HELMETS ARE REQUIRED
Newcomers Bike Ride #5 (Thursday, July 24th) – Betsie Valley Trail, Frankfort to Beulah
Overview: This ride will start in Frankfort at the Municipal Marina parking lot. The Betsie Valley Trail starts just to the east of the parking lot. The ride will start at 10:15am so please arrive at the parking lot by 10:00am. The trail is paved for the first 6 miles and then turns to hard-packed crushed gravel along Crystal Lake. Most of the ride is along the Betsie River Nature Area and Crystal Lake, probably the most scenic bike trail in the area.
Meeting Time and Location – Meet at the Municipal Marina Parking Lot on Waterfront Drive (200 feet south of the intersection of Main Street and 5th Street in downtown Frankfort). As you are driving into Frankfort from the east along Main Street, turn left (south) at the 5th Street intersection. There are 2 parking areas about 200 feet ahead on Waterfront Drive. NOTE: There are many open parking spaces, but there also are some spaces that are marked private or reserved parking. Arrive at the parking lot by 10:00am (the ride starts at 10:15am).
The Ride: All groups (Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner) will ride east from the parking area on the trail towards Beulah which is 9.5 miles away. After the first 2 miles, the trail runs alongside the Betsie River State Game Area. At the 6-mile mark, the trail runs alongside Crystal Lake. From there to Beulah, the trail is hard-packed crushed gravel without hills. Recommend tires that are at least 28 mm wide for the gravel. Once in Beulah, the trail crosses South Benzie Boulevard, where there is a trailside public restroom, and heads towards Thompsonville (13 miles away down the gravel trail). Beginner and Intermediate riders should turn around and head back to Frankfort no later than downtown Beulah (a 20.2 mile round trip ride). Advanced riders à ride 1 hour out and turn around. 1 hour out may take you part of the way from Beulah to Thompsonville for your turn around point.
Lunch: Stormcloud Brewing Company (303 Main Street, Frankfort) opens at 11:30 am and has both indoor and outdoor seating. All riders should aim to finish at the parking lot by 12:30pm. It is a quarter mile walk from the parking area to Stormcloud.
Food Menu - https://www.stormcloudbrewing.com/food-menu
Drink Menu - https://www.stormcloudbrewing.com/pub-beer-menu