2012 Ride Info

WHERE: The Amishland and Lakes weekend, sponsored by the Michiana Bicycle Association (MBA) is headquartered on the campus of The Howe School (formerly known as the Howe Military Academy). The quiet town of Howe, Indiana is located on State Road 9 two miles south of the Howe-Sturgis interchange (exit 121) of the Indiana Toll Road (I80/90).

WHEN: Activities begin on Friday August 3. Registration and packet pickup will be from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Friday afternoon rides of 14 or 32 miles also start at 4:00 PM. On Saturday registration and packet pickup begins at 6:30 AM and the Saturday tour starts at 7:00 AM. The Sunday tour starts at 6:30 AM.

WHO: Riders under 18 years of age may participate in the Amishland and Lakes tour only if accompanied by an adult.

REGISTRATION: See the registration page for more information on registering for the Amishland and Lakes ride. Advance registration ends on July 23rd.

REGISTRATION PACKAGE: All participants will receive a registration packet containing maps of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday tours, a map of the Howe campus, information on things to see, places to eat and tour highlights.

THE ROUTES: On Friday there is a 14 and a 32 mile option. On Saturday riders will have a choice of 25, 36, 50, 63 or 100 miles over smooth, quiet lightly traveled roads with few hills. The Sunday tour offers a choice of a nearly hill-free 22 mile route or 34, 47 or 59 miles routes on smooth and lightly traveled roads over rolling hills.

SAGS / SNACKS: SAG stops will be incorporated into each day's tour. Their location and hours of operation will be clearly marked on the tour maps. Amishland and Lakes is known for great SAG food including watermelon, blueberries, peaches, bananas, fresh baked cookies and drinks. In addition fresh baked goods, lemonade, ice cream, etc. can be purchased along the route. Please make sure that you and your bicycle are well off the road and do not cause congestion at SAG stops.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL: After Saturday's ride there will be an ice cream social in the dining hall with free ice cream and live entertainment.

SAGWAGONS: Sagwagons will be provided to maintain safe conditions on the tour route, to furnish first aid and to assist with EMERGENCY bicycle repairs. They will be clearly marked, will be manned by members of the MBA and will carry a stock of the most commonly needed spare parts.

STURGIS SAG LIVE MUSIC: This year we will have live music at the Sturgis SAG on Sunday from 9:30 until 1:30. Plan a little extra time to relax and enjoy classic pop/rock from Acoustic Justice.

MEALS: There is always plenty to eat at Amishland. You may eat in the Howe Dining Hall (All meals are prepared by the school chef) or visit local restaurants. The Amishland and Lakes meal package consists of a Friday night all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner (with drinks and dessert), Saturday breakfast (scrambled eggs, ham, cereal, biscuits, juice, milk and coffee. Saturday night dinner (carved turkey, dressing, potatoes, veggie lasagna, salad, roll and beverages), Sunday breakfast (all you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee). Save money by preordering on the registration form and even more by buying the meal package. Meals may be purchased at the door, but only on a first-come, first-served basis.

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE: Participants are required to bring their bicycles in good working order. We will have a bicycle mechanic on duty in the dining hall for assistance with with minor issues.

ENTERTAINMENT: The Goldmine Pickers will provide entertainment again this year. They will perform in the Dining Hall from 2:00 to 4:30 on Saturday afternoon and again from 5:30 to 6:30 PM Saturday evening during dinner.

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES: There are many area churches available for worship. A full list is available on the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce website.

RIDE PHOTOS: We will have multiple photographers on the course on both Saturday and Sunday taking pictures of riders. These photos will be available for free download after the ride (2011 ride photos here). Be sure to smile as you go by our photographers. There will also be a photo slideshow of 2012 pictures in the dining hall from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday.