First, it was the longest ice cream dessert. Then it was the most sand angels. This summer, Ludington is at it again with a third Guinness World Record attempt—the longest consecutive line of bicycles—as the signature event for the city’s Love Ludington weekend June 9–10.     

The annual Love Ludington will feature the Pure Ludington Guinness World Record Attempt for the Longest Line of Bicycles June 9 plus other events like the 38th Annual Ludington Lakestride, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum one-year anniversary, West Shore Pride Fest, and Historic Home Tour.

“Ludington has created this fun annual tradition of attempting a world record based on a special pastime of our region, and families make a point to come here and build memories while helping us win,” says Brandy Henderson, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Bicycling is a popular activity here as we add and connect more trails in our network. What better way to celebrate the start of summer than doing this activity while enjoying other special events during our Love Ludington weekend.”

Visitors can participate in two Guinness World Record attempts this year—the longest single line of bicycles moving (the current record was set in Dhaka, Bangladesh in December 2016 with 1,186 people) and the longest line of bicycles static (the record was set in Berlin, Germany in May 2015 with 1,448 bicyclists).

Photo by Shoreline Cycling Club

Participants should pre-register online at EventBrite. Check-in and staging for both events begin at 7:30 a.m. at Oriole Field at 700 W. Tinkham Ave., with riders participating in the longest single line of moving bicycles departing Oriole Field starting at 9 a.m. Riders in the static line record attempt will stay at Oriole Field during that time and wait for the first group to return. Cyclists in the moving line will ride a closed course of approximately three miles on city streets. Riders should have a functional bicycle and helmet. The longest static line of bicycles record attempt, open to all ages and abilities, will begin soon after the moving line attempt is completed. Both record attempts should take a little over an hour to complete.

Sponsored by the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the free event is organized by the Shoreline Cycling Club. Serving Oceana, Mason, Lake, Manistee, and Benzie Counties, the club helps maintain and increase access to cycling opportunities as well as educate the public about cycling while hosting events and rides. The club has constructed a 10-mile urban single track trail system in Ludington using portions of the Ludington School Forest, Memorial Tree Park, and Cartier Park. The group hopes to raise awareness of their trail-building efforts through the event.

“This world record attempt is especially significant since Ludington is a popular cycling community with many great trails in the region from paved flat loops, to technical singletrack trails,” says Andy Klevorn, board member of the Shoreline Cycling Club. “Cycling can be a lifelong sport, mode of transportation, and a great way for families to spend time together. We want to remind or introduce people in a visible way about the joy of going for a bike ride with friends or family.”

Photo by Ludington Area CVB

Love Ludington Weekend Events

The Love Ludington weekend will feature other community events, including:

1-Year Anniversary Port of Ludington Maritime Museum

The community is invited to help celebrate the first anniversary of this much-anticipated museum that opened in June 2017. Visitors receive $2 off admission tickets and 20 percent off gift shop merchandise Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 in honor of the second year of operation. On Saturday, June 9, special children’s activities start at 11:30 a.m. and will run several times throughout the day, including a ship knot-tying activity, sink-a-ship activity (focused on water displacement), and a Great Lakes floor map activity. The public is also invited to the dedication of the museum’s new “Steaming into the Future” S. Badger exhibit Saturday at 3 p.m. that will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with officials from the Lake Michigan Car Ferry, plus free admission that afternoon following the dedication.

38th Annual Ludington Lakestride

This 38-year race series has a beautiful course near Lake Michigan with 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, as well as a one-mile fun run. The free fun run departs Friday, June 8 at 6 p.m. from the west end of Ludington Avenue, and no pre-registration is necessary. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon races begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 9 at 612 N. Lakeshore Dr. (by Nader’s Motel and Suites) and finish at Stearns Park Beach on Lake Michigan. The half marathon passes through Ludington State Park featuring a run down a sand dune plus a return route with views of Lake Michigan. Registration fees vary, and participants can register online. Packet pick-up and late registration are June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lakestride Race Central at the center of Stearns Park Beach, and June 9 from 7 to 8 a.m.

West Shore Pride Fest

West Shore Pride Fest celebrates LGBTQ pride with speakers, performers, community organizations, and vendors. This free and family-friendly event is Saturday, June 10 at Rotary Park. From noon to 5 p.m., enjoy live music, inspiring speeches, dance, and theater emceed by the hilarious Arielle Schnur. You can also browse goods from local gay-friendly businesses and connect with nonprofits. There will be a kid’s area with fun activities.

Historic Home Tours

Explore the history of Ludington on Saturday, June 10 from 1–3 pm. You’ll see the beautiful craftsmanship of the lumber era while touring three historic homes that have been turned into bed and breakfasts. Visitors can tour the homes that are now The Ludington HouseThe Lamplighter, and Candlelite Inn. The cost is $5 per person. Proceeds will benefit Lakeshore Resource Network (people can also bring canned goods to donate to the Lakeshore Food Club). Contact one of the inns to purchase a ticket, or purchase at the first house you visit. The event is hosted by the Ludington Bed & Breakfast Association.

More Cool Ludington Events This Summer

In addition to the Love Ludington weekend, Ludington has a full calendar of summer events and activities. View the full calendar here, and check out highlights below!


Click the cover to read MyNorth Vacation Guide!

[publication mode=”thumb” name=”vg-benzie” align=”center” link=”viewnow”]


Explore Ludington

Photo(s) by Lydia Mejia