Does anyone else feel like summer comes and goes way too fast? I’ve always said that once the Fourth of July hits, it feels like the rest of summer speeds by. So don’t let it slip away — grab your bike, paddleboard, kayak or whatever summer gear you love, and soak up that vitamin D. (Just don’t forget the sunscreen!)
Here are a few fun ways to make the most of the season:
Group rides
Tuesday night group rides are in full swing and will continue all season long. Meet in front of Down Wind Sports on Elm Street for a 6:15 p.m. rollout each Tuesday. Afterward, we usually grab a bite at a local spot downtown — completely optional but always a good time.
Interested in hosting a group ride on a local trail? Let us know — we’d love to help spread the word and join in. MBTN will be organizing more rides later this summer, so stay tuned.
Upcoming events Pictured Rocks Road Race, this Sunday: This year marks the 50th annual race, and we’re expecting around 350 runners and their families. Help us welcome them to town and cheer them on as they make their way through Munising’s scenic streets. Please allow extra time Sunday morning to get where you need to go. Participants will be crossing M-28 and running along St. Martins Hill, Varnum Street, Cemetery Hill, Lehnen Road, Connors Road and H-58. Your patience helps keep everyone safe.
Fourth of July raffle: We’re raffling off some incredible prizes — generously donated by local businesses — to raise money for trail maintenance and expansion. Tickets are $10 each or $20 for three. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. on July 4 at Bayshore Park.
Buy tickets in person at Bayshore Park on the Fourth or anytime before then at South Bay Outfitters (sponsor of first prize: 2025 Scott Spark 960), Down Wind Sports (sponsor of second prize: Liquidlogic Saluda 11-foot kayak), from Arlene Swanberg at Peoples State Bank or from Kris Tidd at Munising Memorial Hospital.
You can also message us on Facebook @Rhonda Lassila or @ MBTN. Every ticket helps keep our trails beautiful and accessible. Thank you for your support.
Mountain Goat Mash, Saturday, Sept. 27: Choose a 15- or 30-mile mountain bike race or a 15-mile trail run at Valley Spur Recreation Area. This is a staged rollout event — not a mass start — so it’s all about your race, your pace. The course covers all the singletrack at Valley Spur. Sign up at bikereg.com/mountaingoat- mash.
Just a heads-up
On July 15, The Crusher — a 500-mile gravel bikepacking challenge hosted by 906 Adventure Team — will pass through portions of Bruno’s Run and Valley Spur singletrack. You might spot 40 to 50 riders loaded down with gear making their way through our trails en route from the Stonington Peninsula to Copper Harbor. If you see them, a little encouragement will go a long way.
New trail update
Fir Street Climb: If you’ve been following the progress on this new trail, you may have noticed a sign posted at the entrance asking everyone to stay off until construction is complete. Foot traffic — both human and pet — was damaging the freshly built tread, causing the contractor to redo sections of the work. Once finished, this will be a one-way climbing trail for bikers and a two-way trail for hikers. Thanks for your patience as we look forward to its official opening.
Past rides worth mentioning Hiawatha’s Revenge took place on June 7, starting from the upper parking lot at Valley Spur Recreation Area.
This is an unsupported gravel grinder offering riders three distance options: 50k, 100k or 100 miles. This year, more than 40 riders showed up and were treated to some of the best weather the event has seen.
Pro tip: This ride usually happens on the first Saturday in June. Add it to your calendar for next year if you’re interested.
Women’s International Mountain Bike Day is typically celebrated on the first Saturday of May. Due to this year’s late snowmelt, MBTN hosted our women’s ride a little later — on June 8. Fourteen awesome women hit the trails together and explored some of the singletrack at Valley Spur in celebration of ladies who shred.
Enjoy the summer vibe … get out and go for a ride.
