Veterans of this race know that the course is pedal-to-the-metal almost the whole time, while winding in and out of forest pathways and open grasslands. For those of you new to the race, the course is a combination of Crystal Mountains's excellent trail system and State land - specifically, the Betsie River Pathway. One of our favorite things about putting on this race each year is determining what new little twist can be incorporated - just to keep things fresh! All in all, we strive to put together a fantastic layout with unique and challenging features. Here's how the courses break down in terms of distances on the different surfaces (roughly):

Beginners: 1 lap (approximately 12.5 miles)

Sports: 2 laps (approximately 25 miles)

Pros/Experts: 3 laps (approximately 37.5 miles)

Racers will start at the base of the mountain, then out to a short section of pavement on Crystal Mountain's property and that's when the fun begins. You'll skirt along some wicked-good single-track and two-tracks on the south side of the property before ducking into the Betsie River Pathway. There, you'll be on miles of ribbon-like single-track that twists, winds, and loops through dense hardwoods and cedar/pine lowland forests, leading to the Betsie River. It is extremely fast because you're mostly going downhill toward the river.

Climbing? Yes. First, out of the river basin (not so bad) then to the base of the mountain on its west side, which becomes a little more challenging. There, you'll find some sweet, new single track recently built by our friends at Crystal Mountain which is challenging, but very rideable. This year, the Clipper chairlift will once again be up and running and there will be tons of spectators at the top to cheer you on. The vistas are awesome, but there will be little time to enjoy the view as you start descending on a brand new Crystal exclusive trail, the Pistachio, leading back to the base of the mountain where you started. The course clocks out at right around 12.5 miles.