Michigan's Largest Mass Start, Point-to-Point MTB Event
Check the website for 2023 details.
Course Descriptions
HARD ROCK 48–Mile Race
The course traverses some of the most scenic terrain available in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 48-mile race starts in downtown Negaunee, the “birthplace” of iron ore in Michigan. The first mile will be a roll-out on the pavement, and then the race will hit the dirt as you make your way to Ishpeming. There you will detour through downtown and travel the city streets for another mile. Then you’re back on the trails. The course will roll with the hills as you gradually drop in elevation to Marquette. You will be captivated as you pass by the lakes, rivers, ponds, and wildlife along the way. The course is wide enough the entire way to allow for easy and safe passage, but yet remains “tunneled” by nearby trees to give the sense of winding your way through the forests. Approaching the city of Marquette, you are still in the highlands, look off in the distance for a beautiful view of Lake Superior and the final destination. The course passes through local mining history in the area. Look for the following sites along the way: Cliff’s Shaft, Rope’s Gold Mine Haul Road, L.S. & I. Railroad, Presque Isle Ore Dock, and many other intriguing points of interest.
SOFT ROCK–28 Mile Race
Like its HARD ROCK counterpart, the 28-mile SOFT ROCK covers some very scenic terrain. Starting at the shores of Negaunee’s tranquil Teal Lake, you will immediately begin your journey to Marquette. After a 2-mile roll-out on pavement, you will connect to dirt trails. Approximately 4 miles into the race, you will merge trails with the HARD ROCK course and will be afforded the same splendid vistas as you make your way to the shores of Lake Superior.
SHORE ROCK–10-Mile Race
The Shore Rock offers an entry-level distance for the rider looking to try mountain bike racing, or for kids wanting to expand beyond the Junior Rock. Starting at Lakeview Arena at 8 am, the racers will travel towards Tourist Park, and along the last section of the Hard/Soft Rock. The course will circle around and finish back at Lakeview Arena. Trophies will be awarded to the top age-group finishers.
Youth Events
JUNIOR ROCK–4-Mile Race
The Junior Rock race is a 4-mile loop on a dirt trail starting at Lakeview Arena for those ages 16 and under. The racers finish using the same finish chute as the Hard and Soft Rock racers. Each racer will receive a commemorative T-shirt for participating.
Age group categories are in 2-year increments and the start is in waves by age groups. All the Jr. Rock racers are timed using the same professional timing company that is used for the Hard and Soft Rock.
Age group awards are given to the top 3 finishers in each age group. These unique Ore to Shore trophies will be presented to the Junior Rock racers at the official Ore to Shore Awards Ceremony along with the overall and age group winners from the Hard and Soft Rock races.
The Junior Rock course is best suited for children old enough to ride the entire course without a parent; although parents are permitted to ride with their children. While the course is not technically difficult, it is not suggested for children who need training wheels or for those on tricycles/Big Wheels.
LITTLE ROCK–Kids’ 1-Mile Race
Younger kids will also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of a race as they ride near the shores of the “Great Gitchee Gumee” and make their way around the partially paved course. This non-timed event will also start in waves by age groups and all kids will leave winners by taking home a ribbon and an official race t-shirt.
This year’s course does have some smooth but graveled sections. The course is very ridable for kids that are adept at riding with training wheels. Beginners and riders with tricycles/Big Wheels are permitted, but not suggested. Parents are permitted to ride with their children.
LITTLEST ROCK–Kids’ 50-Yard Race
Your young one can’t quite reach the pedals? Bring your toddler’s tricycle, Big Wheel, or push car, and do what’s necessary to get them to the finish by pushing, pulling, or letting them “pedal”. They will cruise into the finish area with a grin that won’t quit. Each child will go away a winner by taking home a ribbon and an official race t-shirt.
Please Note: All riders are required to wear a helmet.