See U.P. fall color at a slower pace with Copper Country bicycle tour

HOUGHTON, MI – While driving is a popular way to enjoy fall color throughout Michigan, this Upper Peninsula event is offering a slower pace on two wheels.

The 50th Annual Copper Country Color Tour offers scenic bicycle rides along the pristine shores of Lake Superior and through colorful forests, according to organizers.

Scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, the event by Copper Country Cycling Club takes off from the R.L. Smith Building, 1400 Townsend Drive in Houghton.

Four routes are offered, appealing to a variety of skill levels, from 60K (37 miles) to 210K (130 miles). However, only one of them has a name: The Dirty Dieter.

The Dirty Dieter (pronounced deet-er) is an 80-mile ride with 50 of those being on gravel and other tough terrain. There's even a sand section called "Sandy Send." This route was new in 2023.

"This route will not be easy, but you don't do this because it's easy," according to the cycling club. "Expect plenty of aggressive gravel riding, along with some kinder gravel roads and a bit of pavement. The route will take you on ATV trails with difficult terrain including some muddy and rocky sections. Oh yeah, and the apex of the Dirty Dieter is a climb up the cliffs on Cliff Drive."

Dieter riders should use either a mountain or gravel bike, officials said. GPS is required as markings are minimal. Aid stations are also limited; there's one and it's at the beginning of the route.

View the 60K route here , the 115K route here , the 210K route here and the Dirty Dieter route here . All routes lead back to the starting point.

All rides begin at 8 a.m. A pizza party is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Keweenaw Brewing Company.

Registration is $45, or $25 for students. Add a T-shirt for $10. Sign up here .