Vicky and Diane Fuller worked fast to stuff a tent and other overnight camping supplies away before embarking on the Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw Bicycle Tour. The two successfully finished packing the tent and made their way to the starting line together for the third year.
When former Sen. Dick Allen rode his bicycle from the state Capitol to Mackinaw City in 1971, he proved a point to the Department of Transportation and gave rise to a tradition.
Allen’s idea for the Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw, or DALMAC, Bicycle Tour stemmed from legislation proposing the construction of bike routes throughout the state. When Allen approached the chairman of the Department of Transportation about his ideas to benefit bicyclists, a challenge was born.
“He told me, ‘You couldn’t ride your bike from here to Mackinaw,’” Allen said. “Then I did.”
Eleven people accompanied Allen the first time he rode his bicycle to Mackinaw City. This week, more than 1,900 bicyclists joined him on the 37th annual DALMAC bicycle tour.
“Bicycling got recognized as something compatible with automobiles. I think DALMAC had a lot to do with that,” Allen said.
Throughout the years, The DALMAC Fund has used this tour to get more people involved in bicycling, whether for recreation or transportation.
“I think the objectives (of the DALMAC bicycle tour) have changed a little. It’s less political and more recreational,” Allen said.
One way the organization promotes bicycling is by donating the proceeds to various bicycling-related organizations throughout the state. Among these organizations are the Kids Repair Program in Lansing, the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
The DALMAC bicycle tour continues to expand in several ways, as the number of participating bicyclists has more than doubled since 1981. DALMAC’s starting point moved from the Capitol to the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education in order to accommodate the growing number of bicyclists. Five routes are offered from the pavilion to Mackinaw City.
Tom Hardenbergh, member of the Tri-County Bicycle Association and a chairman of The DALMAC Fund committee, embarked on his 34th consecutive DALMAC bicycle tour this week. Throughout the years, Hardenbergh has done his share to keep the tour alive by volunteering to lead routes and donating his time.
Communications senior Nicci Ciranna prepared to bike from East Lansing to Mackinaw City for the first time this week.
“This is probably going to be my last year in Michigan, and I have always kind of wanted to do it,” Ciranna said.
The first group of the DALMAC bicycle tour departed from the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education on Wednesday ,and the second group departed today. All routes will arrive in Mackinaw City Sunday.
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