-278-1615


CampingCade Lake County Park 68911 Plumb School Rd Sturgis 49091 269-651-3330Green Valley Campground 25499 West Fawn River Rd " " 269-651-8760Corey Roberts Lake Cmpgrnd 10705 Corey Lake Rd Three Rivers 49093 269-244-8214

Bike ShopsKickstand Schwinn Cyclery 1240 East Chicago Rd Sturgis 49091 269-651-5088** Mobile Bike Repair Llc. (Road service out of Three Rivers) Three Rivers N/A 269-816-8473

Other Services, Notes* Motels previously used and found acceptable during route development** Provides service within a 30-40 mile range of Three Rivers


BRANCH COUNTY

History and Geography: Branch County was organized in 1831, shortly after settlers arrived in the area of what is now known as the city of Bronson in 1828. It was named for John Branch who was the Secretary of the Navy under then-president Andrew Jackson. The county seat, originally located in the small village of Branch, was eventually relocated to Coldwater which is presently the county’s largest city. Branch County was slower than some to develop, as it lacked good roads, railroad access, and its local Indian population felt intimidated by the new white settlers. This all changed in the 1840’s when the Chicago Road (US-12) came through and attracted more commerce and settlers. One of the new businesses was the Union City Iron Company founded in 1847 - the first company to produce iron made from Michigan ore. Today, Branch County boasts dairy, cattle, swine, sheep and grain farms. There is also a large Amish population who provide locals (and tourists) with fruit, produce, baked goods, homemade furniture and quilts. At the time of this writing, the area around the towns of Coldwater and Bronson are doing well with manufacturing (until they leave for China), including metal fabrication and fishing gear. Numerous lakes in the county encourage tourism. Major Towns: Coldwater, the county seat, is the only major town on the route. It was first settled by Allen Tibbits and Joseph Hanchett, and officially received its name for the river running through it. In 1861 a Light Artillery Battery led by Commander Cyrus Loomis left Coldwater to fight for the union and went on to become one of the most renowned Regiments in the Civil War. Besides cannon used in the Civil War, Coldwater is said to have some of the finest turn-of-the-century architecture anywhere in the country, including the famous Tibbits Opera House. Some of its industries include metal products, wood furniture, store fixtures, and play equipment. Riding Conditions: Branch County provides very pleasant riding, in which you will pass by Amish farms, swamp lands, woods, and lakes. The road surfaces are fairly good with varied terrain - some hills and a rather long flat stretch along M-86 (on the northern route). You may see wild turkeys, buzzards and other wildlife, not to mention the deadlife you will encounter along the road shoulders—mostly raccoons, opossums, skunks and a few squirrels. Primary Sources: InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

Fisher

Algansee

California

Kinderhook

East Gilead

Gilead

Noble

Matteson

Batavia CtrColdwater (see detailed map)

Quincy

Grove Rd

Ray

Qui

ncy

Rd

Copeland Rd O

ld H

wy

27

Southern Rd

Round

Lake Rd

Booth Rd

Bloc

kR

d

Rie

rson

Rd

Orla

nd R

d Southern Rd

Central Rd

Fisher Rd

Ray

Qui

ncy

Rd

Fenn Rd

Dorrance Rd

Sno

w P

rairi

e R

d

Central Rd

Mat

teso

n La

ke R

d

Wattles Rd

Ang

ola

Rd

Beh

nke

Rd

Fisk

Rd

Frem

ont R

d Fr

eem

ont R

d

Southern Rd

Mar

shal

l Rd

Lester Rd

Spr

ague

Rd

Garfield Rd

Rawson

Fisher

Rid

ge R

d

69

St.

Jose

ph C

ount

y

Bra

nch

Cou

nty

Bra

nch

Cou

nty

Hill

sdal

e C

ount

y

Pearl St.Jay

Cross Michigan Route Branch County Section Map League of Michigan Bicyclists

"Promoting bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan!"

MattesonLake

Silver Lake

ColdwaterLake

Lake of the Woods

Mar

ble

Lake

Gile

ad L

ake

Rd

GileadLake

Dut

ch S

choo

l Rd

To C

oldw

ater

11.

2 m

i. To

I-69

11.

3 m

i.

To I-

69 1

7.7

mi.

To C

oldw

ater

17.

2 m

i.

Copeland Rd

Cen

tenn

ial R

d

Cornell

Amish Country 69

69

Route A 29.4 miRoute B 29.0 miConnector



Camping

Motel or Hotel

0 1 2 3

Scale

Developed by Janet & Ralph Emmons 2008 Updated June 2011

12

12

86 86


Coldwater Detailed Map

Gar�eld Ave.Gar�eld Ave.

Cemetery Lake

Community Health Center

Pearl St.

Pearl St.

Jay

St.

Clay

St.

Ang

ola

Rd

Butt

ers A

ve.

Wes

tern

Ave

.

Chicago St.

Div

ision

St.

Old

US

27

Grand St.Hull St.

Spra

gue

Rd.

Rive

r Rd

Nor

thsi

deColon Rd

Aver

y DrCEMETERY

Note: VictorianHomes line Pearl St.

Note: VictorianHomes line Pearl St.

Mic

higa

n A

ve

WB

EB

Progress Dr.

Old Chicago StOld US 12

AIRPORT

Behn

ke R

d

Behn

ke R

d

No Shoulder

1212

86

Route A Connector

Motel or Hotel



Branch County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

Motels* Cadet Motor Inn 443 East Chicago St Coldwater 49036 517-278-5617* Super 8 Motel 600 Orleans Blvd " " 517-278-8833Comfort Inn 1000 Orleans Blvd " " 517-278-2017Econo Lodge 180 East Chicago Rd " " 517-278-4501** Holiday Inn Express 630 East Chicago St " " 517-279-0900** Red Roof Inn 348 South Willowbrook Rd " " 517-279-1199

B & B'sChicago Pike Inn 215 East Chicago St Coldwater 49036 517-279-8744

CampingColdwater Lake Campground 629 Butlers Ln Coldwater " 517-238-4695Green Acres Campground 439 Sunnyshore Dr " " 517-238-2554Love's Lazy Lagoon 622 North Union City Rd " " 517-278-4480Waffle Farm Campgrounds 790 N. Union City Rd " " 517-278-4315

Bike ShopsDally's Bike Shop 109 W. Chicago Coldwater " 517-278-5639

Other Services, Notes* Motels previously used and found acceptable during route development** Less accessible to cyclists than others listed



HILLSDALE COUNTY SEGMENT INFO

History and Geography: Hillsdale County is centrally located in southern Michigan’s, deriving its name from its glacially-formed topography. The county is the source of five major rivers that drain into Lakes Michigan or Erie; the St. Joseph, the Grand, the Kalamazoo, the Raisin and the St. Joseph of the Maumee. Because of the rivers and the old Northwest and Maumee Trails, this area became an important transportation center. After the last ice age, the area attracted hunters and mound builders, and later was home to the Huron and Potawatomi Indians. By the 1820’s, the rich soil and transportation began attracting white settlers. The first English-speaking white settler in Hillsdale County was Captain Moses Allen, veteran of the War of 1812. He moved his family into an abandoned French fur trader’s cabin in 1827, and the village of Allen is named for him. In 1828 Benaiah Jones brought his family up from Ohio, and started the first village to be incorporated in the county - Jonesville. During the pioneer era, white settlement led to the forced relocation of most of southern Michigan’s Indians to reservations in Iowa and Kansas. One who refused to relinquish his land was Potawatomi chief Baw Beese. He did agree, in return for $400 per year “forever,” to give up his land on the Huron and Raisin Rivers and to move a bit further west to a strip of land along the boundary between Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. He and his people lived quite peacefully among the new settlers until 1840, when a local pioneer requested the Indians be removed from the land he had purchased. Federal troops rounded up the band and moved them to a reservation in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Major Towns: Hillsdale, the largest town in the county, was established in 1839, chartered in l869 and became a booming railroad town. After a hot political battle, political power shifted from Jonesville to Hillsdale and it became the county seat. In 1843 the first steam engine of the Erie and Kalamazoo line rolled into town, and Hillsdale became the “jumping off place” for the west. Until the 1950’s, Hillsdale was a major railroad center with some 26 passenger trains a day. Because of the access to the railroad, Michigan Central College relocated from Spring Arbor to Hillsdale in 1835. Today that institution is known as Hillsdale College, an independent, coed, liberal arts college which proclaims it does not accept federal or state aid. The college also boasts the higher percentage of student enlistment in the Civil War of any western college. Of more than 400 who fought for the Union, four won the Medal of Honor, three became generals, and sixty died. (Incidentally, Hillsdale College is the location of excellent lodging - the Dow Center, which offers rooms, computer access, use of the student cafeteria, etc.) Riding Conditions: Hillsdale County, as the name implies, is pleasantly hilly, but nothing too difficult. Road surfaces are good, and have little traffic until you approach Hillsdale. Along the way, you will pass classic farms with shady woodlots, several fishing lakes, and the Lost Nation State Game Area. Other smaller villages on the route include Reading, Steamburg, Osseo, and Pittsford. Primary Sources: Hillsdale County website, InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

Osseo

Hillsdale (see inset map)

Cambria

Reading

Long Lake

Hemlock Lake

Sand Lake

Beecher Rd

Day Rd

Wald

ron R

d

Pittsf

ord R

d

Beecher Rd

Bacon Rd

Osse

o Rd

Bacon St.

Cam

bria

Rd

Reading Ave.Hallett St.

Bankers RdBankers Rd

Elm St.Reading Rd

Abbo

tt Rd

Bear Lake Rd

Lake Pleasant Rd Beecher Rd

Bacon Rd

Pittsford

Howe

ll St.

Cross Michigan Route Hillsdale County Section Map

Bran

ch C

ount

y

Lena

wee

Cou

nty

Reading Rd

League of Michigan Bicyclists "Promoting bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan!"

Doty

Rd

To H

illsd

ale

12.2

mi.

To O

sseo

20.

3 m

i.

To O

sseo

10.

0 m

i. To

Hill

sdal

e 16

.1 m

i.

Bankers Rd Baw Beese Lake

Stea

mbu

rg Rd

Pleasant Lake

Hudson

(see Lenawee County for detailed map)

Lake

Ple

asan

t Rd

Reading Rd

Cole RdSa

nd L

ake R

d

Hills

dale

Cou

nty

Hills

dale

Cou

nty

Long

Lake

Rd


99

99

34

49

127

127Route A 28.3 mi

Route B 30.3 mi

Connector Restaurant or Food Store Public Restroom Facilities Camping Motel or Hotel

0 1 2 3 Scale

Developed by Janet & Ralph Emmons 2008Updated 12/14

Bacon St.Bacon Road

Hallet Rd

Bankers Rd

Cam

bria

Rd

Reading Ave

Hills

dale

St

Wes

t

How

ell S

t

South St.

Barber DrHillsdale College

State St.

Brid

ge R

d

St. Joe St

Gris

wol

d

Steamburg Rd

Stea

mbu

rg R

d

Stea

mbu

rg R

d

Baw Beese Trail

Barber Lake

King Lake

Baw Beese Lake

Route A Connector

Hillsdale Detailed Map

Fayette St.

Barnard St

South St.

Wol

cott

St



Camping

Motel or Hotel

99

99



Hillsdale County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

Motels* Hillsdale Motel 1729 Hudson Rd Hillsdale 49242 517-437-3389* # Dow Conference Center 22 East Galloway Dr " " 517-437-3311Bavarian Inn 1728 Hudson Rd " " 517- 437-3367*^ Days Inn 3241 West Carleton Rd " " 517-439-3297


CampingSugarbush Campground 2571 South Sand Lake Rd " " 517-439-9525Six Lakes campground 2155 Hudson Rd " " 517-439-5660Kimball Camp YMCA Nat. Cntr. 4444Long Lake Rd Reading 49274 517-283-2168


Other Services, Notes* Motels and campgrounds previously used and found acceptable during route development# Operated by Hillsdale College^ Accessible from downtown Hillsdale via Baw Beese Trail & trail along M-99


LENAWEE COUNTY

History & Geography: Lenawee County got its start when 30 people arrived from Jefferson County, New York and settled along the Raisin River in what would become the Village of Tecumseh. In 1822 Governor Lewis Cass decided it was time to lay out a new county, and by 1826 Lenawee County was fully organized, stretching at the time all the way to Lake Michigan. Today, Lenawee County is the widest segment of the route, measuring about 35 miles east-to-west. The name “Lenawee” is of American Indian derivation, meaning “men,” “the people,” or the Shawnee word for “Indian.” In the mid 1800’s Lenawee County was a leader in population in Michigan, but population growth slowed by the end of that century. However, its agriculture and industry (including the production of railway cars, A/C compressors, wire fencing and a few automobiles) kept the economy strong. Besides agriculture and industry, tourism is strong today, and attractions include the Irish Hills area, Michigan International Speedway, Hidden Lakes Gardens, Hayes State Park and the Cambridge Junction historical area. Major Towns: Adrian was first settled in1826 by Adrian J. Comstock, a settler from New York, who originally called the town “Logan”. The Michigan Legislature renamed it Adrian, and it was organized into a city in 1853. Its broad economic base is supported by industries such as auto-parts manufacturing, plastics, aluminum and brass forging, as well as furniture production, healthcare and office products. It is also home to Adrian and Siena Heights Colleges. Because it retained much of its historical architecture, its downtown has a distinct turn-of-the-century look. Blissfield lies midway between Adrian and Toledo, an ideal “bedroom community” for commuters to both cities. Industries include heating and refrigeration and agriculture. Downtown Blissfield also retains many of its historical, Victorian style buildings which contain unique shops and stores. Blissfield was first settled by William Kedzie from New York who later sold the land to Henry Bliss from neighboring Monroe Co. He organized the Township in 1827 and became the first postmaster. The town was later organized as a village in 1875. Hudson is located on the western edge of Lenawee County at the junction of US 127 and M-34. It was first settled in 1833 by Hiram Kidder from New York, and was called Bean Creek at that time, for a creek two miles south. It was renamed Lanesville in l836 when Beriah Lane became the first postmaster. It was renamed in 1840 for Dr. Daniel Hudson from Geneva, New York, who was a major landowner. It was incorporated as a village in 1853 when the Lake Shore & Southern Michigan Railroad came through and built a station. It became incorporated as a city in 1893. The entire downtown area and several houses are designated historic places on the National Register, so it is a “must see” place for history buffs. The Hudson Railroad Bridge is one of Michigan’s largest and oldest stone arch structures. It was constructed by the Lakeshore and Michigan Southern Railroad, and lies adjacent to Main Street. Tecumseh (north of Adrian along the Kiwanis Rail-to-Trail) was the first settlement in Lenawee County, and was the county seat until 1838, when it was transferred to Adrian. One of the village’s best known manufacturers was Tecumseh Products, a producer of refrigeration

compressors, founded by the Herrick family during the early 20th century. Another historical note is that General Custer’s horse “Don Juan” is buried in Tecumseh. Riding Conditions: Lenawee County offers good road surfaces, generally low traffic, rolling hills, and pleasant countryside as you pass through the historic towns, and pedal past farms and woodlots. Traffic can be heavy in the immediate vicinity of Adrian – be cautious and use back streets such as are shown on the inset map. Primary Sources: InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

Canandaigua

Beecher Rd Posey Lake

Hudson (see detailed map)

Mun

son H

wy

Medina Rd

Canandaigua Rd Canandaigua Rd

Mor

ey H

wy

Sene

ca H

wy

Gorman Rd Gorman Rd

Medina

Sand Creek

Lena

wee

Cou

nty

H

illsd

ale

Cou

nty

Carleton Rd Carleton Rd

HudsonLake

Hugh

es H

wy

To T

reat

Hw

y 14

.9 m

i. T

o Tr

eat H

wy

15.8

mi.

Stadler Rd Riga

Hwy

Bliss�eld(see detailed map)

Carroll Rd

Sheldon

Scot

t Hwy

Hodg

es

Trea

t Hwy

Trea

t St

Adrian (see detailed map)

Ogden

Riga

Lena

wee

Cou

nty

Co

unty

Line

Rd

Mon

roe

Cou

nty

Ida Center Rd

To T

reat

Hw

y 16

mi.

Fairfeild

Medina Rd

Warick Rd

Lawrence Rd

Cademus Rd

Main St Baldw

inHw

y

Station Rd

Croc

ket H

wy

Beamer Rd

Lane S t

Cross Michigan Route Lenawee County Section Map

Route A Route A & B 16 mi

36.5 mi Route B 36.6 mi Connector



Camping

Motel or Hotel

Scale


League of Michigan BicyclistsPromoting bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan!"

0 1 2 3

34

34

156

52

127

223

223


Main St Carleton Rd

State St

North St

Railroad

Water St

Seward St Mechanic St

Jackson St

Lincoln St

Wilcox St

Hill St

Mun

son

Hw

yM

unso

n H

wy

Woo

d S

t

Tiffi

n S

t

Map

le G

rove

Ave

Mar

ket S

t

Chu

rch

St

Gro

ve S

tOak

St School St

Tiger Dr.

WillowW

est

St

St

Wes

t S

t

NO

SH

OU

LDER

Grant St

Lane St Carroll St

Carro

ll St

Silb

erho

rn H

wy

Berry Rd

Lane

St

Gile

s St

Lane

St

Beamer Rd

Adrian St

Adrian St

Jefferson

Monroe St

Mon

roe

St

Depo

t St

Route A & B

Route B Connector

Restaurant or Food Store Public Restroom Facilities Motel or Hotel

Walnut St

Lane St

Hudson Detailed Map

Bliss�eld Detailed Map

3434

127

223

223

Carleton Rd

Cadmus Rd

Bald

win

Hw

y

Beecher St.

Trea

t St

Win

ter S

t

Michigan St.Maumee St.

Maumee St. Maple Ave

Maple Ave

Siena Heights Dr

Sp ellman Dr

Valley Rd

Valley RdMoore Rd

Sutton Rd

Gaby Rd

Occide

ntal H

wy

Ives Rd

Gre

en H

wy

ADRIAN COLLEGE

TRESTLE PARK

SIENA HEIGHTS COLLEGE

CVSParking Lot

Kiwanis Trail (7.1 miles - paved)

LAKE ADRIAN

TECUMSEH

ADRIAN

Kiwanis

Trail

Main

St.

Mai

n St

.

Locu

st S

t.

Locu

st S

t.

Den

nis

St

Summit St

Bent

Oak

Ave

Route A Connector Kiwanis Trail

Restaurant or Food Store Public Restroom Facilities Motel or Hotel

Adrian Detailed Map

MALL

34

CAUTION

52

52

223

223CAUTION



Lenawee County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

Motels* Super 8 Motel 1091 West US Hwy 223 Adrian 49221 517-265-8888Holiday Inn Express 1077 West US Hwy 223 " " 517-265-5700Pine Motel 3895 South Adrian Hwy " " 517-263-2444** Motel 6 1575 West Maumee St " " 517-263-5741** Carlton Lodge 1629 West Maumee St " " 517- 263-7000* Sunset Acres Motel 400 US Hwy 127 Hudson 49247 517-448-8968

B & B's* Ellis Inn B&B 415 West Adrian St Blissfield 49228 517-486-3155Blissfield B&B 420 " " " 517-486-2878

CampingLenawee County Fairgrounds 602 North Dean St Adrian 49221 517-263-3007# Sequoia Campground 2675 Gady Rd " " 517-264-5531Lake Hudson Recreation Area 5505 Morey Hwy Hudson 49247 517-445-2265

Bike ShopsAdrian Locksmith & Cyclery 611 North Main St Adrian 49221 517-263-1415

Other Services, Notes* Motels and B&B's previously used and found acceptable during route development** Less convenient to bike route than other motels listed # Located between Adrian and Tecumseh near Kiwanis Trail


MONROE COUNTY

History and Geography: Monroe County is the easternmost county on Michigan’s southern border and the only county on Lake Erie. French missionaries entered this territory as early as 1634 and settled on the river they named Riviere Aux Raisins for the grapes found there. In 1778 a trading post and fort were established, and Francois Navarre became the first white settler. When French families from Detroit settled here, they called their community Frenchtown. Monroe County was established in 1817 as one of the first steps in the organization of Michigan territory after the War of 1812. Frenchtown, only the third major community in Michigan at that time, was renamed Monroe after James Monroe, fifth president of the United States, and became the county seat. Though not on the route, the city of Monroe must be mentioned, as most of the written history of the county centers in that area. The Battle of Frenchtown, also known as the battle of the River Raisin, was fought here in January of 1813 and was one of the bloodiest engagements of The War of 1812, more American casualties occurring here than in any other single battle of that war. Of the 934 Americans who fought here, only 33 escaped death or capture, and the subsequent massacre of the wounded enraged Americans throughout the Old Northwest Territory. Monroe’s most famous resident, George Armstrong Custer, was born in Ohio, but spent much of his boyhood in Monroe. He went to college in Ohio and in 1864 he married Elizabeth Bacon of Monroe. He graduated last in his class at West Point in 1861, but brought great honor on himself by his distinguished and heroic Civil War record. That record has unfortunately been overshadowed by his defeat at the Battle of The Little Big Horn (a.k.a. “Custer’s Last Stand”). Monroe County industries include auto parts manufacturing, metal fabrication, cement, packaging, glass production and the La-Z-Boy Furniture Co. The Fermi Nuclear Plant plays a major role in supplying power to the area and the coal-powered Monroe Power Plant boasts the second largest generating capacity in North America, with stacks towering 805 feet. The county is a rich agricultural area noted for soybeans, grains, corn, sugar beets, potatoes and alfalfa. Major Towns: Luna Pier was a resort town for Toledo, Ohio area residents at the turn of the 20th century. Currently, it offers lake-front summer cottages, a small beach, a pier protecting moorage for sport fishermen, and a quiet small-town atmosphere. Luna Pier also offers one of the few locations on Michigan’s Lake Erie coast with food, lodging and easy access for low-traffic bicycle touring roads, thus it is a natural spot to begin or end a cross-Michigan trek. Riding Conditions: Monroe County offers an easy start for an east-to-west tour, being quiet, flat, low traffic and generally pleasant. It also provides the “opportunity” to prove out one’s equipment and gear, in that its roads are by far the worst of the route and possibly of the entire state. Currently there are two options; the northern one currently the smoothest, but the southern option more direct and expedient when/IF it is ever repaved. Primary Sources: InfoMi.com, Wikipedia, tour notes

Lake Erie

Cross Michigan Route Monroe County Section Map

League of Michigan Bicyclists" Promoting bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan!"

Route A & B 22.9 mi Connector



Camping

Motel or Hotel

0 1 2 3

Scale


(Scale for county map)

23

23

24

151

50

75 Luna Pier

Ida Center

Dundee

Petersburg

Monroe

Mon

roe C

ount

y

Lena

wee C

ount

y

Goetz Rd Rauch Rd

Todd Rd

Ida Center Rd Ida Center Rd

Stra

sbur

g Rd

Yargersville Rd

Allen Cove Rd

Coun

ty Li

ne Rd

Luna Pier Rd

Pete

rsbur

g Rd

Saline St.

Sylva

nia Pe

tersb

urg

Rd

Center St. Su

mm

er�e

ld Rd

Sum

mer

�eld

Rd

To Lu

na P

ier 2

2.9 m

i.

Brewer Rd

Teal Rd

Cousino Rd

Harold

Dr

Division St

Allen

Cove

Rd

Allen Cove Rd

Lake Erie

75


Cousino Rd

Victo

ry Rd

Harold Dr

Lake

side D

r

Luna Pier Rd



Monroe County ServicesName of Service Address City ZIP Telephone

Motels* Super 8 4163 Super 8 Drive Luna Pier 48157 734-848-8880# Days Inn 130 Outer Dr Dundee 48131 734-529-5505


CampingPirolli Park 6030 Petersburg Sylvania Rd Petersburg 49270 734-279-1487KOA Kampground 15600 Tunnicliff Rd " " 734-856-4972


Other Services, Notes* Motels previously used and found acceptable during route development# Dundee is off-route north via connector through Petersburg. Days Inn is the most accessible from the bike route of several motels in Dundee

INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO...INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO Background: This route provides a rural...

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Transcript of INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO...INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO Background: This route provides a rural...