DALMAC 2010

[wendell]

Registration Materials for DALMAC 2010 will be available about Feb 15th.

The DALMAC Committee has targeted early February 15th for mailing the DALMAC applications. Detailed information for DALMAC will be posted to the TCBA and/or DALMAC web sites at approximately the same time.

Here's what we know now:

• Dates: September 1-5, 2010
• Routes (approximate mileage [rounded]):
  • Five Day(340) - begins Wed, Sep 1, 2010
  • Four Day East(300/330) - begins Thu, Sep 2, 2010
  • Four Day West(320) - begins Thu, Sep 2, 2010
  • Five UP(360/390) - begins Wed, Sep 1, 2010
  • Quint Century(500) - begins Wed, Sep 1, 2010
• The Five UP route will go to Sault Ste Marie on Sunday afternoon, after crossing the Mackinac Bridge on Sunday morning
• All other routes finish in Mackinaw City on Sunday afternoon
• All routes begin at the MSU Agricultural Pavilion (Farm Lane and Forest Road) in East Lansing.

Things to keep in mind

• DALMAC is a camping tour. Unless you make other arrangements, plan to sleep in a tent.
• The tent, sleeping bag, clothing, etc. must fit in two bags (or one) weighing no more than 40 lbs. each, and placed on the baggage truck by each rider. Scales will be available by each truck.
• Riders and their bicycles are expected to be prepared for the ride.
• Groups wanting to assure acceptance on the same route should apply early and together.
• Decide if you wish to return on the buses when you apply. There are no bus tickets ($55) available after registration closes on August 1.
• There are no refunds after August 1, and cancellation refunds are subject to fees of $25 (before July 1) and $45 (July 1 to August 1).
• Ride fees: $215 (5 day tours), $195 (4 day tours), $40 discount for pre-teens.
• Merchandise: Men's and Women's jerseys: $43; Sweatshirt: $33; and T-shirt: $13.
• Camping before and/or after the tour: $10/night/tent.
• $5 discount to apply on-line at http://www.dalmac.org
• READ the printed application before applying and again before the event.
• In the past, popular routes have filled in just a few weeks.

Link to DALMAC page on the biketcba.org site. (Not a lot of info, but info deprived may want to view it.)

Link to http://www.dalmac.org (more info).

Caveat: READ THE APPLICATION when you get it.

[Trek93]

I am thrilled to see the 2010 DALMAC information posted. Last year was my first DALMAC and I rode the 5 day. I loved every minute of the trip and I am looking forward to riding again this year. After looking at the map of the west 4 day - it appears that the stops are in Mt. Pleasnt, Lake City and Elk Rapids, is this correct? Also, what does the mileage (best guess - I know summer road conditions will play into the final routes) look like for each of the four days? I know this route fills quickly so I am tring to figure out if I want to change routes or stick with the 5 day. Thank you!

[CaptainKeel]

... After looking at the map of the west 4 day - it appears that the stops are in Mt. Pleasnt, Lake City and Elk Rapids, is this correct? Also, what does the mileage (best guess - I know summer road conditions will play into the final routes) look like for each of the four days? ...

The route shown for the 4-day West in the new (online) map for 2010 looks the same as last year's, which would mean stops in Vestaburg, Lake City, and Boyne City. As you know, mileages are less certain at this point, but last year's flyer indicated 71, 84, 92, and 70. (I didn't ride that route, and it is possible that the official route book involved some minor adjustments.) Note that Day 3 had both the longest mileage and the Wall.

More generally, it looks like all rides except the Quad/Quint will have the same overnight stops as last year, and that the routes for both rides you are considering (4DW and "traditional" 5 day) are essentially the same. The most significant changes are on the last days of the 5-UP -- no "DeTour", just straight up to the Soo -- and the 4-day East -- where the new route turns west before reaching Cheboygan and joins US 31 at Pellston, rather than further North at Levering. (Probably an improvement: the stretch from Cheboygan to Levering can seem long and dull, with more impatient motorists than expected and not much in the way of a shoulder. But the longer run on US 31 in the new 4DE is unfortunate: the Pellston to Mackinaw run was not so bad early on a Sunday morning with the 5-UP, but traffic can be very heavy by the time the time the 4DE riders arrive. But, at least it has a broad paved shoulder.) And, of course, the Quint is a whole new ballgame.

[RansRider]

I can hear the train a leaving from Owosso for Vestaburg .

[Trek93]

Thank you CaptainKeel for your help, it is much appreciated! Now to get the outside temps above 40 and dry...

[RAC]

I can hear the train a leaving from Owosso for Vestaburg .

I wonder who is going to be the "engineer" on that train ride?

It is fun to think about riding on tour again, instead of shoveling snow.

Come on Spring!

[ki4pcm]

I'll second the banning of snow! I'm in the DC area and should not be seeing 3 feet when looking out my window.

Doing the Dalmac for the first time this year, although I've ridden in a private SAG when my parents were members of TCBA and rode it when I was a kid. Planning on the 5 day UP route.

[GmaJill]

I have a question about the routes. The 4 day routes are longer in milage than the 5 day total. why is this? flatter? less winding around? It will help in determining what route I want to ride. I did the 5 day last year and would like to change but know nothing about the other routes and what to expect. thanks to any one who has the answers.

[TREKx2]

I have a question about the routes. The 4 day routes are longer in milage than the 5 day total. why is this? flatter? less winding around? It will help in determining what route I want to ride. I did the 5 day last year and would like to change but know nothing about the other routes and what to expect. thanks to any one who has the answers.

Route details are here: http://www.dalmac.org/routes1.html
Actually, they aren't. The 5-Day and 4-Day West follow almost exactly the same route and so they are listed within 18 miles total distance of each other. The 4-Day East is the shortest as it follows a route straight up the middle. And of course the 5-Day U.P. and the Quint Century are longer for obvious reasons.

[GmaJill]

thank you for leading me to the route information and information you gave on the routes. I will take the 4 day east thanks again.