Route Description:
Who says there are no mountains in Michigan? This unbelievable route starts near the backside of Boyne Mountain, and runs south through the hilliest part of Michigan wrapping aroundSchuss Mountain before returning back to Boyne City. O.K. maybe these hills aren’t the Rockies, but you will wish they were as most of the climbs out west average 3-5% grades. These routes will test anyone with over 50, yes over 50 climbs that hit at least 10% and many that reach 15% – 20%, and even an optional Super Hill that hits 29%!
The Michigan Mountain Mayhem will be one of the most grueling and challenging rides you will ever participate in. There are 4 routes to choose from: a 50K teaser, a 100K metric century, a 160K (100 mile century), and for those who dare… a 200K double metric!
If you don’t like hills think of it like this, it’s just a mere 128 miles half of which you can casually coast down. Yes, included in this ride are an easy 10,000 feet of descending and all in one day.
Individual Route Descriptions:
50K Teaser
Let’s start with the 50K Teaser (35 miles) with almost 2,300 feet of climbing. It may be the shortest route but you get three long climbs and a chance to climb the infamous “WALL”. It is a good way to see if you have what it takes to be a “climber”.
100K Metric Century
The next route is a 100K metric century (68 miles) with almost 4,600 feet of climbing. This route is only 68 miles, but it has the section with the longest climbs. Ten of the climbs are between 1 and 3 miles long with the granddaddy of them all “THE WALL” –> a 3 mile climb that starts slow and gradually gets steeper. The final stretch starts at 12% and shoots straight to 18%, what a way to end a 3 mile climb! This is the hardest climb of the day and comes near the end.
160K (A Full 100 Mile Century)
This Full 105 mile Century has almost 7,500 feet of climbing. It follows all of the long grueling hills of the metric century but instead of turning around and heading for home after mile 35 it also takes you to the hills near Schuss Mountain. This is when you will have a chance to tackle the optional “SUPER HILL” a 1/2 mile climb up the backside of Schuss Mountain. This climb is like no other and most that attempt it will fail. The Super Hill starts out at 10% then quickly jumps to 15%-20% and just when you can’t take it any longer you get a long stretch of 25%-29% before the final 10% finish.
The 200K Double Metric
Finally…for those who dare. The Double Metric is 130 leg burning miles and almost 10,000 feet of climbing. Everything above plus an additional 25 mile loop and all in one day. The extra 25 miles won’t have any monster climbs, but it is loaded with short very steep hills with no time to recover. No more description is needed. Just look down at the graph and ask yourself……
Can I handle 10,000 feet of climbing?
REST & WATER STOPS:
There will be well catered SAG stations every 15 – 25 miles along the route. They will be loaded with more than you can imagine.
SAG stations will be open at the following times:
Jordan River Bridge 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Kearney Schoolhouse 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Alden Community Center 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Belltower Church 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thurstan Park 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Memorial Park 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.