More Summer Events: The Ann Arbor Triathlon

More Summer Events: The Ann Arbor Triathlon

It is almost time for the 2018 Ann Arbor Triathlon, an area even where thousands of people come from all over the state, the country, to bike, run, swim, or just watch.

Most important, the triathlon is within easy travel distance from your U of M Hotel.

What Is a Triathlon?

I was surprised to learn there were many different kinds of triathlons, but the one we are all probably most familiar with is called an “Olympic-distance triathlon” and is composed of a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike race, followed by a 10-kilometer run.

The basics of all triathlons is based in a combination of swimming, followed by bicycling, and finished up with running.

What is the Ann Arbor Triathlon

The Ann Arbor Triathlon is an annual event hosting folks from all over the area and anywhere else to participate or support folks participating in the race.

Our Triathlon, which is part three of the Wolverine Brewing Companies series of races in the area, includes the following styles of Triathlons:

  • Sprint, including an 800m (1/2 mile) swim, 14-mile road bike ride, 5-mile Poto trail run
  • Mini-Sprint, including a 400m (1/4 mile) swim, 14-mile road bike ride, 2-mile trail run
  • Duathlon, including a 2-mile trail run, 14-mile road bike ride, 5-mile Poto trail run
  • Aquabike, including an 800m swim, 14-mile road bike ride
  • Sprint Relay, including a race with a couple of your friends

You can also sign up to compete as part of an age or gender grouping when you register for the event. All participants are allowed to wear a wetsuit without penalty.

The event includes safety support from the Epic Lifeguard Team which is made up entirely of people with Red Cross Waterfront and basic lifeguarding certifications.

The Rewards?

Every participant will receive an M Triathlon medal, a high-quality race t-shirt, and reportedly “the best post-race snacks ever.” The Ann Arbor Triathlon also provides “grab and go” style awards to the top five finishers in each category (if you are a top-five finisher just visit the awards table to receive your award).

The Rest of the Details, So You Can Travel From Your U of M Hotels

The race will be held at Halfmoon race, the address is 8690 Hankerd Road, and you must register for the race in advance. If you are interested in being a triathlon volunteer you will need to register for that in advance as well.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near your U of M Hotels.

And, of course, when you look for a hotel in Ann Arbor Michigan, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010.

Outdoor Activities Near Your Hotel in Ann Arbor

Outdoor Activities Near Your Hotel in Ann Arbor

Spring has finally sprung across Michigan and just in time for your visit to the Ann Arbor area (and to the Bell Tower Hotel).

If you haven’t visited Ann Arbor before during the Spring or Summer yet, you are in for a treat as the area offers a cornucopia of outdoor activities for people of all ages.

Here are some of the most popular outdoor activities near your hotel.

Argo Nature Area

The City of Ann Arbor’s Argo Nature Area, located on the East side of the Huron River is home to 22 acres of fun activities and places ripe for exploration. One of the most popular features of the Argo Nature area is the Argo Canoe Livery, which allows visitors to rent canoes and kayaks which they can take out on the Huron River. Between April 21st and May 25th, the Livery is open from 10 am until 7 pm (depending on the weather).

There is an unpaved and fairly wide trail that runs the entire distance of the park parallel to the Huron River and allows walkers, runners, and bicyclists to spend the day enjoying the sun and river. And, of course, you could set up a picnic blanket, take a break, kick back and let Ann Arbor pass you by on a beautiful Spring day.

Bandemer Park

On the West side of the Huron River is Bandemer Park, another Ann Arbor go-to for people searching for outdoor fun. Bandemer Park features fishing docks, picnic areas, and grills. But one of the things this park is most known for is Frisbee or disc golf. Bandemer Park offers a 9 hole disc golf course with Blue, White, and Red tee boxes.

Disc Golf Course Review says the Bandemer Park course requires, “finesse and power from longest of 3 sets of concrete tees.” If you enjoy a great day of grilling and playing frisbee golf with friends or family, Bandemer Park could be the perfect place for you.

Golf near your Hotel in Ann Arbor

If you prefer playing the more traditional form of golf instead of disc golf, don’t worry, Ann Arbor has plenty of easy to access golf options too.

The University of Michigan Golf Course is a mainstay in the area and it has the advantage of close proximity to your hotel in Ann Arbor (it is located directly across the street from Michigan Stadium). The course is one of only six courses designed by MacKenzie in the United States and is where the Michigan golf teams practice.

You can also visit Stone Bridge Golf Club. Stone Bridge is a public 18-hole championship golf course hidden away in the heart of Ann Arbor., is another area favorite. Stone Bridge was designed by celebrated course designer (and University of Michigan graduate) Arthur Hills.

A few other public options include the Leslie Park Golf Course and Lakes Forest.

And, obviously, regardless of what you choose to do, Downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown, and many other unique outdoor shopping areas are great to visit on a sunny Spring day.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near your Ann Arbor lodging.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor hotel options, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010.

Ann Arbor Marathon Is Coming on May 20th (So, Lace Up Your Shoes)

Ann Arbor Marathon Is Coming on May 20th (So, Lace Up Your Shoes)

Do you love to run? Well, it is time to break out your best running gear and start making your reservations for a trip to Ann Arbor.

We are just a little over a month away from the Probability Ann Arbor Marathon, one of the biggest annual health and wellness events in Ann Arbor. The marathon will start at Iconic Michigan Stadium at 7:30 am on May 20th (just a few short miles from your Ann Arbor lodging).

The Marathon is a qualifier for both the Boston and New York marathons. Half and Full marathon participants get a really nice long-sleeved short to commemorate the race experience and all finishers are awarded a really cool looking medal. There are awards for the top five male and female finishers and awards for different age groups.

Domino’s will provide pizza throughout and after the race.

In addition to the marathon itself, you could choose to participate in the 5k run, the 10k run, or the half-marathon as well (and both the 5k and the 10k are walkable). If you park at Pioneer High School you will be able to catch a shuttle back from the finish line at Elbel field back to your car (the shuttle will run from 9 am to 2 pm).

If you come in early, there will be a Health and Wellness Expo on May 19th starting at 12:00 noon. The Expo will be at 2/42 Community Center in Ann Arbor which is located at 648 Wagner Road in Ann Arbor. At the Expo, you will be able to interact with vendors from companies like Orange Fitness and Probability Physical Therapy.

Oh The Places, Close to Your Ann Arbor Lodging, We Will Run

So, where will the Ann Arbor Marathon adventure take you? If you haven’t yet explored Ann Arbor, this will offer you the race will take you through many of our most amazing and visually pleasing places to visit.

The Marathon starts, as mentioned before, at the Big House and will wind its way through the central campus of the University of Michigan and then along the beautiful Huron River, through Gallup Park and Nichols Arboretum, and finally finish up at Elbel field.

To enter the marathon you will need to sign up.

The Secret: The Bell Tower Hotel is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near your Ann Arbor lodging.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor hotel options, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010.

Things to Get You Moving Near Your U of M Hotel

Things to Get You Moving Near Your U of M Hotel

Traveling can disrupt routines which can make waking up bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready to conquer the world a struggle.

Our crack research team put their heads together and figured out that most people rely on some combination of a go-to coffee house, a fun place to exercise, and a great breakfast place to get the most out of every morning (I might be exaggerating to call it a crack research team).

Luckily, Ann Arbor offers a cornucopia of options for all three and all of them are close to your U of M Hotel.

Coffee Houses

Ann Arbor’s campus and the downtown area is the home of a large number of excellent coffee spots (as you might suspect with Ann Arbor being a college town).

The Electric Eye Cafe, located at 811 N. Main, successfully backs up their claim to curate “the worlds most delicious hand-roasted coffee.” If that is not enough of a reason to make the trip, they also serve waffles every Sunday starting at 10 am.

A relatively recent, but very successful, addition to the Ann Arbor coffee scene is Mighty Good Coffee committed to artisanal principles and to using beans from farms that they have visited personally.

Exercise Opportunities Close to Your U of M Hotel

Ann Arbor is home to a wide variety of gyms, yoga studios, and organic exercise opportunities. What could be better, or more scenic, than a run from State Street all the way to Kerrytown? What could be a more picturesque place to warm up for the day than the Arb?

Best Breakfast in Ann Arbor?

Boiling down hundreds of very good breakfast options into just a few choices can be tricky, but many locals gravitate to one of the following breakfasts to start their day:

The Fleetwood Diner, located at 311 S. Ashley has been an Ann Arbor tradition longer than most of the University of Michigan’s current student body has been alive. The Fleetwood is famous for its Hippie Hash which combines a large helping of homemade hash browns with a mixture of fresh vegetables and cheese.

The Northside Grill is so beloved by locals that if you go on the weekend, you will often find a line of hungry folks waiting to get in. In fact, Northside has been voted best breakfast in Washtenaw country by Current Magazine for the last four years. The Northside Grill is located on Broadway at the entrance to the Broadway Bridge.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near your U of M hotel.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor hotel options, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010.

Photo credit: Andy Piper

ABOUT US

Located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor and on the main campus of the University of Michigan, the Bell Tower Hotel is within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment galore!

CONTACT US

  • 300 S. Thayer Street
    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

  • (800) 562-3559

  • info@BellTowerHotel.com

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