Arcadian Grit & Gravel
Mountain Bike Race

Presented by Arcadia Ales

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 making good on that promise with the Arcadian Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race, to be held the third Saturday each May.

This year, we’re proud to announce that Arcadia Ales out of Battle Creek is our presenting sponsor – what a great fit! We’ll have some nice, choice selections from their growing assortment of craft beer available to quench that thirst after a tough romp through the countryside – stop by their tent and try a pint!

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.

Here’s some info about the course: it’s tough. This may well be the longest 26-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 will be at the Pleasant Valley Community Center in Arcadia, which is a block east of M22 on Glovers Lake Rd. In a new twist, we’re working on having the Start line in downtown Arcadia, with the finish where is was last year, at the Community Center. When the gun goes off, racers will be on a 2 mile paved roll out, then the fun begins. Gravel roads with plenty of elevation gain, some secret two-tracks and the incredible Arcadia Dunes trail will round out the 26 miles. The Short Grit racers will experience most of the same course, just shorter portions of it. Both courses will be tough and gritty with a seriously big fun factor.

See you in Arcadia on May 18th at 10:00 a.m.!