One of the reasons why Short’s supports new mountain bike events in northern Michigan is that we love to ride mountain bikes. Since mountain biking burns calories at a faster rate than almost any activity, it is a great way for us to “earn our Humas”. This year, we are announcing two new local events in June. Both feature a relaxed attitude and Short’s beer, and both raise money for great causes.
The Grind At Boyne Mountain – Saturday, June 2nd
The Grind at Boyne Mountain is a 6-hour lap race on some of the best trails in Northern Michigan. Racers will be treated to an awesome course composed almost entirely of singletrack. Each lap will feature the infamous climb known as “The Grinder,” testing one’s willpower as much as it tests their quads. While a 6 hour race may seem intimidating, remember that you can enter as a four person team, a two person team, or as a solo rider. Team entries allow participants to take turns, making the event much more manageable. Those who take part in this spectacular event will be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, a ton of memories, and a lingering burning in the legs. Of more importance is the finishing celebration featuring the energizing live music of local band, Boyne River Remedy. In addition, Short’s is bringing a craft beer tent where everyone will be able to enjoy $2 draft beers throughout the day. Plus, Boyne has generously made available some great room, dining, spa, and waterpark rates for the weekend! To read more about the Grind, and to register, click here.
All proceeds from the Grind will go to Challenge Wheels. Challenge Wheels is an effort to start an adaptive mountain biking program at Challenge Mountain, a local facility for disabled children and their families located in Boyne Falls. Most well known for their adaptive skiing facilities, Challenge Mountain’s services are available at no cost to the children. Please visit www.cmski.org.
The Long & Short’s Ride – Saturday June 23rd
This is your chance to explore the North Country Trail in style and to help support the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA)! The North Country Trail offers some of the coolest sights on terrain that will satisfy riders of all types. This event features a choice between point to point ride distances of 54, 26 and 16 miles. If you like rides that last all day or ones that only last a couple hours, there is an option for you!
Your ride entry includes a supported ride of any of the three distances, a professionally catered meal, cold Short’s Brew at the end, and one night of tent camping at the after party at the Kalkaska Campground and RV Park. (Additional nights of camping, RV hookups and mini cabins available at a discounted rate, call the campground at 231-258-9863 and mention the Long and Short’s!) Plus, the first 100 people to register will get free pint glasses.
Early registration is only $35 until May 27th. After that, the rate rises to $45 until June 21. Night before registration is available at the campground for $55.
Donation based shuttle service to start points will be available the morning of June 24 to return you to your vehicles. Maps and start points will be published the week before the event. Shuttles will only run on Sunday morning, but you are welcome to make your own arrangements to retrieve cars at any time. We unfortunately can’t transport bikes so you will need to return to the camp ground to gather your bikes and gear.
All proceeds go to support the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that maintains over 150 miles of singletrack in northern Michigan. Register here, today!
