This is Day 1 of Bikes, Boat and Goats, A Western Michigan Fatbike Sand Odyssey: Fat-Bike Beach Touring from Ludington to Silver Lake
Four days. Three nights. One ferry ride. One full moon. Over 100 miles on two wheels, with about 30 of those right on the beach sand of Lake Michigan’s stunning west coast. What more could you ask for?
We set out to explore the stretch from Ludington to Silver Lake State Park and back — sticking to the sand as much as possible. We pedaled our way past dune rides, dive bars, and plenty of burgers, carrying everything we needed for a beach-heavy bikepacking adventure.
Day 1: Manitowoc to Silver Lake State Park – (Friday, July 11)
We kicked things off on the Wisconsin side with a pre-ferry meal at Manitowoc’s Fat Seagull Bar, where the $1.50 Stroh’s was cold and the atmosphere pure Midwestern comfort. Pro tip: if you’re taking the S.S. Badger on the 1:30am overnight sailing to Ludington, bring a sleeping bag. Unless you spring for a stateroom, sleeping arrangements on deck can be… creative.
The moon was full and the lake was calm — a surreal scene as the Badger chugged across Lake Michigan.
Ludington, MI: Once on Michigan soil, we rolled straight to Old Hamlin Restaurant. A classic diner breakfast later, we set our sights south.
From Summit Park to Pentwater, we found our first real taste of beach — about 6 miles of mostly rideable sand. Glorious.
Pentwater: A quick stop for a burger at the Brown Bear, which may have weighed as much as our fully loaded rigs. Note to fellow travelers: The Provisions Sport Shop is not a bike shop.
We rolled into Silver Lake State Park around dark. Dinner at Tasty Creations was tasty enough — but that $12 burger was more like a $6 affair.
Stay tuned for Days 2 through 4!
