THE ROUTE
1,121 Miles.
4 states
The Mishigami traces the full perimeter of Lake Michigan making for one of the most iconic geographic circuits in American ultra cycling. Starting and finishing in Chicago, riders travel north through Wisconsin, east across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, south along Michigan's Lake Shore, and back through Indiana.
The route is almost entirely paved. Terrain ranges from flat lakefront paths and quiet country roads to rolling hills in Wisconsin and Michigan's scenic coastal highways. Most riders expect 3–10 days of non-stop effort.
WHAT IS THE MISHIGAMI?
The Mishigami is a self-supported ultra cycling race that circumnavigates Lake Michigan — the only Great Lake lying entirely within the United States. At 1,121 miles, it is one of the longest road-format ultra cycling events in America. Riders start from Chicago, Illinois, and travel clockwise around the lake through Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana before returning to Chicago.
The race offers two route options. The full Mishigami is the complete 1,121-mile circumnavigation. The Mini-Gami is a 484-mile abbreviated route covering the southern arc of the circuit — an excellent entry point for riders new to ultra-distance racing.
Riders manage their own sleep, food, lodging, and navigation. There are no aid stations, no support vehicles, and no shortcuts. This is a race in the fullest sense.
THE COURSE: WHAT TO EXPECT
The Mishigami course is almost entirely on paved roads. Riders move through a variety of terrain over the course of the race, and understanding each segment is critical to pacing and planning.
Illinois (Chicago → Wisconsin border, ~50 miles): Flat to gently rolling. Riders leave Chicago via lakefront paths and suburban roads before entering Wisconsin's lake country. Traffic is heaviest here and gets lighter as you progress north.
Wisconsin (~250 miles): The western shore of Lake Michigan through Wisconsin offers rolling terrain, quiet county roads, dairy farms, and charming lake towns including Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Green Bay. The terrain becomes more demanding as you approach the Upper Peninsula.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP, ~270 miles): One of the most remote and beautiful segments of the course. The UP is sparsely populated with long stretches between services. Riders must plan food and water carefully. The scenery — cedar forests, small harbors, and clear water — makes this segment worth every hard mile.
Michigan's Lower Peninsula (~455 miles): The longest segment. Riders descend the eastern shore of Lake Michigan through resort towns, fruit orchards, dunes, and eventually the industrial shoreline of southwest Michigan. This is where fatigue sets in for most riders, and where the race is often won or lost mentally.
Indiana (~60 miles): The final push. Indiana Dunes, Gary, and the Chicago skyline emerging on the horizon. You know the end is close.
THE RULES
1. Complete the Course Under Your Own Power
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Stay on the prescribed route. If you leave, return to the exact spot you exited
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Only detour for road closures or safety hazards
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No motorized assistance
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No drafting (except Pairs Category)
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For major mechanical issues, you may get outside help (excluding friends/family) but must resume from the breakdown point.
2. Ride Solo & Self-Supported
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You're responsible for yourself
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No outside help unless it's commercially available to all
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Carry your own gear—no sharing (except Pairs Category)
3. Equal Opportunity
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No pre-race caches or staged supplies
4. Non-Stop Race
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The clock runs from the Grand Depart until you finish or scratch
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No mandatory stops or rest periods
5. Proof of Completion
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Use an approved GPS tracker with our event tracking service to verify your route and time
6. Safety First
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Follow all traffic laws and ride safely
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Wear a helmet at all times
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Must have two headlights and two tail lights with separate power sources; lights on from dusk to dawn
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Wear reflective gear when riding at night
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All bicycles must minimally be equipped with the following reflective elements:
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At least 6 inches of reflective tape along the rear of each seat stay
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At least 6 inches of reflective tape along the front of each fork
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At least 3 strips of 2-inch reflective tape on each side of each rim (12 strips total for both rims)
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7. Honor System
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Know the rules and self-police
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Report rule violations within 48 hours post-race
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Minor infractions may result in time penalties; major ones can lead to disqualification
