DALMAC gets under way as riders leave MSU

LANSING — As more than 1,600 cyclists take to the roads today and Thursday for the 45th annual Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw bike ride, Cheryl Heiner and her daughter Rachel DeVeau are gearing up to make it a great experience for them.

While the riders pedal 295 to 511 miles over four to five days, Heiner and DeVeau will drive alongside them in a support vehicle, providing emergency assistance, encouragement and the occasional squirt from a water gun.

The pair have even been known to toss candy to riders as they go, and they make a point to shout an exuberant “Hello!” or “Good morning!” to each cyclist they pass.

“This our vacation once a year together,” said Heiner. This will be her 15th year supporting the ride as a volunteer, and she said it’s the bikers that keep her coming back each year.

“They’re fun — they’re out there just to have a good time,” Heiner said. “We call them our once-a-year friends.”

Cyclists riding the five-day routes set out from the Michigan State University Pavilion toward Mackinaw City today, while those doing the four-day route will embark Thursday. Some of the riders will cross the Mackinac Bridge Sunday and continue on to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Since 1985, the ride has raised more than $1.3 million for grants to support bicycling in Michigan, according to the Tri-County Bicycle Association.

Contact Kate DuHadway at (517) 377-1065 orkduhadway@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter@k8rouse or on Instagram@movelansing.