So what is Zoo-De-Mack...well, it is important to note that THIS IS NOT A RACE!!! Instead, it's a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,200+ last year and 41 members of Team Shack Chicago) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. The ride starts Saturday morning at "BOYNE HIGHLANDS" Resort where we stay on Thursday and Friday nights. We peddle 51 miles along Lake Michigan on a paved road with very little automobile traffic, and stop approximately half way at a unique place called the "LEGS INN" where we have a leisurely lunch, can get a massage, flirt with people of the opposite sex and so forth. The ride continues on to Mackinaw City. We'll then jump on one of the "ARNOLD FERRY" boats for the ride over to MACKINAC ISLAND. Once on the Island , we check into the Chippewa Hotel and hit the oversized hot tub with a lot of beer in tow. As the evening wears on, we will most certainly liven up the island, as AWESOME BANDS will be playing at the French Outpost, Pink Pony, and Horns, and true to form…Jaeger Bombs and Vodka Redbull’s will be a plenty.

When is the "ZOO-DE-MACKINAC''? The weekend of May 16-18th, 2008.

What kind of shape do I need to be in? Anybody who is in average physical condition should have no trouble going the distance. The first half of the ride is a little hilly and the last half is relatively flat. Even if you're not into riding, this weekend promises an unforgettable time with a great group of friends.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? I’ve done the ride 6 times and have had great weather four times (high 60's / low 70’s), and not so great weather (a little cool and a little drizzle on occasion, but that didn't deter our group or most of the other riders)

WHAT DOES THE "ZOO-DE-MACKINAC" cost? - $45.00 entry fee. ($55 after May 5, 2007) plus lodging for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights ( $190 for three nights which includes Team Shack shirt) or $170for Friday and Saturday night only. If we have any excess money, we'll put that towards beer and munchies. The $45 entry fee includes pre-ride party Friday night at the ZOO BAR where we all wear our Team Shack Chicago shirts (we're a cult favorite in these parts), luggage transportation to Mackinaw City on Saturday, lunch at midway point at the "LEGS INN" on Saturday, and round trip ferry transportation to and from the island and back to Boyne . Golf is optional and not included and green fees of $84 on the #55 of the top 100 golf courses to play in the US.

Here's what you can expect:

THURSDAY:
For those coming in on Thursday afternoon/evening (which is highly recommended)…Friday is a day of leisure, golf at The Heather, hot tubbing in the oversized pool, and/or perhaps shuttling some cars to Mackinac City. I’m sure a few hundred beers will be consumed as well…

FRIDAY NIGHT:
For the 1% of you who like to do things like normal, rational people, we strongly recommend eating a good meal Friday night with lots of carbohydrates, taking it easy and getting a good nights sleep. For the 99% of you who will follow the lead of the veterans, get ready for an all out "ZOO BAR" (www.thezoobar.com) bash with a live band and lots of drinkies.

SATURDAY:
Hangover or not, we'll be meeting in the "BOYNE HIGHLANDS" Ski area parking lot, literally next to where we will be staying. Luggage will be transported to Mackinaw City, via the zoo-crew in a "U-HAUL (This is included in your entry fee). You are responsible for picking up your bag at the "ARNOLD" dock in Mackinaw City. Once on the island, we’ll have dinner, hang out or I should say take over the hot tub at the Chippewa Hotel, and enjoy the post ride parties at the "FRENCH OUTPOST", "HORNS" or "THE PINK PONY" (which is in the Chippewa Hotel) These parties are reserved for Zoo riders only!

SUNDAY:
Mosey back to our hotel rooms from the night before if you’re lucky, and pack up so we can get on the ferry back to Mackinaw City, then shuttle back to Boyne to pick up our cars and head home.

I encourage those of you who haven't been on this ride, to seriously consider it. It is a great way to start off summer, you'll meet a host of fun people, and you'll have a great time. I’d also encourage you to leave on Thursday to maximize your time and so you can enjoy and extended weekend. We look forward to planning this event every year and hope to see a lot of the veterans again, as well as some of your newbie friends.