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Mine race idea gives rise to new trails in Greenland, Michigan
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Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers many varied racing
opportunities. Miner's Revenge adds one more unique and
challenging race.
It was a simple idea among friends. They thought it would be fun to hold a small, informal race at a local mine, the Adventure Mine in Greenland, Michigan, located in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
A local news channel out of Marquette discovered the idea and did a report on the unique race. Shortly afterward, the Associated Press reported on the Adventure Mine race. The popularity of the race idea spurred the friends to officially organize the Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race, which will take place on Sunday, July 12.
Birth of a new trail
There was more to do than simply organize a race, however. The trail was nonexistent, and it was time to enlist the volunteer efforts of Keweenaw residents to build new, extreme singletrack. The mine is surrounded by mountainous terrain that is challenging for any mountain biker. The course designers included steep climbs and descents to make it a more difficult race, and the trail includes hills that will force any rider to walk. The race course consists of a five-mile lap with a half-mile portion located within the mine.
Monday night trail days were organized with carpooling starting from The Bike Shop, co-sponsor of the race. After six weeks of dedicated trail building, riders were invited to visit the new singletrack to help ride in the trail while trail crews continued to finish the trail with bridges and stunts.
The community of Greenland is excited to have the new mountain biking trails and look forward to seeing more mountain bikers visit the community. With the exception of the mine section, the mountain bike trail will remain open for riding. Downhillers are invited to ride the Adventure Mountain Ski Hill. Next year's plans may include a downhill course in the Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race.
Race information
The race is sponsored by the Adventure Mining Company and The Bike Shop, in Houghton. It will consist of 10- and 20-mile courses. Racers are required to bring a light since the mine is completely dark. Free, on-site camping and a bonfire will be provided for registered racers and their families on Saturday night. The race will start Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. Registration on July 11 and 12 will be $35.
For more info: Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race
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