MICHIGAN
The title of this thread says it all… “Best Single Track Races in Every State”. The OP wants minimal and/or no gravel/road. The Ore to Shore has much of that as well as pavement thrown in. I’m not sure why so many in MI love the “XC” races that have poor trail courses and lots of gravel/road/transitions. I assume people equate their experience, the atmosphere (party) and/or difficulty as justification for “Best”. I understand that but when you actually look at the course/trail, these atmospheric races fail in comparison.
Over the past 4 years in MI, I’ve now completed 28 races (XCO, XCM, MTB 100s) to include the XCO Championship Race Series (CPS) each year. I have a good feel of what the best races are based on the course/trail alone. Ignoring all other factors, the best races in MI are:
XCO
- Pontiac Lake Challenge. The most “technical” trail of the XCO race series and requires bike handing as well as fitness.
MTB 100
- Lumberjack 100. Mostly beautiful singletrack in a National Forrest with 10,000 ft of elevation gain. Not technical but great trail conditions. Contains 3 laps that allow for easy refueling and support.
Party/Experience (plenty of gravel/road)
- Iceman
- Mud, Sweat & Beers
- Tree Farm Relay
Most Difficult (plenty of gravel/road and forced hike-a-bike)
- Marji Gesick
