A weeklong bike-packing trip will be hosted by Cru, a campus-wide non-profit Christian organization, starting Aug. 22 to Aug. 28. The 2026 Keweenaw Bike Tour will begin in Houghton and loop through the Copper Harbor area. Both Michigan Tech students and other interested riders are encouraged to attend the final information session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 9, in Fisher 326. Sign-up before the deadline, on Monday, Apr. 13, and take the chance to explore the Keweenaw the week before the fall semester starts.
The route will include stretches along Lake Superior, through forested backroads, as well as camping and opportunities to stop in small towns, and explore local trails and views. The final trip plan will depend on the overall group size and interests. This event is open to both Michigan Tech students and non-students, as well as riders of all experience levels.
Owen Gorter, Cru member and event organizer, believes that this trip fits the kind of community that exists at Michigan Tech and in the Keweenaw. This region’s outdoor setting allows a bike tour as a natural option for people looking to be active. “Most people come to MTU for the expertise,” Gorter said, “but there are also some who come here for the scenery and environment.” Michigan Tech campus provides the unique opportunity to balance technical degree pursuit while exploring the rugged area. Gorter said. “I feel as though this is relevant because of the Outdoorsy community that we are in.” [Disclaimer: Gorter is a current reporter for The Lode.]
Rather than staying on-campus or only visiting a few familiar spots, participants get a direct way to experience the natural side of the Keweenaw through a planned route. “I feel like if I were offered to take a tour around the Keweenaw on a bike, I would not hesitate to say yes!” Gorter said. “It is the perfect way to be active and to see the beautiful area that we are all in.”
Participants can sign-up through the tour’s interest form, though organizers encourage anyone interested to attend the final information session first. The sign-up form is via this link: forms.gle/95i4Vhd8vMvvff8Q9. Anyone who has questions or wishes to be added to the information emailing list can contact Gorter at ofgorter@mtu.edu.
