Race Policies
Some of the most athlete-friendly policies in the country!
How does it work?
We understand life can sometimes get in the way of the best-laid plans, including racing. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with our Secured Start Line Guarantee. In simple terms, we now offer free race transfers, deferrals, and participant transfers until the day before the event.
- Are you injured? No problem, defer to next year.
- Did you forget your daughter’s dance recital that your wife put on the schedule 8 months ago? No problem, transfer the entry to a friend.
- Does it look like it might sprinkle, and you don’t want to get your precious gravel bike dirty? Transfer the entry to another race like Rode to Hell or The Dirty Mitten.
We have always said that we are an athlete-focused company. The first thing we ask ourselves when considering a change is whether or not it will benefit you, our athletes. With that in mind, we put our money where our metaphorical mouths are. We are offering something that very few companies do, allowing you the flexibility to race on your terms without penalty. We hope to see you out there this year!
Team Program
Riding bikes is better with friends!
5-9 Athletes
- Team tent
- End-of-year SWAG Bag
- 10% – Store discount
- $5 – Registration discount
- 1 – 50% off code
10-19 Athletes
- Team tent
- End-of-year SWAG Bag
- 10% – Store discount
- $10 – Registration discount
- 1 -free entry
- Team call with RD
- VIP Packet Pickup (day before)
20+ Athletes
- Team tent
- End-of-year SWAG Bag
- 20% – Store discount
- $15 – Registration discount
- 1 – free entry for every 10 registered
- Team call with RD
- VIP Packet Pickup (day before and morning of)
- Private team porta-potty
- Custom team participant shirt
- VIP Parking
How does it work?
When you register, you will see an option to join a team. We will preload as many teams as possible, but if your team isn’t listed, please add it.
Instructions can be found at the following links:
Notes
Registration discounts are applied automatically as a refund once registration targets are hit.
Free/Discounted entry is good within 12 months of the event and must be used 30 days out from the event. One free entry per 10 registered, a max of three per race.
Get ready to feel special with our custom participant shirt, including your team logo and the names of teammates registered 30 days out. It’s a unique way to celebrate your participation.
Referral
Bring friends, save money!
How does it work?
This one is fairly straightforward. You will receive a code at checkout that your friends can use when they register. After five friends have done so, we will refund you $5.
FAQ
We think we've covered it all, but if not, it's in here.
What happened to the Michigan Gravel Race Series?
We were not asked to return for 2025 so it’s out of our hands.
What will be available at the aid stations?
Please visit our Route Info page for details.
What is included with my registration?
- Free race photos
- Tri-blend participant shirt
- Custom patch
- Great post-race food (with a small add-on charge)
What tires should I use?
It depends on a rider’s skill level, how comfortable they are on the bike, and the ever-changing road conditions, but in general, it’s tough to go wrong with a 700×34-38 low-tread tire.
What kind of bike do I need?
Your bike selection will depend on your goals. If you want to go as fast as possible, then you’re probably not reading this and will roll with a gravel bike. If, however, you are new to gravel, know that you can ride pretty much whatever you have. You do not need special equipment to get into the sport! Gravel and mountain bikes are great, but we’ve had people ride hybrids, road bikes, and even beach cruisers with a basket on the front.
What if there is a storm?
We ride in the wind, rain, or snow (it’s Michigan, you never know!). The only thing that will stop us is lightning. If that happens, we will look at shortening the routes, pushing the start times back, and, worst case scenario, canceling the event with no refunds. Remember that we had more than 80 people defer in 2024 because the forecast called for rain on Saturday, but it was a beautiful day! This is gravel; you and your bike will get dirty, and if it rains, it only makes for more epic pictures and stories!
Is there camping nearby?
Yes, there are plenty of campsites in the area. Here are a few that people have recommended to us:
- Portage Lake Campground (on-site, within walking distance of the venue)
- Pleasant Lake County Park and Campground
What if I want to quit?
PLEASE let a staff member or the timing company know. If someone starts and does not finish, we can spend hours trying to find them, and that’s a pain in the you know what.
