1st Annual

Arcadian Grit & Gravel
Mountain Bike Race

Endoman’s home page says, "...our goal is to develop and promote a few great races here in the beautiful northwest lower peninsula of Michigan." Well, we’re finally making good on that promise with a new offering to the race schedule for 2012, the Arcadian Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race, coming May 19th.

The AG&G race spans territory covering two counties and is like no other in the state: a unique blend of wicked-tough gravel roads in northern Manistee County, some hidden-gem two-tracks and finally, the world-class single track of the Arcadia Dunes C.S. Mott Nature Preserve trail system in southern Benzie County. The Arcadia Dunes trail system is part of a 3000 acre preserve owned and under the stewardship of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and to that organization, we are very grateful. Because, without their generous support this event wouldn’t be happening.

Now, a little about the course. This is really an ultra-cross race course and may well be the longest 30-mile race you’ll ever gear up for. Even with miles of gravel roads, backwoods 2-tracks, and even some pavement, finishing this monster loop in less than 2 hours is going to be a challenge. Race Central and the starting line will be at the Pleasant Valley Community Center in Arcadia, which is a block east of M22 on Glovers Lake Rd. After a 2 mile paved roll out, the fun begins. Gravel roads with plenty of elevation gain, some secret two-tracks and the big finish on the Arcadia Dunes trail will round out the 30 miles. Make no mistake: this will be a race with ideas of its own on how fast you make it around. It’ll be tough and gritty with a seriously big fun factor.

Once again, our friends at Right Brain Brewery will be rockin’ it at the after party, so make sure to make plans to stick around and swap stories. See you in Arcadia on May 19th at 10:00 a.m.!