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Select a link below for additional information on:
Bike Bash Info • Transportation Info • Accommodations Info • Weenend Schedule

 

What is the Zoo-De-Mackinac?
The Zoo-De-Mackinac is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island. The Zoo-De-Mackinac is NOT A RACE but a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,400+ last year) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan.
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When is the 19th Annual Zoo-de-Mackinac?
The weekend of May 17, 2008.
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Where is it?
The weekend starts with a pre-ride party at the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan and ends in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Post ride parties are on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
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Who goes to Zoo-De-Mackinac?
Over 2,400 people from across the country came last year! We welcome everyone and anyone who is interested in some physical exercise, having a great time, and enjoying one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. Even if you don't ride, we encourage you to join the fun (you still must register). The people who don't ride have as much or more fun than the people who do! To see participant demographics in past years click here.
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What is the cost?
The entry fee is $50.00 (The entry fee increases to $60.00 after May 3, 2008)
The entry fee includes the pre-ride party Friday night at the Zoo Bar at  Boyne Highlands, luggage transportation to Mackinaw City on Saturday, lunch at the Legs Inn on Saturday, round trip ferry transportation to and from Mackinac Island on Arnold Ferry and post-ride parties on Saturday night.
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What do I get for the price of the entry fee?
The entry fee covers a number of things over the weekend. It covers admission into the exclusive Zoo-De-Mackinac pre-ride bash at the Zoo Bar on Friday night, the official Zoo-De-Mackinac bicycle ride on Saturday, lunch at the Legs Inn on Saturday afternoon, roundtrip ferry tickets to and from Mackinac Island aboard Arnold Ferry Line, access to the Zoo-De-Mackinac chartered 10:00pm, 12:00am, 1:00am, and 2:00am Arnold Ferries from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw City for participants only (so you can enjoy and entire evening on the island and still stay on the main land), and entry into the four best bars on Mackinac Island on Saturday night.
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Why does the ride cost $50 - $60?
Producing a weekend-long bicycle event of this size costs money. Besides covering the cost of your lunch and ferry tickets, the money goes toward the behind-the-scenes operational costs to make this event as fun and safe as possible for our participants. Your fee offsets additional costs such as port-o-lets, directional signage along the route, police and safety support, and countless other items.
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I have children that want to do the ride. Do I have to pay the registration fee for them too?
Yes, all participants have to pay the entry fee. We would love to offer different price options for riders and non-riders, full course riders and partial course riders, children and seniors, people who just want to do the ride and those that just want to come to party, lunch included or without lunch, with ferry tickets or without ferry tickets, and every other option under the sun. However, at this time in order to keep things as simple as possible for the participants as well as the event organizers, every participant, riding or not riding, pays the same entry fee. We are a very small company who puts a great deal of our spare time into organizing this great event after our regular careers, kids, and typical modern day obligations. We are passionate about our work because we not only enjoy the weekend ourselves but we truly take pleasure in seeing our participants have such a fantastic time that they return year after year. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.
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Can I join the festivities if I don’t want to ride?
Yes! Those who don’t ride have as much fun (if not more) as those who do! However, you still need to register even if you are not participating in the ride.
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So, even though I’m not riding I still have to pay the entry fee?
Yes, if you are not riding you still have to pay the entry fee. We would love to offer different price options for riders and non-riders, full course riders and partial course riders, children and seniors, people who just want to do the ride and those that just want to come to party, lunch included or without lunch, with ferry tickets or without ferry tickets, and every other option under the sun. However, at this time in order to keep things as simple as possible for the participants as well as the event organizers, every participant, riding or not riding, pays the same entry fee. We are a very small company who puts a great deal of our spare time into organizing this great event after our regular careers, kids, and typical modern day obligations. We are passionate about our work because we not only enjoy the weekend ourselves but we truly take pleasure in seeing our participants have such a fantastic time that they return year after year. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.
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Where does the ride start and end?
The ride starts at Boyne Highlands on Saturday and ends in Mackinaw City later that day.
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How far is the ride?
51 Glorious Miles.
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How long does it take to ride the 51 miles?
It takes the average rider approximately 6 to 7 hours of actual ride time, not including lunch or stops along the way.
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What kind of shape do I need to be in to ride?
Anybody who is in average physical condition should have no trouble going the distance. The first half of the ride is a little hilly and the last half is relatively flat. The distance makes you feel like you've accomplished something but will leave you with plenty of energy to continue on until late in the evening.
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I’d like to participate but I can’t ride 51 miles. Are there other options?
If you want to participate in the Zoo-de-Mackinac but can’t ride 51 miles, you can cut the ride in half and do the Zoo-de-Legs 25 mile ride. This ride takes you through the beautiful Tunnel of Trees portion of the ride and ends at the Legs Inn in Cross Village. Once in Cross Village, there will be a bus for riders and their bikes at the gas station that will go back to Boyne Highlands at 2:30pm. The cost is $22 ($25 after May 3rd) and due to limited space, reservations are required. Please call Big Bear Adventures at 231.238.8181 for reservations. There will be no refunds if you miss the bus, so please plan accordingly.
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Where can I rent a bike if I don't have one or if I'm flying
in for Zoo-de-Mackinac?
Latitude 45 in Petoskey is offering a special Zoo-de-Mackinac rate of $35 for the rental of a hybrid or mountain bike and $45 for the rental of a road bike. All rentals include a helmet. Bikes must be picked up Friday, May 16th between 4:00pm and 7:00pm and returned Sunday, May 18th between noon and 1:00pm to receive the special rate. Quantities are limited, especially for road bikes, so reserve yours right away by calling 231.348.5342 or by emailing Christian at christian@latitude45.com
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How do I register?
There are a few ways to register. You can register by downloading the PDF version of the registration form available on our website and mail it. You can register online through our website (see instructions below) or you can register in person at Boyne Highlands on Friday May 16th from 8:00pm to midnight, or Saturday May 17th from 8:00am to 11:00am.
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How do I register by mail?
Mail-in registration for this event is currently closed (posted May 13, 2008).

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How do I register in person?
Registration will be open on Friday from 8:00pm until midnight and will be located in the lobby below the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands. Saturday morning registration will be open from 8:00am to 11:00am in the skier’s parking lot at Boyne Highlands. We will accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards on Friday night and cash and personal checks only on Saturday morning.
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How do I register online?
Online registration for this event is currently closed (posted May 13, 2008).

Will my registration packet be mailed to me?
We do not mail out registration packets. Instead, you will pick them up at the registration tables we will have set up that weekend. Friday night registration is from 8:00pm to midnight and is located in the lobby under the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands. Saturday registration is from 8:00am to 11:00am and is located under the tent in the skier’s parking lot at Boyne Highlands. You must pick up your registration packet by 11:00am on Saturday. You must present a driver’s license or state ID to receive your packet.
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Can I pick up a packet for someone else?
Yes. We will give a registration packet to someone other than the registrant during registration on Friday night or Saturday morning.  You must have a signed letter from registrant saying who it is that is picking up the packet as well as photocopy of the registrant’s driver’s license.
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Can I register for someone else in person that weekend?
No, you can not register for another person at Friday night or Saturday morning registration. However, you can pick up a registration packet for someone who has pre-registered online or by mail. You must have a signed letter from registrant stating the name of the person that is picking up the packet as well as photocopy of the registrant’s driver’s license.
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What is in my registration packet that is so important?
Your registration packet includes your Zoo-De-Mackinac wristband that will get you into the Zoo Bar party on Friday night, lunch at Legs Inn on Saturday, allow you entry into the four best bars on Mackinac Island on Saturday night, and let you on the special Zoo-De-Mackinac chartered Arnold Ferries back to Mackinaw City at 10:00pm, 12:00am, 1:00am, and 2:00am on Saturday night. Also included in your registration packet is your ticket for lunch at Legs Inn on Saturday, your roundtrip ferry ticket to and from Mackinac Island for Saturday evening, as well as your detailed course map for Saturday’s ride.
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I mailed in my registration with my check and didn’t receive a confirmation. Am I registered?
You will only receive a confirmation if you registered online. Otherwise, your cancelled check is your receipt. You may want to photocopy your signed registration form and check and bring it with you to registration if you are worried that it will get lost in the mail.
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I’m registered but can’t come. Can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds for cancellations. However, you may transfer your paid registration to another person. Have the person to whom your registration is being transferred to bring a photocopy of your license with a signed letter stating the name, address, phone, email to whom you are transferring your registration. We can transfer the registration at the registration tables on Friday night or Saturday morning.
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What time does the ride start on Saturday?
There is not an organized group start. Riders may start at their leisure, but no later than 11:00am. We suggest starting early (8:00am to 9:00am) if you’ve never ridden the course before or if you aren’t in as good of shape as you’d like to be in. It takes the average rider about 6 to 7 hours of riding time, not including stops.
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Will there be restrooms or port-o-lets along the route?
Yes.
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Will there be places to get something to drink along the route?
Yes, however we do suggest you bring a Camelbak, hydration pack, or water bottle with you anyway. There are stores along the route where you can pick up snacks and beverages, so don’t forget to bring your cash!
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Will I need my lunch ticket to get my lunch at Legs Inn?
Yes. You will receive a lunch ticket in your registration packet. You must present this at the Legs Inn to receive your lunch. If you lose your lunch ticket, you will have to pay for your lunch.
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How do I get my luggage up to Mackinaw City?
Luggage transportation to Mackinaw City is included in the price of your registration. Please bring your bag to the UHAUL truck at the registration area on Saturday morning and we will drive it up. Bags will be at the Arnold South dock in Mackinaw City at approximately 3:30pm. You are responsible for picking up your luggage at the Arnold Ferry dock in Mackinaw City. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
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What time does the Arnold Ferry depart from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island?

Mackinaw City to 
Mackinac Island 
         
Mackinac Island to
Mackinaw City
7:30am           2:30pm
9:00am           6:00pm
8:00am           5:00pm
10:00am         7:00pm
8:30am           3:30pm
11:00am         8:00pm
9:30am           4:30pm
12:00pm         9:00pm
10:30am         5:30pm
1:00pm           10:00pm***
11:30am         6:30pm
2:00pm           12:00am***
12:30pm         7:30pm
3:00pm           1:00am***
1:30pm           8:30pm
4:00pm           2:00am***

                                                                                           
***PLEASE NOTE: The ferries with the *** next to them are chartered by Zoo-De-Mack. You will not get on these chartered ferries without a Zoo-De-Mack wristband.
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I’m riding. How do I get back to my car?
Thanks to our friends at Big Bear Adventures there are a number of different transportation options to get riders, their bikes, and their luggage to their cars including a Friday night shuttle, 2 Saturday shuttle options, and Sunday shuttles. For details, pricing, and full shuttle schedule, please visit our Transportation page. Other options are to have a non-rider drive the car up to Mackinaw City; If you are with a group, drive two cars up to Mackinaw City on Friday night or early Saturday morning,leave one car up there and drive the other back to Boyne Highlands; Take turns with your group switching off biking and driving.
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What will the weather be like?
If past dictates the future, the temperature this time of year should be in the high 60’s to low 70’s. Perfect for biking! Click here to check the weather conditions in Harbor Springs, MI
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What should I pack?
Here are some items that come in very handy for Zoo-De-Mackinac:

  1. Drivers License or State ID- to pick up registration packet
  2. Bike helmet
  3. Padded bicycle shorts
  4. Bike lock
  5. Camelbak or Hydration pack
  6. Cash for the ride- massages at lunch, snacks, drinks & other necessities along the way
  7. Clothes for ALL types of weather. Including rain gear!
  8. Walkie-Talkies- cellular service is very limited
  9. Backpack for the ride
  10. Sunblock/Sunscreen
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How did Zoo-De-Mackinac get started?
Many years ago, we had brand new mountain bikes and an old memory of a picturesque road from Harbor Springs to Mackinaw City.  We called some friends, talked eight of them into riding it, and the next thing you know we found ourselves on Mackinac Island with grins from ear to ear. The next year we wrote a flyer and had 80 participants, and have since watched it grow to over 2,400 participants.
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Select a link below for additional information on:
Bike Bash Info • Transportation Info • Accommodations Info • Weenend Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
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