Racer Updates
Racer Update - May 5, 2026
​AGG Racer Update #1
May 4, 2026
The time is fast approaching for the 14th Annual Arcadia Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race and it’s shaping up to be another bold and gritty contest on some of the best gravel and single track in the state. To maximize your race-day experience, check out the info below:
>Packet pick up will be Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 9:45 am. (No packet pickup Friday night)
The race starts at 9:15 a.m., with the Mighty Grit 45 racers going off then, followed by the Mini Grit racers at 9:25 and then all three waves of Big Grit racers starting at 9:35. See Wave Start Times on the website.
>Racing Etiquette: within your wave, please seed yourselves accordingly, i.e., faster racers near the front and less speedy racers near the back. Out on the course, please yield to faster riders, even on the single track! If someone asks you to get by, find a spot to ease off the trail and let them go.
>The course map for the Big Grit is on the Endoman website in a gpx file; the Short Grit is available on the Cyclometer app. The Mighty Grit 45 is now live, as well.
>There will be no switching of categories allowed on race day, however, you may switch up until Sunday, May 10 at 11pm. Contact the race director at info@endomanpromotions.com with questions.
>There will be one aid station, at the top of the climb up Taylor Rd. Water and gatorade will be available.
>If you happen to need assistance, either call/text your support team (e.g., family member) or text 231-651-0957. If it’s a medical issue, call 911. Medical teams will be standing by.
>If you have to drop out for any reason, please text 231-651-0957. Because if you’ve dropped out and we don’t know it, we could spend a bunch of time and resources looking for you!
> Parking is directed by our friends from the Lions Club of Arcadia. Please let them direct you to the spaces available in the ‘usual’ area to the east of the course, off Glovers Lake Rd. Also, you’ll find ample parking on the residential streets of Arcadia, just to the west of M22.
>A big thanks to all the great sponsors who’ve supported this race over the years and to our new(er) sponsor, Coastline Cycles in Frankfort. And especially to Stormcloud Brewing Co for once again being the Title Sponsor and provider of some of the best beer in Michigan! Bring your I.D.
>Also, a big shout out to the Arcadia Community Center for providing the venue for the AGG over the years… and to you, because a portion of your entry fees have gone to support the center, with thousands of dollars over the years contributing to their success.
>And last and far from being least, to that great organization, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, which has made this race possible. Please support them in any way you can to help them continue being stewards of our incredible natural resources!
>And please, remember to give the volunteers a big thanks and a hearty smile. This race would not be possible without them!
Thanks and have a great race!
The Endoman Crew
Racer Update #2, May 9, 2026
What the heck bike do I use for the Mighty Grit 45?!? That's the Million Dollar Question as we sneak up on the 14th annual Arcadia Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race. New course, new distance, new strategy. With only a week out, we're thinking most of you know what rig you're packing for the trip to the little village by the Lake Michigan shoreline, however.. here are some words of wisdom from our own northern Michigan pro racer and gravel rider extraordinaire, Jorden Wakeley: “I think most people will be faster overall on a mountain bike with fast rolling tires like Thunderburts, Aspen ST's, or Dubnitals. If someone were to want to do it on a drop bar bike, I'd definitely recommend the largest tires they can fit, an absolute minimum of 45c tires. At the end of the day, any bike you're most comfortable on will be you best bet.”
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So there you have it. I'm with JW in that a mountain bike makes more sense due to the 15 or so miles of fairly technical single track that make up the last segments of the race. A drop bar will be bit faster on the pavement and gravel, but slower in the woods. What I love about this race is that there's a heavy strategic component in terms of bike choice, pacing, drafting and figuring out where to go hard and when to hang back. In other words, it's a Thinking Racer's Race! Bring your brain and make sure it's covered by a MIPS helmet.
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Reminder: the ability to 'edit' your registration on the BikeReg site ends on Sunday, May 10 and 11 pm. There may be an opportunity to change your status on race day at packet pickup, but best to do it now!
If the weather holds, it could be an absolute perfect day to race – low 60's and sunny with light winds. Spells fast.
Come race with us and hang out with your friends and neighbors, the volunteers and all the great people that make this race what it is. For us, you're all family!