CLICK BELOW TO HEAR CASEY FORD INTERVIEW WITH RACE DIRECTOR SCOTT TUMA
The Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Race is set for next weekend in Marquette County.
It’s the 25th anniversary of the race, bringing thousands of people to the area from around the country.
The race director, Scott Tuma, has run the event for all 25 of those years. He sat down with Casey Ford from the Radio Results Network to talk about the race. The interview is posted above. And below, there’s a description of the courses of the race.
HARD ROCK
48 Mile Race – Mass Start at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
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 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
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.
SHORE ROCK
10 Mile Race – Mass Start at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
The Shore Rock offers an entry-level distance for the rider looking to try mountain bike racing, or for kids wanting to expand beyond the Junior Rock. Starting at Lakeview Arena at 8am, the racers will travel towards Tourist Park, and along the last section of the Hard/Soft Rock. The course will circle around and finish back at Lakeview Arena. Trophies will be awarded to the top age group finishers.
JUNIOR ROCK
4 Mile Race at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
The Junior Rock race is a 4 mile loop on a dirt trail starting at Lakeview Arena for those ages 13 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 can be picked up from the trophy table following the finish of the race. Everyone is welcome to take a picture with their trophy at the podium area.
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 at 5:15 p.m. (Eastern Time)
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 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
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 riders are required to wear a helmet.
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