The Long Day Around 2025

Through Justin’s Eyes

This year’s Long Day Around featured eight riders determined to tackle 600 miles of Michigan shoreline in support of Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. Returning riders included Wayne Koppa, myself, Phil Shrader, and Steve Bickford. New to the adventure were Garrick Cvitkovich, Jason Bergwall, Rick Wilder, and Joe Sepesy.

Our day began before sunrise at 6:00 a.m., when the amazing staff at Grayling Restaurant welcomed us an hour earlier than their normal opening time. In true small-town generosity, they provided breakfast for all eight riders—my go-to choice was the classic breakfast sandwich. While stories and coffee were flowing, I was juggling GPS logistics and social media updates to ensure our supporters could follow along in real time.

Kickstands were up at 6:45 a.m., and we rolled east into the AuSable River Valley under crisp 32-degree air. Heated gear was a blessing as we dodged wildlife and traced the river’s curves toward McKinley. The first stop came at the AuSable River Overlook just as dawn broke, followed by a visit to Iargo Springs—our first of several live on-air check-ins with Q-100, who once again helped share our story and mission throughout the day.

Somewhere between Mio and Oscoda, our GPS tracking link failed—an inevitable challenge in poor cell service. Once we reached Oscoda, a quick gas stop and a few button presses got us back online. The US-23 lakeshore offered a stunning sunrise over Lake Huron, a perfect backdrop as we cruised through Harrisville, Alpena, Rogers City, and Cheboygan before reaching Mackinaw City around 11:45 a.m. There, we enjoyed a makeshift “school lunch” of PB&J, energy drinks, and cookies baked by Rick’s thoughtful neighbor. Our lineup of six BMWs even caught the eye of a fellow BMW enthusiast (though he was traveling by car this time). We capped off the stop with a traditional group photo at the Old Mackinac Lighthouse, the bridge standing tall behind us.

Back on the road, we weaved through Wilderness State Park, where a missed turn briefly separated Joe and Wayne, but local knowledge and quick rerouting reunited us at the Legs Inn in Cross Village. A few riders couldn’t resist picking up M-119 Tunnel of Trees stickers—classic tourist move. The famed tunnel was just past its color peak but still stunning. With some skillful maneuvering, we made our way around Sunday drivers to enjoy the rhythm of one of Michigan’s most iconic roads.

From there, I adjusted our route to bypass Harbor Springs, taking us instead through the rolling hills past Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands. We battled traffic through Petoskey, made a quick fuel stop in Charlevoix (and admired the world’s largest cherry pie), then continued south through drizzle near Acme. That’s where Jason, who had set a new Long Day record for the farthest Triumph ride, wisely decided to head home—cold, sore-necked, but smiling.

Rain chased us through Traverse City, then cleared as we headed toward Northport and the famed M-22. The winding hills and tight corners offered perfect riding conditions—especially entertaining when the Ford Bronco ahead of me decided to drive like it was on a racetrack. Near Glen Arbor, an impressive eight-point buck dashed across the road well ahead of me, a reminder of just how alive this route is. We paused at the Platte River mouth to admire the view of Sleeping Bear Dunes and capture some footage before refueling again in Frankfort.

With daylight fading, we pressed south to Inspiration Point (Arcadia Scenic Turnout), soaking in one last breathtaking view of Lake Michigan’s golden horizon. From there, it was time to turn east—hungry and determined. The ride back through Mesick, Manton, and Lake City brought darkness, fog, and light rain, but our spirits stayed high. We rolled safely into Spike’s Keg ‘O’ Nails in Grayling at 8:12 p.m., greeted warmly by Rotarians from both the Roscommon and Grayling clubs.

My post-ride tradition didn’t disappoint: a Cherry Wheat, a Spike Burger basket, and a side of deep-fried green beans—the perfect reward after 13 hours and 27 minutes of riding for a cause that continues to matter deeply.

Eight riders. One mission. Countless miles of Michigan beauty—all to help eradicate polio from the planet.

If you’d like to support our cause, donations will be accepted through November 8, 2025 at:
https://raise.rotary.org/Justin-Andre/challenge930

– Justin Andre, Rotary Club of Grayling

We made it!!!! Thank you all for your support!! 13hrs 27min with 8 riders!!’ Still plenty of time to donate!

Live track info: https://gar.mn/88p0LXVG9E

This years riders!!!

Pints for Polio had a great turnout!! Thanks everyone!! Riders are tucked in for the night! Stay tuned for ride links in the morning!

Pints for Polio TONIGHT!
Kickoff World Polio Day with us at Paddle Hard Brewing from 6–8PM!
Riders will be on hand — feel free to ask about the bikes or what 13 hours in the saddle does to a backside
If it’s raining, we may keep the bikes tucked in until Friday’s big ride — but the riders are ready to celebrate and support a world without polio!

We are so excited for the 23rd and 24th World Polio Day Events. Especially the 24th when take off on 2 wheels around the Tip of Michigan!! Please continue to share our cause and kindly ask your friends and family to contribute to our efforts. Please make sure you follow The Long Day Around on Facebook, we will be posting a GPS tracking link, as well as progress photos along the way on Ride Day!

Keep the support coming!! Please share our efforts on your social channels!! Follow us on facebook: The Long Day Around & Rotary Club of Grayling. We will be posting live tracking information on Ride Morning!