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HARD
ROCK 48
Mile Race - Mass Start
The course traverses some of the most scenic terrain available
in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 48 mile race starts
in downtown Negaunee, which is the "birthplace" of iron ore
in Michigan. The first mile will be a roll-out on pavement,
and then the race will hit the dirt as you make your way to
Ishpeming. There you will detour through downtown and travel
the city streets for another mile. Then you're back on the
trails. The course will roll with the hills as you gradually
drop in elevation to Marquette. You will be captivated as
you pass by the lakes, rivers, ponds, and wildlife along the
way. The course is wide enough the entire way to allow for
easy and safe passage, but yet remains "tunneled" by nearby
trees to give the sense of winding your way through the forests.
Approaching the city of Marquette, you are still in the highlands,
look off in the distance for a beautiful view of Lake Superior
and the final destination. The course passes through local
mining history in the area. Look for the following sites along
the way: Cliff's Shaft, Rope's Gold Mine Haul Road, L.S. &
I. Railroad's, Presque Isle Ore Dock and many other intriguing
points of interest.
SOFT
ROCK
28 Mile Race - Mass Start
Like its HARD ROCK counterpart, the 28 mile SOFT ROCK covers
some very scenic terrain. Starting at the shores of Negaunee's
tranquil Teal Lake, you will immediately begin your journey
to Marquette. After a 2 mile roll-out on pavement, you will
connect to dirt trails. Approximately 4 miles into the race, you will
merge trails with the HARD ROCK course and will be afforded
the same splendid vistas as you make your way to the shores
of Lake Superior.
JUNIOR
ROCK
4 Mile Race
The
Junior Rock race is a 4 mile loop on a dirt trail starting
at Lakeview Arena for those ages 16 and under. The racers
finish using the same finish chute as the Hard and Soft Rock
racers. Each racer will receive a commemorative T-shirt for
participating.
Age
group categories are in 2 year increments and the start is
in waves by age groups. All the Jr. Rock racers are timed
using the same professional timing company that is used for
the Hard and Soft Rock.
Age
group awards are given to the top 3 finishers in each age
group. These
unique Ore to Shore trophies will be presented to the Junior
Rock racers at the official Ore to Shore Awards Ceremony along
with the overall and age group winners from the Hard and Soft
Rock races.
The
Junior Rock course is best suited for children old enough
to ride the entire course without a parent; although parents
are permitted to ride with their children. While the course
is not technically difficult, it is not suggested for children
who need training wheels or for those on tricycles/Big Wheels.
LITTLE
ROCK Kids' 1 Mile Race - a non-timed event
Younger kids will also have the opportunity to experience
the thrill of a race as they ride near the shores of the "Great
Gitchee Gumee" and make their way around the partially paved
course. This non-timed event will also start in waves by age
groups and all kids will leave winners by taking home a ribbon
and an official race t-shirt.
This
year's course does have some smooth but graveled sections.
The course is very ridable for kid's that are adept at riding
with training wheels. Beginners and riders with tricycles/Big
Wheels are permitted, but not suggested. Parents are permitted
to ride with their children.
LITTLEST ROCK
Kids' 50 Yard Race - a non-timed event
Your young one can't quite reach the pedals? Bring your toddler's
tricycle, Big Wheel, or push car, and do what's necessary
to get them to the finish by pushing, pulling, or letting
them "pedal". They will cruise into the finish area with a
grin that won't quit. Each child will go away a winner by
taking home a ribbon and an official race t-shirt.
Please Note: All children are required to wear a helmet.
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