Six Oxford residents, all extremely passionate about bicycling, recently participated in the 37th Annual Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw (DALMAC) bicycle tour.
Founded in 1971 by former State Sen. Dick Allen, DALMAC gives riders a choice of five routes ranging from 288 miles to 409.
Furthering the appreciation of bicycling as a means of transportation is the DALMAC’s main objective. It’s a recreational tour, not a race or test of stamina.
The Oxford gang, which included DALMAC veterans Dan, Jan and Devon Clark, Oxford High School senior Justin Hickmott, sophomore Alexandre Piette and newcomer, Astrid Joergens, chose to ride the 5-day, 332-mile tour.
The group began their journey in Lansing on Aug. 29 and ended in Mackinaw City on Sept. 2.
Stopping in Mt. Pleasant, McBain, Elk Rapids, Petoskey and Mackinaw City, the group stayed over night at local schools, who also provided breakfast and dinner for the group.
Jan Clark said they logged almost 82 miles their first day on the road.
‘The biggest challenge was just preparing for it,? she said. ‘They suggest you ride 1,000 miles (the whole summer) before you do the tour.?
Logging that many hours between work and the kids? school schedules was another challenge, but Clark said they all ‘did great.?
Hickmott, 18, considers himself an avid biker. This was his second year as a DALMAC participant.
‘I like the speed,? he said.
The bicycle tour is hosted by the Lansing-based Tri-County Bicycle Association, who also administers the DALMAC Fund.
The fund contributes its proceeds toward various beneficiaries, like the Special Olympics of Michigan, Paint Creek Trailways Commissions and the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing.