Registration open for various outdoor activities

The summer means plenty of opportunities to engage in some good-natured competition and challenge yourself physically for all age groups. Houghton FC, a recreation soccer league, is accepting registrations for U3-U19 teams, select teams ages 13-19, and adult leagues. The program was started in 2020 and seeks to expand the game in Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw Counties. It works with Michigan Tech and Finlandia to offer a great experience that improves skills for casual and high level players alike.

You can find more information at the group’s Facebook page or by emailing info@houghtonfc.com.

The Tour Da Yoop, Eh is back from August 6-15. Riders can do one or all ten days. Those who compete for the entire 1,200 mile course get the coveted plaid finisher’s jersey. The race begins and ends in Manistique. Starting August 10th, the tour spends three days from Ironwood up through the Copper Country and looping east to Marquette. The full release is below.

The 2021 Tour Da Yoop, Eh (TDY) takes place over a ten day period, from August 6 – August 15 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Cyclists are encouraged to ride as many or as few days as they would like, with individualized packages to fit any rider’s needs. Rides average 120 miles per day (some sections as little as 92 and some as many as 137). If a rider completes the 10 Day Challenge they will have ridden a Whopping 1,200 miles in ten days. Additionally, any rider who completes all 10 sections, over any course of time 1, 2, 5 or even 10 years, will be eligible to receive a Plaid Finisher’s Jersey. If a rider finishes all 10 sections in 10 straight days, they receive a FREE Plaid Finisher’s Jersey. Each year “PlaidERs” are invited to take part in PlaidER Day where they can ride the last section of the TDY for FREE.

Riders have continuous support along each route and can choose to ride solo or together, as fast or slow as they wish, taking in the sights and meeting other riders along the way. These self-guided rides flow through all 15 counties, alongside 3 Great Lakes, past hundreds of waterfalls and through countless wonderful towns.

James Studinger, founder of Tour Da Yoop, Eh has worked with the MDOT and just about every city TDY rides through in an effort to provide a safe route for riders, with a primary goal of keeping riders off the main highways as much as possible. Rides take place on wide open, paved roads allowing riders to stay off main highways 95 percent of the time and experience the safest ride possible while enjoying the charm and beauty of Upper Michigan. Along with directional signs at important intersections, riders will utilize Ride with GPS to give turn by turn directions along their route. Riders will also be given a peace of mind knowing that SAG teams are with them, finishing with the last rider, and providing any type of assistance needed along the route.

Studinger, a Sienna Heights University graduate, grew up in Manistique, MI and is currently a resident of Oakland County. He stated, “I started Tour Da Yoop as a way for people to explore and experience all of the beauty that Michigan has to offer in a safe and peaceful way. Through this process, we are also helping to support local businesses and showcase each city’s personality, history and beauty.” Studinger continued with, “I invite everyone to come and join me on this bucket list adventure. It may take you 1 year or 10 years to complete, but it’s something you will remember for a lifetime!”

Sponsors locally, nationally and in the Upper Peninsula, help to make this ride a success for the cyclists – from sponsoring riders to providing snacks and beverages along the route – every little bit helps. Studinger stated, “We could not be more appreciative of the generosity of our sponsors who help give these riders not only encouragement but refueling power and energy to continue on their ride.” Multiple sponsorship levels and opportunities are available allowing companies and organizations to not only help support the riders and their cycling dreams, outdoor fitness and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but to also showcase your company and the good you do for others. To design your own sponsorship or discuss options, please contact Dawn Kelley at DKelley@Realintegrated.com or Katrina Luts at KLuts@Realintegrated.com.

Tour Da Yoop, Eh Schedule

Section 10 Friday, August 6, 2021 St Ignace to Manistique 120 Miles

Section 1 Saturday, August 7, 2021 Manistique to Escanaba 92 Miles

Section 2 Sunday, August 8, 2021 Escanaba to Iron Mountain 122 Miles

Section 3 Monday, August 9, 2021 Iron Mountain to Ironwood 132 Miles

Section 4 Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Ironwood to Houghton/Hancock 137 Miles

Section 5 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Copper Harbor Loop 116 Miles

Section 6 Thursday, August 12, 2021 Houghton to Marquette 123 Miles

Section 7 Friday, August 13, 2021 Marquette to Grand Marais 105 Miles

Section 8 Saturday, August 14, 2021 Grand Marais to Sault Ste. Marie 114 Miles

Section 9 Sunday, August 15, 2021 Sault Ste. Marie to St. Ignace 122 Miles

Riders can choose from a variety of categories and package options upon registration – to fit any rider’s capabilities as well as budget. Each package includes the option to add on lodging at the selected host hotels along the route or gives riders the options to make their own lodging arrangements. “We encourage families to come and experience the UP, whether you’re riding or cheering someone on, plus it’s a great way to make this a family vacation to remember” stated Kim Mellon longtime friend of Studinger and event producer for Tour Da Yoop, Eh. Mellon continued with, “We take care of our riders, we make it a priority to know each of our riders by name and always be available to offer assistance and a newfound friendship along the way.”

All packages include the following:

Custom Made Riders Jersey with the route on the back

SAG Support to help with any assistance with you or your bike along the route

Aid Stations approximately every 30 miles that include refreshments and healthy refueling snacks

Luggage Pick Up & Drop Off to hotels and campsites within 5 miles of the host hotel

Refresh, Refuel, & Restock Support providing water and healthy snacks at each aid station along with resources to purchase additional snacks, supplies or repairs

Cyclebration After Party Invitation to bring together riders, volunteers and workers to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments with food, music, drinks and fun

For more information on the ride, sponsorships, testimonials and to register for Tour Da Yoop, Eh 2021 visit TourDaYoopEh.com.

Tour Da Yoop, Eh Social Pages:

Website: https://www.tourdayoopeh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TourDaYoopEh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tour_da_yoopeh/

About Tour Da Yoop, Eh

James Studinger, founder of Call of the Yooper and Tour Da Yoop, Eh has a vision – for people to “Reconnect with Nature.” As a Manistique native, James wants everyone to enjoy all that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (aka the Yoop) has to offer. To accomplish this, James set out on vacations and excursions through the UP showing people what’s possible, if you’re willing to explore. In 2018 James realized that people hadn’t yet discovered the biking Paradise in the UP with its very few cars and paved roads, so he created thousands of miles of incredible safe biking routes in the UP and brought attention to it by biking 10 days and 1,200 miles around the entire Upper Peninsula, known now as Tour Da Yoop, Eh (translation – Come ride around the UP with me, OK!)

                                            ###

For all inquiries, please contact:
Dawn Kelley
REAL INTEGRATED
248-594-5308
dkelley@realintegrated.com

Katrina Luts
REAL INTEGRATED
248-594-5379
kluts@realintegrated.com