Michigan Fruit Belt (Long Version)

Michigan Fruit Belt (Long Version)

This ride travels through the orchards and vineyards of southern Michigan and skirts several lakes as well. In September and October the smells of Concord grapes and ripe apples fill the air. The route has plenty of easy rollers but no major hills.

Author:	cvb
Date:	21 Aug 2007 6:10:00 AM
Activity:	Bicycling ActivitySearchBicycling
State:	Michigan (MI)
Distance:	70.14 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 2134 ft Total Loss: 2134 ft Net Change: 0 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
Tags:	Michigan, Berrien Center
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

The clockwise route starts from the Bella Vita Coffe Shop in Granger, IN. For a shorter version you can start at the village of Pokagon MI (intersection of Barron Lake Rd and Pokagon Hwy); just turn west when you come back to Pokagon Hwy.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Dist: 70.14 mi	Points: 847	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Points of Interest

Rest stop

Location: 42.085102°, -86.203537°
The convenience store at this location at the halfway point of the ride can supply your hydration needs; rest room also available. On the north side of the street there's a small shopping center with a restaurant serving good breakfasts.

Dewey Lake

Location: 42.058024°, -86.189504°
Dewey Lake Garrett Rd here divides the row of summer cottages from the lake.

Tree-Mendous Fruit

Location: 42.005428°, -86.244049°
Tree-Mendous Fruit A popular u-pick that also sells a variety of fruits (apples, cherries, peaches etc.), cider and so on. Picnic tables available as well.

Bella Vita Coffee Shop

Location: 41.753898°, -86.091614°
Bella Vita Coffee Shop Starting point for the ride, and a great place for drinks and conversation afterward.

Sister Lakes

Location: 42.077298°, -86.202293°
Crooked Lake The cluster of lakes here gives the area its name.

Wicks'

Location: 42.045437°, -86.202850°
Wicks' Apple House Another popular stop in the fruit belt.

The fruit belt

Location: 41.965234°, -86.227226°
Orchard Country This area of southwest Michigan has long been a fruit-growing region, with apples being the most common. Most vineyards are closer to the lake, but a few dot this area as well. You can also find cherries, peaches, and such.

Methodist Episcopal Church

Location: 41.912210°, -86.173883°
Old Rugged Cross Church at Pokagon The completed version of the famous hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" was first sung in this church (originally built as a hops barn in 1862!).