For those that used paid support for Coast to Coast, how’d it go? What would you do differently? Etc.

I’ve done C2C with team support but I don’t think I’ll have that next year.

I would have to park at Ludington and hitch a ride to start line. I’d probably get a hotel room.

Will the support be at each aid station? Ready with a pre-prepped handoff?

Is the process smooth?

Thanks for any feedback/expectations you can share.

Yesterday, I was taken out hard by a swarm of bees that had been stirred up off-trail by a couple on a casual walk with their dog (I think they got it worse than I did bc I was able to flee faster). I'm fine today, just itchy and a little uncomfortable.

But came here just in case the cyclist in who stopped to help me is in this group. THANK YOU! The pain was making it very hard to figure out my next move once I'd ridden away from the bees. Your calm energy (and the water you let me pour down the back of my shorts) was exactly what I needed. Uh, sorry for all the screaming 😂. I did not have this on my bingo card for the weekend and I'm so grateful you were there.

Seems like much of our gravel is pleasant riding . Of course there are single tracks and mountain bike courses you wouldn’t want to take a gravel bike on; but for races in MGRS or similar type of riding, what kind of tires do you run? How do they fare on the road?

I’m riding roads every week for most of my seat time plus road group rides. 35’s? 45’s? Split it at 40mm? Slick? Semi slick? Different front and rear? 45 is about as large as I can fit with AXS front derailleur battery.

I was so excited after ordering my first bike and getting it built at a local shop just to find out it was still too big for me and I’m here left so heart broken. I can not return it since it is out of the box and built. If anyone is interested please lmk 🫩 It is a Poseidon X gen 3.

I was so excited after ordering my first bike and getting it built at a local shop just to find out it was still too big for me and I’m here left so heart broken. I can not return it since it is out of the box and built. If anyone is interested please lmk 🫩 It is a Poseidon X gen 3.

Hey Michiganders - I am planning to race the Coast to Coast next year and I am starting to plan out bike changes. I'm currently running a bike that has a max tire width of 40mm and I love the bike, it feels fast, super response etc. It can get a bit jarring on washboard roads but aside from that does well. I saw the C2C now is recommending 43mm minimum so I am feeling a bit indecisive on whether to keep my current frame and run 40mm or swap frames and go up to 45mm. My main concern is that currently on rides nearing 40/50m I have some fatigue when there rougher sections, 204 is only going to compound that. Riders that have done the C2C before - What are your thoughts?

I’m in the market after this race season. My warbird is 6 years old, so little outdated by today’s standards

I typically race MGRS short/long courses. I bounce between the distances based on mood. Next year I’m going to try Ultra. I need an ultra distance race oriented bike. I don’t need a backpacking oriented bike.

I’ll update my professional fit in November when I fly back for Iceman. This will help narrow it down.

Right now I’m eyeballing:

Crux 5
Allied Able
Felt Breed (small tire clearance still)
Canyon when they release their update.

What are you looking at? It’s been so long since I’ve looked at the market. A ton has changed.

1983 Miyata 312

Harsens Island, MI

The Manistee overnighter route is great, very enjoyable…great little weekend chill tour.

Seeking something similar w a 3 hr drive or less from kalamazoo.

Has camping options

Isn’t all single track you’d need a mountain bike for (so doing the whole dragon is out)

Just looking some new area to explore.

Hello,

I'm looking into doing an overnight trip in the next few weeks near Marquette and I'm hoping to find a route that follows a river or lake (lakes) to fish while I'm riding. I'm open to all species, was thinking about maybe Seney but wasn't sure what the regs are there. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Pic for attention.

I was at the Fast Fitty this past week, and a group of four parked next to me were talking about being on testosterone for medical reasons. Based on their conversation, it sounded like the majority of our age group (Masters) is on it. We’re all in the same age group or close to it.

I’m not conceding their assumption that we’re all on it. I’m not, and neither is my friend, but I don’t know most of the other guys in the field.

TRT is a legitimate medical treatment as we age, so is this just something we accept as part of Masters racing? RDs don’t have the budget to test, and we can’t exactly count on sportsmanship to self-regulate.

Is this just how it is?

The Sturgeon River

North Central State Trail

Northern Michigan

Summer 2026

Cycling locally we have a lake that is about a 4.5 mile loop. Yesterday on loop 2 of 4 I (solo rider) caught up to a group of 3 at a light. I had been gaining on them and was riding slightly faster than them, but not by a ton unless I pushed. They introduced themselves and I did as well. I asked if they minded if I tagged along for a while. They said yes. I ended up talking and riding the remaining 9 miles with them. Two were local team guys and they were on an easier ride pulling a girl.

I told my wife about it, not thinking anything about joining up, and she was like 'are you sure that's what people do?' Now that I am thinking on it, was I in the wrong or does my wife not understand cycling culture?

Hope to see you there!

We crossed so many bridges, got completely soaked 20 minutes in, had a flat, rode some beautiful areas and stopped in a park where the fine citizens of Vandalia chased off slave catchers from Kentucky in August of 1847.

Noticed Bell‘s isn’t featured on the website nor any of the merch for this years Iceman. Is Bell‘s no longer a sponsor?

Curious about which races are on everyone’s list. Feel free to declare it your list or the “official” list.

We are headed up to Interlochen this week and I’m looking forward to hitting the VASA singletrack.

Any advice or tips on good MTB loops or runs there or anything not to miss? Should I take the full suspension or the hardtail?

Additionally, are there any non-mountain bike paths or trails in the area for more casual cruising?
Thanks!

Solid ride today other than getting chased by an unleashed black lab and little terrier. Outran them fairly easily but still a bit unnerving.

Calhoun County Trail/Ott Biological Preserve