This past weekend, we loaded up the up.bike Team Bicycle Hauler and headed a short ways south to the Arcadia Grit & Gravel. The race starts and finishes in the small village of Arcadia. It's an event that has found a rather happy equilibrium of size, intimacy, and competition, with around 350 racers most years, although a few stayed home in 2018 due to the rain.
And rain it did. With the forecast vacillating from dry to dreadful all week long, it was a bit of both on race day; soggy, but not a downpour, chilly, but not cold. Luckily, the temperatures hit the mid-50s and those who did make the start line had to deal with a drizzle, nothing more serious.
The race itself is a unique mix of gravel, pavement, and singletrack. The Arcadia Dunes trail system is managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and they've been working for years to help return the reserve back to native plants and creatures, as well as to construct a truly world-class place to ride. The opening miles of the Big Grit are about 11 miles of gravel and paved roads that serve as a rather testing prologue before racers spill into the trillium-lined trails of Arcadia Dunes.
First place or last, everyone has a blast in the 9 miles of singletrack, which curls along the region's ridge line, gaining and losing elevation almost equally for mile after mile. It's one of the only races in our area that you'll hear even the Elite-level racers whooping and shouting in the trails, letting their competitive edge drop and allowing the sheer joy of riding spread like a smile.
Of course, finishing up such a fun day with a big, spacious, warm place to change and towel off is a huge treat. After queuing up for a quick hose-down, we were able to gather the Norte kids back at the trailer to relax and relive what was really a great day in the woods, even if a bit soggy.
Take a second to checkout the results of the day from Newton Timing.
Rob Meendering Photography captured the energy and beauty of the race as well.