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We love that you don’t have to be a hardcore athlete or fit a certain stereotype to be a part of “Michigan Girl.”
You just have to be in Michigan.

And a Girl.

Kandace talks about the age range of women in this group and asks, “Who am I without external trappings and obligation? When our kids move away and business is over, who are we? And how do we find a way to connect?” MiGirl is about opportunities for fun and friendship, and maybe even the occasional drink in the woods!

Over the next two years, the group grew from a handful of Kandace’s friends to an online following of over 2.5k women. At the beginning of 2024, just before we interviewed her, she created an official MiGirl membership and had over 100 women sign up in less than a week. Besides the organized group meetups for women to bike, hike, snowshoe, and an increasing list of other group opportunities, the membership reduces the fees for events that have a cost, so that everything from rental and food/drink can be arranged in advance. The membership comes in two tiers; the first warns that if you “biff it” pictures will be taken before rescue. The higher tier of membership boasts of “rescue first, pictures after”. The inside jokes are plentiful, but the inclusivity is apparent. If you’re a woman, that is. (Aaron tries unsuccessfully to hide his desire to be part of the group.)

One of the ways the group keeps the inclusivity alive is Kandace writing stories after the event. There may be women who were unable to attend a meetup or event (like Dayle who lives downstate), but can live vicariously through Kandace’s recap of the most recent shenanigans on the trail. She mentions how women will try the trail after the event, how the stories made the group bigger by allowing others to hear about the fun and decide to be take part in it after the fact.

Though based in Traverse City, Kandace wants to expand and is interested in other people who are doing the same thing she is. She mentions a woman in another area in MI that organizes a monthly meetup and how beneficial it has been to share ideas and support one another as they lead their respective groups.

Maybe you’d like to have a group like MiGirl in your area. Like Kandace, make the group you need for yourself and show up in whatever way you can. You won’t be the only one!

Show Notes:

This group started with 8 women on bikes. It has since evolved to include motor coach trips, movie nights, night hikes, snowshoes and bonfires, pedal pubs and even a Xmas Light Tour on a bus. Join us!!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/michigangirlmembers/events

Being a part of the FB group is free, however there is also a Michigan Girl Membership, which I ask you to consider joining if you are going to attend events and also to support the group in general (especially if you end up liking the atmosphere, which is a goody, I must say!). More info here: https://michgirl.com/membership-levels/

You can learn more about Michigan Girl events (like the heartfelt and hilarious “1k Wine Walk” in May!) at www.michgirl.com.“Written in the Mitten” Substack can be found at https://kandacechapple.substack.com/.”

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