2018 Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic
MARQUETTE — For 19 years, the city of Marquette has played host to one of the largest events in Mountain Biking.
It’s that time of year again. One of the state’s most epic mountain bike races is set to kick off on Saturday, August 11.
For years, Michigan’s largest mass start point to point contest has attracted thousands of riders, families and tourists.
The 2013 record of 2,499 participants is in jeopardy.
“This year we’re working on hitting 2,500 plus, and this year I think we’re going to be able to do it” said Race Coordinator, Nicole Dewald.
It’s called The Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic. And for good reason; the scenery and route, thanks to some of the locals, can provide for a challenging yet beautiful race.
“It is gorgeous land; we have like 80 different landowners that give us access to the trails one time a year. It’s a family race. We have the 48–mile, the 28–mile, and we have a 10 mile and a four mile, plus two smaller kiddo races, so anyone in the family can participate.”
And so can everyone in the family with the fastest family race. Three or more members of a family have a shot at glory.
“We take their combined time and we award a prize for places 1–5, and that’s a very cool opportunity for a family to come together as a team” said Dewald.
Don’t feel like racing? That’s okay; you can cheer on everyone, from your kids to your grandparents. There’s a race division for everyone, and any type of bike will get you to the finish, as long as you have the hustle.
“It’s not very technical. It’s a pretty safe race. So you can do a tandem, fat bike, there’s also been some gravel bikes out there, that’s kind of the bike of choice. You can use your mountain bike, full suspension or rigid. We try to accommodate that with our many different divisions.”
There are still volunteers needed. From backup timers to helping in the bike corral, the more volunteers the race has, the better.
“Come on down, it’s a ton of fun, at our finish line, we’re having a hug party with Ore Dock Brewing Company, and a band” said Nicole Dewald.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, click here.