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Leaf Pile Pedal
A mixed-surface bike packing weekend to test your gear—with light support
📅 October 9–11, 2026
📍 Location: Camp Douglas Smith
⏰ On-site check-in opens at 5:00 PM on Friday, October 9
Updates will be posted here as planning continues.
Routes, locations, and details are subject to change.
🎉 Kids 18 and under ride FREE (as of event date), thanks to our amazing partners. Must be accompanied by and adult.
SPECIAL OFFER!!!
Crunch through the autumn crispness at this year’s Leaf Pile Pedal! Whether you’re chasing scenic fall views or sweeping through forest trails, there’s no better way to welcome the season than on two wheels—and it’s even better with a riding buddy.
Win a Free Pass for a Friend
Register for the Leaf Pile Pedal by Friday, September 18th at 12:00 PM (Noon), and you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing to win a bonus Bring-a-Friend Registration!
- The Prize: One free entry for the riding partner of your choice.
- The Deadline: Friday, Sept 18th @ 12:00 PM EDT sharp.
- How to Enter: Simply complete your registration online before the clock strikes noon.
Don’t wait until the leaves start falling to lock in your spot. Grab your registration today, claim your entry for the giveaway, and get ready to ride! We will draw the winner on Sept. 18th at 6 pm, live from 906AT basecamp during packet pick up for Marji Gesik.
New to Bike packing?
We will be hosting a webinar on Sept 9th 2026 at Noon to go over questions folks may have about bike packing and the Leaf Pile Pedal in general. Link to meeting:
Leaf Pile Pedal Webinar Q&A w/ Neal Glazebrook
Wednesday, September 9 · 12:00 – 1:00pm
Time zone: America/Detroit
Join with Google Meet
https://meet.google.com/van-wpuf-gjb
Or Join by Phone
(US) +1 424-570-3638 PIN: 684 561 771#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/van-wpuf-gjb?pin=4481371555983
What This Weekend Is About
Leaf Pile Pedal is a lightly supported bike packing adventure designed to help cyclists learn how to travel by bike, build confidence in their setup, and experience the magic of creating their own adventure—without being thrown straight into the deep end.
You’ll ride, explore, problem-solve, and learn alongside fellow cyclists, with LMB there to ease the learning curve and cheer you on. This event reflects our mission to unify, advocate, and educate for cyclists—and to welcome both residents and visitors to explore Michigan by bike.
Expect a calm, collaborative group environment where everyone moves forward together.
You’re signing up for an adventure by bike—and this is where it starts. Commit to the ride, show up with your bike, and we’ll meet you with great routes, good company, and an awesome place to explore together.
Who This Is For
Riders curious about bike packing.
Experienced bike packers looking for a quick fall getaway.
Cyclists ready to test their setup.
People who like quiet roads, fall air, and campfire stories.
Those who believe the best adventures happen when you ride a little farther than planned.
What’s Included
- Event T-shirt from our awesome partners @DaylightBrand Registration by noon on Sept. 21 2026 to be guaranteed a t-shirt.
- Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday (Chris Cakes of Michigan)
- Light ride snacks to grab each morning
- Camping spot (showers at each camp)
- Community bonfire each night (weather permitting)
- RWGPS routes and free access to the RWGPS platform during the event
- Assorted non-alcoholic beverages in camp
- Assorted swag giveaways (TBD)
- Potable water for cooking and to fill bottles
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Expectations & On Ride Support
This is a true bike packing experience—you will carry your own gear from campsite to campsite. There will be no SAG vehicles, but this is very much a team effort. LMB staff and participants will work together to solve issues and keep everyone moving forward.
- Camping and bonfire available on Friday Oct. 9th along with check-in
- Check in from 7 to 9 am on Sat. Oct 10th as well
- Light snacks will be available in camp while supplies last
- Routes will pass stores with lunch and/or dinner stops along the way- only breakfast is included please plan ahead
- No on-site mechanics, but we’ll pass several opportunities and can recommend where to go if needed
- First aid supplies will be available in camp
What to Bring
If you bring it, you carry it.
Your Bike
- Bike with bags and/or racks for all personal gear
- Recommended tires: 37c or larger for gravel and off-road riding
- Tube, tire boot, and inflation device
- Basic tools for trail-side fixes
Food & Fuel
- Find lunch and dinner of your choice en route (lunch and dinner are not included)
- Ride snacks you enjoy eating
- Breakfast is covered
- Light snacks available in camp to pack for the day
Camp & Clothing
- Sleeping setup (tent preferred; limited hammock space)
- Riding layers for all weather—this is a rain-or-shine adventure
- Camp clothes for evenings around the fire
Essentials
- Toiletries and medications
- Bike computer or smartphone for navigation
- Charging cables
- Backup battery or power bank
Gear Suggestions on Amazon
CHECK THE GEAR LIST
Leading up to our webinar check out this great handbook from Bikepacking.com on the basics of Bike Packing
ROUTES:
Please note: Final routes will be sent out to registered riders the week prior to the event.
PLEASE NOTE: There are no refunds once registered.
LEAF PILE PEDAL 2025 POWERED BY (2026 TBA)
