Racer Information
In case you missed the emails, these are the key items to know before you race.
RIDER RESPONSIBILITIES
1) NAVIGATION
To keep this race fun and more than just a dirt road ride, the course includes multiple single track sections. Riders are responsible for navigating the course.
Because the trails remain open to the public during the event, we are unable to block off every non-race trail. We believe in sharing the trails and ask all racers to ride with awareness and a spirit of cooperation.
2) PASSING
Our course includes a mix of double track and single track. We respectfully ask riders to allow faster racers to pass when appropriate.
Passing may require both riders to briefly move off the race line. Many events are entirely single track and riders still find safe, respectful ways to pass. We ask for that same consideration here.
3) CLASSES
Participants should register in the ability class they compete in throughout the summer season.
We will use the honor system and trust that sport riders race sport, experts race expert, and so on. Racing in the appropriate class helps reduce congestion and allows us to continue offering courses that are fun, challenging, and well-paced for everyone.
BRING YOUR I.D. FOR THE BEER TENT
(We card everyone. No exceptions.)
No outside alcohol is allowed in the beer tent area. The only alcoholic beverages permitted are New Holland Brewing craft beers purchased inside the beer tent.
Beer purchased in the tent must remain inside the tent. That includes quick trips to the Porta Potty. We know it’s inconvenient, but our liquor license depends on it. Thanks for helping us keep the party going.
MSB: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU
Race day is electric and we’re bringing back everything you love about MSB, plus a little extra.
This year we’ll feature a great variety of New Holland Brewing beers to help celebrate a big day on the trails.
Other amenities include:
• Cold beverages
• Warm fires
• Emergency bike repair services
• Shopping at the MSB Gear Store
MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS / BODILY INJURY
First responders will be stationed at each water/aid station and at the finish line.
For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Aid stations will have limited water and granola bars for distressed riders. All racers are expected to carry their own hydration, nutrition, and basic repair supplies, including tire repair kits.
Add the Search & Rescue Hotline: (231) 937-6200 to your contacts. If you are injured or experience a mechanical that prevents you from continuing, we will pick you up.
All dropouts must text (810) 869-3255.
Dropout locations are marked on the course map.
PARKING
Thanks to the Neighborhood Michigan Ford Dealers, we now have the VIP Ford Lot.
If you have VIP Ford Lot credentials displayed on your dash, follow signage and staff directions to the VIP lot. We will be auditing the lot. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed to The Rock. Just kidding. But also… not really.
When possible, please carpool. Parking is onsite, which is great, but space will be tight.
Drive a 4x4? You may be parked on the ski hill.
All other vehicles will be directed to the flat lots in front of the lodge and south of the lodge near the maintenance building. There will be clear signage and volunteers directing traffic.
PACKET PICKUP
Number plates and preordered merchandise can be picked up:
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 4–7 PM
Mt. Holiday Lodge
The Neighborhood Michigan Ford Dealers Packet Pickup Party
New for 2026, packet pickup isn’t just pickup, it’s a party. Grab your packet in the Mt. Holiday Café, head to the Beer Garden for a New Holland beer, and hang with The Headwaters Band. The perfect way to carb load and kick off a sunny spring race weekend.
Saturday | Beginning at 7 AM
Behind the Mt. Holiday Lodge (3100 Holiday Road)
Under the main tent
VINTAGE–KLUNKERS CATEGORY
All riders entered in the Vintage–Klunkers category must be racing a pre-1995 mountain bike.
Inspection and check-in will take place on race day at 7:30 AM at the Wild Card Cycle tent.
ATHENA & CLYDESDALE CATEGORIES
Athena – Women only, 150 lb minimum
Clydesdale – Men only, 200 lb minimum
WIN YOUR AGE GROUP, GET A PRIZE
Finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in your age group and you’ll earn a little love.
Pick up your trophy mug at the awards table following the race. Age Group podium presentations begin at 12:00 PM.
PRE-RIDES ON PRIVATE LAND STRICTLY FORBIDDEN
No pre-riding on private land.
Riders caught or reported trespassing between now and 7:00 AM Saturday (Race Day) through 5:00 PM Saturday will be blacklisted from Mud, Sweat & Beers. Proper authorities may also be notified.
If you’re unsure what qualifies as private land, review the course map or contact us directly. Without these generous landowners, this race does not happen. Thank you for respecting them.
WAVES & START TIMES
Start waves and the full day schedule are posted. Please check your assigned wave time before lining up.
Any rider starting in an earlier wave than assigned will be disqualified. We hate to see a great ride wiped off the records, so double-check your time.
For families: the Ginger Ale and Root Beer races are scheduled so parents riding Stout or Pale Ale can race and still watch their kids compete.
Preliminary start times are posted here.
SIGN THE KIDS UP
ROOT BEER & GINGER ALE RACES
Pack the kids’ bikes.
• Ginger Ale – 2 miles | 12:45 PM Saturday
• Root Beer – ¼ mile | 1:15 PM Saturday
Both races finish in our famous MAX’S MUD PIT.
Registration is open for both events. Sign up online or at Mt. Holiday under the main tent at the cashier on Friday or race morning.
Want to transfer your registration to another rider? CLick here.
RACER PROTESTS
All protests regarding posted times, finish order, or racer conduct must be submitted in writing to the Race Jury by 3:30 PM on race day.
The Race Jury consists of the Chiefs of Course, Timing, and Registration. All decisions of the Jury are final.
DROP OUTS
If you choose to drop out of the race, report to the nearest aid station and inform a race official immediately.
A support vehicle will transport you from one of the designated pickup locations shown on the course map (The Wall, Strombolis Aid Station, Timber Ridge, English Woods Aid Station, Nipple).
We must account for all riders who do not cross the finish line. Please text your plate number and the words DROP OUT to 810-869-3255.
AID STATION CUT-OFF TIMES
Three aid stations are positioned throughout the course to provide backup water and medical support. The English Woods aid station will be passed twice.
Riders are expected to carry adequate hydration and nutrition. Aid stations are supplemental support only.
Aid stations will close at the following times:
• The Rock / Sands Lake Rd. – 11:00 AM
• 10K / 25K Split – 12:00 PM
• Lands End – 1:00 PM