Next Saturday, August 1 there will be a bunch of skaters going up to Midland, MI to skate/bike on the
30 mile long Pere Marquette, starting in Midland. FYI- I did not organize this event, I'm just joining in and helping spread the word. Most of the info below I'm just reposting but I did add a few comments in red below.

Plan on meeting at 9:30 am in the Midland Farmer's Market parking lot.

The Farmer's Market is just southwest of the intersection of S. Ashman St and Ann St. in Midland. This link takes you to a google map which you can use for directions:
http://tinyurl.com/22...

The Pere Marquette trail is a 12-14 foot wide, 30 mile long rail-trail between Midland and Claire. Nearly flat, it provides some of the best car-free skating and biking in mid Michigan.

Restaurants and "activities" along the trail:
http://www.lmb.org/pm...

Trail map: http://www.lmb.org/pm...

Please note this is not the trail fundraiser with rest stops along the way. That happens on Sept 19th. http://www.lmb.org/pm...

Answers to Potentially Asked Questions:

Q. Who's organizing this?
A. This email is as organized as it gets.

Q. What if it looks like it might rain, will someone decide to cancel?
A. Nope. Use your best judgement. Of course, this is Michigan, it usually looks like it might rain, but generally doesn't. I imagine, if the weather doesn't show giant green blotches over Midland, there will be skaters showing up. Like any other meetup if it looks like it will be wet I will cancel but ultimately you'll have to use your best judgement.

Q. Will there be nice people handing out bananas and other food along the way?
A. Nope. Bring your own calories or stop at one of the restaurants from the link above.

Q. Are there bathrooms and water at the start? Along the trail?
A. There are bathrooms at the start and along the way. (See the map link above.) I remember them as having sinks where you can refill.

Q. What's the trail surface like?
A. A couple of years ago it was generally pretty good. Unlike some of the local trails, they put effort into maintaining it.

Q. I want to get a hotel room for (Friday/Saturday) night, where should I stay?
A. The "Dolce H Hotel" is right next to the Midland Farmer's market.
http://www.dolce-h-ho... Midland has other hotels, check the
usual internet hotel search sites.

Q. I'm slower than some other skaters, if I get left behind will I get lost?
A. Nope. This is a great trail for anyone who has basic turning and stopping skills - not many trail users, not much in the way of hills and lots of room to maneuver. Just stay on the trail and turn around when you feel like it's time to go back.

Q. I'm a speed skater, can I crank it up on this trail?
A. You bet. There are occasional road crossings, but lots of sections where you can go flat out, with plenty of trail room to pass around walkers and bicyclists. Ahh, but you might as well say good bye to Brian at the start, because I won't be keeping up with you this year.

Q. Isn't this a really long way away?
A. Nope. Even from Ann Arbor, it's less than 2 hours (at posted speeds). It's well worth it.

Q. I like to start early and skate/bike 100 miles. Can we start start at 7:30?
A. Yes you can. I'm planning on being there around 9:30 - hope to see you on the trail.

Q. When you say 9:30, what do you mean?
A. Skater Standard Time. Try to arrive by 9:30 so we can actually be skating before 10. My plan would be to drive up Sat morning to arrive by 9:30 (leaving between 7 & 7:30 am) There is no set meeting time, 9:30 is suggested but do whatever works for you. Please include your start time when you RSVP.

Q. You say skate/bike, but then you keep referring to skating. Are you going to make rude comments if I show up with my bike?
A. Work with me here! Skate, bike, unicycle, skate board, scooter, running shoes ... Just show up.