Thunder Bay Thriller

Welcome to the THUNDER BAY THRILLER!

Take on the challenge of a brand new 62-mile multi-surface gravel grinder through the scenic Northeast Michigan countryside and trail system on June 1st, 2024.

This fun and challenging route will take riders from rolling gravel backroads onto exciting snowmobile two-track against the picturesque Devils Lake, then weave through the woods of the Norway Ridge Pathway single/two-track system before cranking down the Alpena-Hillman Trail.

Want to ride but looking for something a bit shorter? We've got you covered! We're excited to announce the addition of the 27-mile Short Course option to race day. The 27-mile course will still take you along all the fun of Indian Reserve Rd, Devil's Lake, and the Norway Ridge Pathway.

62-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3141032543975373186

27-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3190142660854870178

CLICK HERE to see a PDF of the routes with course markings, aid stations, and feature descriptions!

Orange map for the 62, green map for the 27. This is will match with your bib color on race-day.

When: June 1st, 2024

Time: 62-Mile - 8:00am / 27-Mile - 8:05am (may be subject to minor change based on weather)

Start/Finish - Where: Thunder Bay Jr High, Alpena, MI 49707

Awards: 62-Mile - Top 5 Men, Top 5 Women, Top Individual per age group, men/women: 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. Top nonbinary.

27-Mile - Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women, Top Individual per age group, men/women: 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. Top nonbinary.

Packet Pickup:

Early Pickup - Friday, May 31st from Harborside Cycle & Sport - 10:00am - 5:30pm

Race Day Pickup - June 1st 2024 at Thunder Bay Junior High School - 6:00am - 8:00am (race time)

Each registrant will receive a shirt and sticker along with Squirt Chain Lube packet in their race bag! 

We recommend a minimum of at least around 38c tires for this route, and the entire course can be done with a gravel bike. There will be some fast rolling hero gravel, slightly rougher two-track, and maybe a lil' bit of (dare I say it?) sand from time to time on the back trails! Just enough for a good time. If you would rather hop on the mountain bike for more comfort on the trails, totally doable and a nice option in a few sections. For those local to the area, stop by our Local Bike Shop Sponsor, Harborside Cycle & Sport of Alpena for your bike-check and tire needs.

This course will be marked, and marks/signage will be made clear in the rider's manual sent out closer to race date to all registrants. All participants are highly encouraged to download and save the Strava Route above to their GPS device to ensure route knowledge and safety. Riders are expected to follow the rules of the road based upon Michigan Bicycle Law.

Thunder Bay Catering of Alpena will be providing the post-race lunch for all race participants! Once you conquer the course, enjoy a delicious protein bowl filled with an array of build-your-own-style toppings. After things wind down on course, join us for some great craft beer, spirits, and delicious bites at our official After Party Sponsor location, Hopside Brewery! Hopside is perfectly situated right in the heart of downtown Alpena and within walking distance to many of the city’s entertainment options.

The event is based out of Alpena, MI. Known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, Alpena features plenty of opportunities and experiences for outdoor, culinary, and families against the beautiful, water-centric backdrop of Lake Huron. For ideas on things to do and lodging, check out Visit Alpena: https://www.visitalpena.com/

For those of you unable to attend, we will be hosting a virtual rider challenge on the same day as the race! Compete in a variety of challenges such as longest ride, most elevation gained, etc. More info on challenge details will be sent to virtual riders as we approach race date.

100% of all proceeds from the Thunder Bay Thriller go back towards the Rock CF Foundation: a nonprofit based out of Michigan dedicated to heightening awareness for cystic fibrosis and providing those living with CF the tools to not only survive, but thrive. Learn more about Rock CF here: https://letsrockcf.org/

All participants will receive a Thunder Bay Thriller Race Shirt, pictured here! Pretty sweet, right?

Thank you to our incredible sponsors: Vertex, Viatris, Squirt Cycling Products, Harborside Cycle & Sport, STS Bicycles, and Hopside Brewery of Alpena.