Priority Health Tour de Leelanau

Course Safety

Rolling Closure Sheriff Mike Olterdorf and the Deputies of the Leelanau Sheriff's Office enthusiastically support the 2008 Priority Health Tour de Leelanau! "When approached three summers ago by Steve Brown with the possibility of a bicycle road race in our county I was cautiously optimistic," said Undersheriff Scott Wooters, "Then Steve described a rolling road closure that would move in two stages (men and women) around the county and I thought, The Disaster Cometh!"

With superb planning and a team of excellent volunteers, the last three years' races came off without a hitch. Racers enjoyed perfect weather and the sight of the colorful "Leelanau Peloton" was thrilling to all. Citizens also played a key role in the success of the race. Although some were initially apprehensive about traffic issues, everyone was patient and respectful (including the racers). We are anxious to take part in this year's race and look forward to the expanded course which will travel through Empire and Northport!

Michigan State Police, Grand Traverse Band, and National Park Service Rangers will assist the Leelanau Sheriff's Office securing the critical road junctions for both the men's and women's races. Assisting them will be motorcycle marshals and approximately 250 volunteer marshals at all of the different road junctions along the course.

The road junction marshals may delay cars for a few minutes at their particular corner when the race is approaching. Once the sweep vehicle has progressed through that spot; the marshals will wave vehicular traffic through.

Race Caravan

Just like in football, hockey, basketball, and baseball (or really any given sport) cyclists need a number of people working on the sidelines to provide support and medical services during their events. The different is that in cycling there are no sidelines and all of the support personnel have to ride in cars in order to keep up with these athletes!

Lead vehicles include a "Three Minute Car" which stays 3 minutes ahead of the race and informs the corner marshals that it is time to delay traffic until the race has passed. You can't miss the big "3" on the side! Following the "Three Minute Car" will be either a Leelanau Sheriff or Michigan State Police vehicle that is directly in front of the racers.

Directly behind the peloton is the Chief Commissaire who monitors the field of racers to ensure a fair competition. The Chief Commissaire keeps in constant contact with law enforcement officials to make sure that the field of racers does not become too spread out and may eliminate racers if need be.

Next come the neutral support vehicles staffed with Michigan's finest bicycle mechanics, who are ready to help fix any mechanical problem on the fly and get the racers back into the peloton.

Medical personnel follow the neutral support folks and are ready to assist riders with everything from a sore shoulder to treating road rash and beyond. The very last vehicle in this fast moving parade is the sweep vehicle, or broom wagon. The broom wagon literally sweeps up any riders that are unable to carry on and will give them a ride and much needed moral support on the journey to the finish line Eagle's Ridge.

Suggested Viewing Areas

Of course, all of the sprints in each village will provide lot's of action. Racers will be battling each other for the Advantage Benefits Sprint competition as well as special village baskets put together by the merchants of each town. The baskets will reflect that town's own unique character. The best spot to see a sprint is actually 100 yards before the finish line; that's when riders will be going full-bore.

Inspiration Point (mile 23) - This year the guys are tackling the STEEP side of Inspiration Point. It is the first real climbing test of the day and should provide some insight into who is feeling good. Park at the Inspiration Point parking area at the very top of the climb.

Wilco Road (mile 33) - This downhill is guaranteed to string the men's field out into one long single-file line as they prepare for the Empire sprint. Speeds up to 40 mph are possible on this very technical and winding narrow road. Dune swales come right down to the road and create a few completely blind corners. Make sure to stay well off the road! Park at the Empire Dunes trailhead at the top and walk down to your spot. Please access Wilco Rd from M-22.

Tower Road (mile 59 and mile 19(w)) - The Nagly Wal or "Steep Wall" features a 20% grade for an eighth of a mile on some fairly rough pavement, and the incline continues at a more moderate 6% pitch for another quarter mile. Though it is relatively short, the Nagly Wal should create many small gaps in both the men's and women's races. There's still a long way to travel but the Nagly Wal should have a say in determining the final outcome of the races. Park on the North side of 616 and walk up the hill.

St. Wenceslaus Church (mile 86 and mile 46 (w)) - St Wenceslaus, the Bohemian Church, stands erect and proud so it can be seen by the cyclists for miles before they actually arrive. It serves as the last feed zone before the finish so teams will be uploading food and energy drinks to their riders for the 20 mile push to the finish line. Please allow the teams their space within the feed zone.

Spectating Tips

Bring your Sharpie and favorite cycling apparel to the start and finish venues as cyclists are always ready to sign autographs. It's best to catch the athletes about an hour before their start as that is when they'll be the most approachable. After that, they'll want to be warming up, having team meetings, and preparing for a long day in the saddle.

Don't forget your sunscreen, rain gear, and hat! The weather in Northern Michigan can change quickly so prepare appropriately. Use alternate roads to leap-frog the racers to catch them at different locales. It will be impossible to pass the whole race caravan (and the Sheriff's Officers leading the race won't appreciate you passing them on a double yellow line!). Make a travel plan in advance for all of the strategic spots you want to see!

The Bissell King of the Mountain climbs will provide a chance to cheer on your favorite riders as they won't be moving at such a high speed.

Please pull all the way off the road to ensure that your car won't interfere with the cyclists! Remember that there are other race fans, too!

Allow plenty of room for elbow to elbow competition at the sprint lines.