Frequently Asked Questions
Since this is our 34th Zoo-de-Mack, we have had our slew of questions, including many changes over the years. Below, you will find a majority of the questions with answers that we get year-over-year. If you have a specific question that we have not answered here, please contact us.
Registration
What is the cost?
Register Early & Save!
Until February 28: $60
March 1-31: $65
April 1-30: $70
May 1-15: $80
Late Registration On-Site May 19-21: $80
How do I register?
There are a few ways to register. To register online CLICK HERE or you can register in person at The Highlands on Friday night from 6:00pm to 11pm, or Saturday from 7:30am to 10:30am.
What is included with the price of entry fee?
The entry fee covers a number of things over the weekend. It covers admission into the exclusive Zoo-De-Mack pre-ride bash at the Zoo Bar on Friday night, the official Zoo-De-Mack bicycle ride on Saturday, lunch at the Legs Inn on Saturday afternoon, finish line party at Mackinaw Crossings in Mackinaw City, round trip ferry tickets to and from Mackinac Island aboard Star Line, access to the Zoo-De-Mack chartered (7:30 pm-11pm) Star Line Ferries to/from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw City for participants only (so you can enjoy and entire evening on the island and still stay on the main land), and entry into the four most popular bars on Mackinac Island on Saturday night.
What does my entry fee cover?
Producing a weekend-long bicycle event of this size costs money. Besides covering the cost of your lunch and ferry tickets, the money goes toward the behind-the-scenes operational costs to make this event as fun and safe as possible for our participants. Your fee offsets additional costs such as port-o-lets, directional signage along the route, police and safety support, and countless other items.
I have children that want to ride. Do I have to pay for each child?
Yes, all participants have to pay the entry fee. We would love to offer different price options for riders and non-riders, full course riders and partial course riders, children and seniors, people who just want to do the ride and those that just want to come to party, lunch included or without lunch, with ferry tickets or without ferry tickets, and every other option under the sun. However, at this time in order to keep things as simple as possible for the participants as well as the event organizers, every participant, riding or not riding, pays the same entry fee. We are a very small company who puts a great deal of our spare time into organizing this great event after our regular careers, kids, and typical modern day obligations. We are passionate about our work because we not only enjoy the weekend ourselves but we truly take pleasure in seeing our participants have such a fantastic time that they return year after year. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.
Can I join the festivities if I don't want to ride?
Yes! Those who don’t ride have as much fun (if not more) as those who do! However, you still need to register even if you are not participating in the ride.
If I'm not riding, do I still have to pay the entry fee?
Yes, if you are not riding you still have to pay the entry fee. We would love to offer different price options for riders and non-riders, full course riders and partial course riders, children and seniors, people who just want to do the ride and those that just want to come to party, lunch included or without lunch, with ferry tickets or without ferry tickets, and every other option under the sun. However, at this time in order to keep things as simple as possible for the participants as well as the event organizers, every participant, riding or not riding, pays the same entry fee. We are a very small company who puts a great deal of our spare time into organizing this great event after our regular careers, kids, and typical modern day obligations. We are passionate about our work because we not only enjoy the weekend ourselves but we truly take pleasure in seeing our participants have such a fantastic time that they return year after year. We thank you for your understanding on this matter and welcome to our friends’ site.
Where do I get my registration packet?
We do not mail out registration packets. Instead, you will pick them up at the registration tables we will have set up that weekend in the lobby of the Ski lodge below the Zoo Bar. Friday night registration is from 6:00 pm to 11:00pm and Saturday registration is from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. You must pick up your registration packet by 10:30 am on Saturday. You must present a driver’s license or state ID to receive your packet.
Can I pick up someone else's packet?
Yes. We will give a registration packet to someone other than the registrant during registration on Friday night or Saturday morning. You must have a signed letter from registrant saying who it is that is picking up the packet as well as photocopy of the registrant’s driver’s license.
Can I register someone else in person that weekend?
No, you cannot register for another person at Friday night or Saturday morning registration. However, you can pick up a registration packet for someone who has pre-registered. You must have a signed note, text or email from registrant stating the name of the person that is picking up the packet as well as copy or photo of the registrant’s driver’s license.
What do I need out of my registration packet?
Your registration packet includes your Zoo-De-Mack wristband that will get you into the Zoo Bar party on Friday night, lunch at Legs Inn on Saturday, allow you entry into the post ride party in Mackinaw City, allow you entry into the four best bars on Mackinac Island on Saturday night, and let you on the special Zoo-De-Mack chartered Star Line Ferries to/from Mackinaw City (7:30 pm – 2:00 am) on Saturday night. Also included in your registration packet is your ticket for lunch at Legs Inn on Saturday, your roundtrip ferry ticket to and from Mackinac Island for Saturday evening, as well as your detailed course map for Saturday’s ride.
I'm registered, but I can't make it. Do you offer refunds?
We do not offer refunds for cancellations. However, you may transfer your paid registration to another person. Have the person to whom your registration is being transferred to bring a photocopy of your license with a signed letter stating the name, address, phone, email to whom you are transferring your registration. We can transfer the registration at the registration tables on Friday night or Saturday morning.
Day-Of & Route
What time does the ride start on Saturday?
There is not an organized group start. Riders may start at their leisure, but no later than 10:30 am. We suggest starting early (7:30 am to 9:00 am) if you’ve never ridden the course before or if you aren’t in as good of shape as you’d like to be in. It takes the average rider about 6 to 7 hours of riding time, not including stops.
Are their restrooms or port-a-johns along the way?
Yes!
Are there places to eat or drink along the route?
Yes, however we do suggest you bring a Camelbak, hydration pack, or water bottle with you anyway. There are stores along the route where you can pick up snacks and beverages, so don’t forget to bring your cash!
Will I need my lunch ticket for Legs Inn?
Yes. You will receive a lunch ticket in your registration packet. You must present this at the Legs Inn to receive your lunch. If you lose your lunch ticket, you will have to pay for your lunch.
Long Distance Riding
What kind of shape should I be in to ride?
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. The distance makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something but will leave you with plenty of energy to continue on until late in the evening. We would recommend with any distance ride that you prepare yourself with adequate training.
I'd like to ride, but 51 miles is too far for me. Are there shorter options?
If you want to participate in the Zoo-de-Mackinac but can’t ride 51 miles, you can cut the ride in half and do either the Zoo-de-Legs 25 mile ride or the Legs-de-Mack 25 mile ride. The Zoo-de-Legs ride takes you through the beautiful Tunnel of Trees portion of the ride and ends at the Legs Inn in Cross Village. Once in Cross Village, there will be a bus for riders and their bikes at the gas station that will go back to Boyne Highlands at 1pm & 2:30 pm. The Legs-de-Mack ride takes you from Legs Inn across the finish line in Mackinaw City. A shuttle for riders and their bikes will depart from The Highlands at 11:00 am and arrive at the Legs Inn in plenty of time for lunch. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Please see the Big Bear Adventures website for Shuttle Options and reservations. For further information or call Big Bear Adventures directly at 231.238.8181. There will be no refunds if you miss the bus, so please plan accordingly.
How long does it take to ride the 51 miles?
It takes the average rider approximately 6 to 7 hours of actual ride time, not including lunch or stops along the way.
What will the weather be like?
If past dictates the future, the temperature this time of year should be in the high 60’s to low 70’s. Perfect for biking! Click here to check the weather conditions in Harbor Springs, MI
What should I pack?
Here are some items that come in very handy for Zoo-De-Mackinac:
- Drivers License or State ID- to pick up registration packet
- Bike helmet
- Padded bicycle shorts
- Bike lock
- Camelbak or Hydration pack
- Cash for the ride- massages at lunch, snacks, drinks & other necessities along the way
- Clothes for ALL types of weather. Including rain gear!
- Walkie-Talkies- cellular service is very limited
- Backpack for the ride
- Sunblock/Sunscreen
Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island
How do I get my luggage to Mackinaw City?
Luggage transportation to Mackinaw City is included in the price of your registration. Please bring your bag to the UHAUL truck at the registration area on Saturday morning and Star Line will drive it up. Bags will be at the Star Line Ferry Dock at approximately 3:30 pm. You are responsible for and will have the choice of picking up your luggage at the Star Line Ferry dock in Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island or delivered directly to your Mackinaw Island hotel. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Do I need to purchase tickets for the ferry?
NO!
YOUR FERRY WRISTBAND IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION!
You will need this wristband to go back and forth from Macinaw City and Mackinac Island. This is good for the entire ZDM weekend.
What times does the Star Line Ferry depart/return?
CLICK HERE for the Star Line Ferry Schedule.
About Zoo-de-Mack
What is the Zoo-de-Mack?
The Zoo-de-Mack is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island. The Zoo-de-Mack is NOT A RACE but a gathering of approximately 2,000 outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together (and party) in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan and all of the Midwest!
How did the Zoo-de-Mack get started?
Many years ago, we had brand new mountain bikes and an old memory of a picturesque road from Harbor Springs to Mackinaw City. We called some friends, talked eight of them into riding it, and the next thing you know we found ourselves on Mackinac Island with grins from ear to ear. The next year we wrote a flyer and had 80 participants, and have since watched it grow to to 2000 annually and have had up to 4000 participants.
When is the 2024 34th Annual Zoo-de-Mack?
May 17-18-19, 2024.
Where is the ride held?
The weekend starts with a pre-ride party at the Zoo Bar at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan and ends in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Post ride parties are on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Who goes to the Zoo-de-Mack?
Approximately 2,500-4,000 people from across the country attend every year! We welcome everyone and anyone who is interested in some physical exercise, having a great time, and enjoying one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. Even if you don’t ride, we encourage you to join the fun (you still must register). The people who don’t ride have as much or more fun than the people who do!
Bikes & Storage
Is there bike storage on site?
Yes there is free overnight bike storage available in the ski lodge at The Highlands, just look for the directional signage. The bike room is open Friday 10am-Midnight and Saturday morning starting at 7:30am. BE SURE TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE INSIDE THE ROOM!
What kind of bikes are allowed for the ride?
At Zoo-de-Mack it’s all about the fun! We welcome bikes of all kinds including e bikes, fat tire bikes, tandem bikes. We highly recommend that each rider come prepared with a tuned-up bike (keep in mind bike shops are very busy in the spring so plan ahead and give the bike shop a week or two, or get it in early so you can avoid the rush.
BRING TWO OF YOUR OWN TUBES! We all know that Michigan roads are in pretty rough shape and can be tough on your bike. ZDM does provide limited SAG support. Due to the wide variety of bike tires we have a limited stock. We encourage every rider to bring at least 2 back up tubes (the correct size of course) so that if you fall victim to a Michigan pothole it doesn’t ruin your day on the ride!
Is there bike rental?
Latitude 45 Bicycles and Fitness in Petoskey is offering Zoo-De-Mackers rentals of hybrid, road, or gravel bikes. This will require delivery of the bikes to The Highlands the morning of the ride, and pick-up in Mackinaw City at the end. Additional information will be on the reservation page linked below. Quantities are limited, especially for road bikes, so reserve yours right away by clicking here, by calling 231.348.5342, or by emailing sales@latitude45.com. For directions to the store for last minute items for your ride (conveniently located just off of US 31 in Petoskey) go to www.latitude45.com
Online Ordering
Where can I order a jersey?
To purchase your custom Zoo-de-Mack short sleeve or long sleeve jersey CLICK HERE. Cycling jerseys will NOT be sold at the event and are only available online.
Additional Information
Registration
Register online today! Late walk-up registrations are available at the Highlands on Friday, May 17 and Saturday May 18. 2024.
Jerseys
Order your custom jerseys online! These will not be sold at the ride. Choose from long, short, or sleeveless in either men or women's cut.
Hotels
You may book any hotel accomodation, however, here are the ones we suggest. We also recommend booking early as prices increase rapidly and space is limited.
Shuttles
Shuttles from The Highlands to Mackinac City (and back) are available through Big Bear Adventures. This is different from shuttles to the ferries.
Ferry Tickets
Ferry tickets are included in your registration and provided by Star Line Ferry. Extra departures have been added to accomodate the ZDM.
Official Swag
T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, and more can be ordered through the Swag Shop! (Jerseys are ordered separately through the link above. 2024 Ride T-Shirts are ordered when you place your registration.)
FAQs
The answers to most questions regarding Zoo-de-Mack have been answered on our FAQ page. Please visit this page prior to sending us a message.