Published: July 06, 2009 07:55 am      

Bicyclists take in sights on bike tour

TRAVERSE CITY -- Sometimes it takes a different perspective to see the whole picture.

Such was the case on Sunday for Traverse City residents Karyn Oncu and Ellen White, friends who reminded themselves once again of northern Michigan's unique beauty. Their vehicle: a spin on the peninsula during the Old Mission Bike Tour.

"Take the time to see," Oncu said. "We kept reminding each other to look at the view."

"If you climb up a really big hill, make sure to look over your shoulder," White said.

The bike tour is sponsored by the National Cherry Festival and gives riders a chance to free themselves of the congestion of downtown and to revel in breathtaking scenery. The ride -- participants could opt for 22- or 35-mile jaunts -- attracted about 200 bicyclists whose interests ranged from easy riding to serious training.

The latter appealed to Lake Ann resident Keith Conway.

"I'm using this race as a tune-up for a triathlon in Interlochen," Conway said.

Others expressed more interest in seeing the sites, including first-time riders Brenda and Larry Graham, up from northern Ohio.

"We're leisures," Larry Graham said. "It's been a whole lot of fun."

"Just riding up the peninsula is always fun," added Williamsburg resident Todd Millar. "I'm doing it with my son Mitchell; it's a family thing for us."

Bikers who registered for the ride ranged in age from 6 to 76. Some riders had bike attachments for children who were too young to ride, and some immediately made plans to return next year.

"I had a lady who's pregnant, who said, 'I'll be back next year with the baby,'" said Anne Coulter, Old Mission Bike Tour director. "It's been growing every year, which is awesome."

Count Chicago resident Barbara Bunington among the newcomers.

"It was a game-time decision," said Bunington, who frequently visits Traverse City for the Cherry Festival, but who previously hadn't wheeled off on the bike tour.

"There were all levels of riders out there," she said. "There were tandem riders. The course was quiet. I'll do it again."

Coulter heard that sentiment a lot on Sunday.

"It's a gorgeous day," she said. "We just don't appreciate the view as much when you're not cycling."