A recent 20-day, 1,100-mile cycling expedition around Lake Michigan brought together 14 volunteers from Out Our Front Door (OOFD) to commemorate the organization's decade of promoting bike-camping adventures. This grand tour, affectionately named the "MI Lag(r)o Ride," played on the Spanish words for "my lake" (mi lago) and "miracle" (milagro), symbolizing the group's deep connection to Lake Michigan, which they regard as a local marvel. Like Adventure Cycling, OOFD champions local exploration, encouraging enthusiasts to discover adventure right from their homes, requiring only a free weekend, a working bicycle, and camping essentials. The organization orchestrates approximately 25 rides annually, catering to about 550 adults and families, with each journey expertly guided by dedicated volunteers, who are the very essence of OOFD's success.
These committed guides, embodying the belief that outdoor time on bikes fosters community, generously dedicate countless hours to organizing and leading trips. They support both seasoned and novice bikepackers, preparing meals, assisting with bike repairs, and offering encouragement during the final stretches to camp, all while nurturing a welcoming environment that quickly transforms strangers into a cohesive community. While many of their routes are familiar, the call for a new challenge led to the conception of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour for their 10th anniversary, offering volunteers an extraordinary adventure into the unknown. Inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass," the organization also aimed to express gratitude to its volunteers through this once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience, aligning with a new plan focused on reciprocity.
The journey began on Labor Day 2026 at Chicago's Buckingham Fountain, a symbolic starting point for many of OOFD's early excursions. Friends, family, and fellow volunteers gathered to send them off, some even joining for the initial leg of the tour, marking the culmination of months of meticulous planning and anticipation. The initial segment, a familiar 60-mile ride to Indiana Dunes National Park, offered a comforting start before venturing into progressively uncharted territories, always keeping Lake Michigan as a steadfast companion. The trip allowed for leisurely exploration, with most days covering a manageable 60 to 70 miles, leaving ample time for swims, cafe stops, and sightseeing. Each volunteer took turns "owning" a day, responsible for discovering local eateries, bike shops, and cultural highlights, fostering a sense of shared discovery and camaraderie. The daily group chat buzzed with updates, from scouting reports to shared jokes, reinforcing the strong bonds forming among the riders.
The expedition was not merely a physical challenge but a profound journey of community and personal growth, highlighting the strength and spirit of the OOFD collective. The awe-inspiring landscapes of northern Michigan's Lower Peninsula, with its stunning trails, quaint towns, and breathtaking lake views, particularly captivated the cyclists. The experience culminated in a celebratory gathering at Illinois Beach State Park, where participants reflected on their gratitude for each other, the OOFD community, and the majestic Lake Michigan. This ride perfectly embodied OOFD's mission, offering volunteers an epic, life-changing adventure that reinforced the organization's core values of community, exploration, and mutual support, proving that true adventure is best shared.