MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ)- Nearly 3,000 bikers hit the trails over the weekend to ride in the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic.
Rain on Friday led to muddy trails for this year’s race but to riders slick conditions didn’t make a difference.
“You’re not dealing with dust and all that stuff, cool weather, it was really nice,” said James Anderson who rode in the 28 mile race.
This year’s race was the largest in history. And according to organizers planning a race of this size was a little bit overwhelming. But as they watched riders cross the finish line all of the hard work was worth it.
Some racers this year were new to the Ore to Shore. “We love it up here, it’s an awesome place, it’s friendly, it’s got awesome outdoor activities and the people are great,” remarked a Father from downstate who was riding alongside his daughter for the first time. Others riding were coming back to ride again.
“People are coming back, and what we noticed is with the big race a lot of people are returning from years past,” remarked Nikki Swenson, the Race Coordinator.
The main race has two separate events. The 28 mile Soft Rock, and the 48 mile Hard Rock ride. According to organizers the 48 mile race is extremely competitive. The Hard rock is the premier event of the weekend. It even features some professional riders who walk away with cash prizes for winning. But the pros aren’t the only ones who left the event a little richer.
“We have the Jimmy Johns fastest family, they combine the fastest family times, where they can win a cash prize and then go out to dinner,” added Swenson.
Organizers say they are already planning next year’s race and hope it will be even bigger than this years.
