A group of Tour Da Yoop, Eh cyclists pose in front of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Photo courtesy of Tour Da Yoop, Eh.
COPPER HARBOR — Tour Da Yoop, Eh is peddling the Keweenaw on Aug. 1 for a thrilling course. The annual ride-out takes bicyclists on a roundtrip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, starting in Manistique and crossing paths with cities like Escanaba, Marquette, Houghton and Sault Ste. Marie. The cycling event raises money for a childhood cancer program.
On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Tour Da Yoop, Eh embarks toward its halfway point atop Brockway Mountain in Copper Harbor. The signature climb is a pivotal point in the event’s 10-day, 1200-mile ride. Riders will encounter several sections with steep gradients exceeding 12% – testing their limits.
Spectators are invited to attend and cheer on the cyclists. The fastest riders are expected to start their climb around 11:30 a.m. Organizers say people may consider writing fun and encouraging chalk messages along the path. Cyclists will be seen pushing hard up the mountain at steady speeds of 4-5 mph. Once they reach the top, they’ll take a nice break before making their way 60 miles back to Houghton.
The entire route through the Keweenaw starts from the Super 8 in Houghton, and rides to Gay, Lac La Belle and then US-41 to Copper Harbor. The descent runs through Eagle Harbor, Eagle River, 5 Mile Point, Ahmeek, Centennial and back through Houghton.
Show up Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 11:30 a.m. on Brockway Mountain Drive to show your support and see the feat of determination by riders.