Annual SPORT ride, June 16, celebrates new Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks ORV connector route

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts are invited to attend the annual State Park Off-Road Trek (SPORT) ORV ride on Saturday, June 16, to celebrate the grand opening of a new ORV connector route linking Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks in the western Upper Peninsula.

The round-trip ride will begin and end at Baraga State Park, with lunch provided for registered riders at Twin Lakes State Park. Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks are the only state parks in the western Upper Peninsula where ORV use is allowed.

Both Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks offer modern campgrounds.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by the ride. The lunch stop at Twin Lakes State Park will feature guest speakers, prizes and vendor displays. Riders will begin the return trip to Baraga State Park at 2:30 p.m.

The annual SPORT ride is free of charge, and is sponsored by Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks in partnership with the Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (Mi-TRALE) and the Baraga County Convention and Bureau Center.

A valid 2012 Michigan ORV license is required for all ORVs participating in the event. Participants are asked to pre-register by June 8 by calling Baraga State Park at 906-353-6558.

For more information about the annual SPORT ride and the new ORV connector route, contact Baraga State Park supervisor Dan Dowdy at 906-353-6558. More information about ORV riding opportunities in Michigan can be found online at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.