Munising residents will spot an unusual sight next Thursday: dozens of cyclists rolling through town, midway through a 1,200mile, 10-day loop around the Upper Peninsula.

It’s part of Tour Da Yoop, Eh, an ambitious endurance ride that has become a fixture of the U.P. summer calendar.

Now in its eighth year, the event draws riders from across the country and even abroad, offering them a chance to test their limits on some of the region’s most scenic and remote roads.

At 1,200 miles, Tour Da Yoop, Eh is believed to be the longest loop event in the United States. Participants can ride one day, several segments or complete the entire loop. This year’s route will bring them from Marquette to Grand Marais on Day 7, covering 107.4 miles and climbing 3,398 feet, with Munising marking a key waypoint.

For founder James Studinger, who grew up in Manistique, the event began in 2018 as a personal project to raise awareness about bike safety in the Upper Peninsula.

“I’d drive up to the U.P. with my bike and ride the backroads, and I wouldn’t see any cars or any bikes,” Studinger said. “Then I’d drive back downstate, and it was the opposite. It just didn’t make sense to me.”

That first year, Studinger invited others to join him on the 1,200-mile loop, and about 17 or 18 people showed up, though none completed all 10 days except him.

“But they were great companions and support,” he said.

The camaraderie, combined with the distinctive routes and the plaid finisher jersey he designed, sparked interest. Riders asked him to keep the event going, and soon the Tour da Yoop, Eh grew into the beloved challenge it is today, with around 100 cyclists in all, about 40 on average and roughly 30 completing the entire loop.

The full route circles the U.P., passing through Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Houghton, Copper Harbor, Marquette, Munising, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace before returning to Manistique.

Along the way, local communities help welcome the riders.

This year, the Munising Lions Club will again provide volunteer support, adding to the spirit that has helped define the event. Studinger said the connection with Lions Clubs across the U.P. has been central to the tour’s identity.

“It’s turned into more than I expected,” he said. “Riders are inspired by the families, and the families are inspired by the riders.”

Last year, the Munising Lions Club hosted a hydration station at The Bear Trap, offering cold drinks and encouragement under the summer sun. Jolene Hetherington, treasurer of the Munising Lions Club, said the riders’ gratitude left a big impression.

“They were thankful we were there,” Hetherington said. “We had turkey, ham and bread instead of just egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches, so they appreciated having something a little different.”

This year, the club plans to offer similar snacks, including wraps, and will set up a tent with chairs where riders can rest.

“Some just come for water and head out,” she said. “But others hang out and chat with us. It’s great to hear their stories.”

Their involvement is part of a larger partnership between Tour Da Yoop, Eh and U.P. Lions Serve, which promotes the Lions Clubs International Childhood Cancer Program. Hetherington said the Munising club got involved after hearing at a Lions convention about the grants available for U.P. families facing childhood cancer.

“We’ve had families in our own community affected, so it really hit close to home,” she said.

Since 2020, Tour Da Yoop has raised over $300,000 for Upper Peninsula families facing childhood cancer, partnering with the U.P. Lions Serve Foundation. The 2025 goal is $125,000, supported by matching grants.

“Basically, if we raise $25,000, we get a $25,000 match and then we get a $50,000 match,” Studinger said. “We typically raise more. Last year it was around $135,000.”

The funds help families cover medical and household costs during treatment.

Safety has always been a key focus, both on the road and off. Studinger works informally with agencies such as the Michigan Department of Transportation and local road commissions to advocate for improvements and hosts daily safety briefings for riders.

“The biggest risk is how riders ride with other riders,” he said, underscoring the importance of group awareness and cooperation.

The event is known not just for its mileage but for its inclusive culture.

“We don’t focus on the top 10%,” Studinger said. “Every rider is very important, and every challenge is unique.”

He recalled one year when riders banded together to help a participant who came underprepared, lightening her gear, coaching her through the miles and staying by her side.

“By the end,” he said, “people were hugging and crying, just from the connection and the experience. That culture has stayed.”

As for growth, Studinger is intentional about keeping things personal. He is considering expanding the number of one-day riders or adding capacity by about 20%, but the focus will remain on quality, not scale.

“We’re not trying to make this the biggest event,” he said. “We’re trying to make it the best.”

For Munising residents, Thursday’s passage offers a chance to cheer on riders tackling one of the tour’s most beautiful and demanding days. Hetherington said the Lions are proud to play a small part in supporting the riders on such a tough stretch.

“It goes by so fast, and it’s just fun,” she said. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Although registration for the 2025 Tour Da Yoop, Eh has closed, organizers encourage supporters to get involved by volunteering, donating or simply showing up along the route to cheer on the riders. More information, including future event details and ways to contribute, is available at tourdayoopeh.com.