LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Thousands of cyclists are back in the saddle for a Labor Day tradition on two wheels: the DALMAC, or Dick Allen Lansing to MACkinaw Bicycle Tour.

What started in 1971 as a challenge from then-Rep. Dick Allen to “ride all the way to the bridge” has grown into one of Michigan’s longest-running multi-day bike tours. Today, organizers describe it as “Michigan’s annual, fully supported, epic end-of-summer bicycle camping tour.”

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This year marks the 54th edition, with eight routes ranging from a 2-day, 84-mile trail ride to the “Quint Century,” a 500-mile trek for the hard-core. As the DALMAC site puts it: “Eight Routes. One Weekend. One Epic Ride.”

Riders rolled out of Lansing on Aug. 27, heading north on country roads, through small towns, and ultimately toward the Mackinac Bridge. Along the way they’ll camp, share meals, get support from Support-and-Gear (SAG) vehicles, and even pose for a finish-line photo in Mackinaw City.

DALMAC director Dan Stockwell insists it’s about the ride, not the race. “We get that question a lot,” Stockwell told WLNS 6 News. “Everyone is a winner on DALMAC.”

Proceeds benefit the DALMAC Fund, which provides grants to promote cycling across Michigan.