Bike Riders Roll Onto Island for Annual Event
By Eric Fish

On the evening of Saturday, May 19, hundreds of cyclists as part of the 18th annual Zoo-De- Mackinac bicycle tour poured onto Mackinac Island following the 51-mile ride from Boyne Highlands.

The bike ride, a leisurely scenic tour, began Saturday morning at the Boyne Highlands Resort and took riders along the shoreline of Lake Michigan to Mackinac City. A ferry ride to Mackinac Island to celebrate the accomplishment ended the weekend event.

An estimated 2,400 people participated in the 2007 Zoo- De-Mackinac, said founder Greg Drawbaugh, nearly 250 more than last year and setting a new record.

"It's just a good way to start the spring," said Julie Middlin, a four-year rider from Ferndale "It's a good way to hang out with your friends for the weekend, but not sit in front of the TV."

Ms. Middlin participated in the event with six friends. Second-year rider Mariana Bravo rode with 12 friends this year, up seven from last year.

"Most of the people come from friends," Mr. Drawbaugh said. "Two people will come and have a ball, then come back with more. It's just a testament of how fun the weekend is and how good the ride is."

He started the event 18 years ago with the help of his brother. In the ride's inaugural year, it had eight participants. Now, riders come from California, Chicago, Georgia, and even as far away as the United Kingdom and Australia.

"We just kind of shook our heads and watched it grow," said Mr. Drawbaugh, who also helps market the affair to state-wide newspapers and through posters and other advertising techniques. "You just kind of shake your head and wonder where these people are coming from."

"It's a good atmosphere," said Dino Paglia, a first-year rider from Rochester. "A lot of people that were there were real friendly."