Michigan Off-Road Expedition (M.O.R.E.)

The Michigan Off-Road Expedition (M.O.R.E.), a new 1,050-mile bikepacking route spanning Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, has been officially launched. Documented with photography by Matt Acker, Neil Beltchenko, and Garrett Hein, the route connects diverse off-road terrain across the state. This significant undertaking offers a new long-distance challenge for the growing bikepacking community, providing a comprehensive tour of Michigan's natural landscapes.

This route's introduction is timely, aligning with the sustained surge in bikepacking's popularity, particularly for domestic adventures. As international travel remains complex, well-mapped, extensive routes within North America become increasingly valuable. M.O.R.E. joins a burgeoning list of regional epic trails, offering an alternative to established routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and catering to riders seeking challenging, multi-day experiences closer to home, thereby bolstering local cycling tourism.

While perhaps not the Alps, a 1,050-mile off-road traverse of Michigan is hardly a Sunday spin. It’s another welcome addition to the ever-expanding menu for those who prefer their adventures long, dirty, and decidedly self-supported.