Tour Da Yoop starts today in Manistique
Trending
MANISTIQUE -- Cyclists from around the world will gather today for the 9th annual Tour Da Yoop, Eh (TDY), one of the Midwest's most unique endurance cycling events.
The 10-day, 1,200-mile journey around Michigan's Upper Peninsula blends grit, community and purpose. Cyclists will travel from Manistique through communities including Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Houghton, Copper Harbor, Marquette, Grand Marais, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace before returning to Manistique on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Riders can participate in one, three, five or all 10 days, making the event accessible to a wide range of abilities.
Participants are supported by a dedicated Support and Gear (SAG) team, hydration stations every 30 to 35 miles and a network of volunteers and local communities. The SAG team also transports cyclists' luggage from location to location.
In addition to delivering an exhilarating biking experience, TDY raises critical funds and awareness for bike safety and families battling childhood cancer through its partnership with the UP Lions Serve Childhood Cancer Program.
According to the TDY website, the event began in 2018 as a bike safety campaign, which evolved into a bucket list challenge attracting riders from throughout the world.
Since 2020, the event has helped generate over $400,000 to support Upper Peninsula families, providing financial assistance, emotional support and resources when they are needed most.
"Tour Da Yoop, Eh isn't about who rides, it's about why we ride," said James Studinger, TDY founder. "When riders get here, they realize this is bigger than cycling. It's about showing up for people who need it most."
What begins with strangers at the beginning often ends with teammates at the finish.
"From early morning rollouts to end-of-day celebrations, riders share more than the road, they share purpose, vulnerability and a commitment to something bigger than themselves," TDY officials said.
While registration for the 2026 ride closed, interested cyclists can register for TDY 2027 on the event's website, https://www.tourdayoopeh.com/.
------
Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.