THUNDER BAY THRILLER
Take on the challenge of a 100, 65, 31, or 15-mile gravel grinder through beautiful Northeast Michigan.
GRAB YOUR BIKE AND LET’S RIDE.
Take on the challenge of the 62-mile multi-surface gravel grinder through the scenic Northeast Michigan countryside and trail system on August 29th, 2026. We are excited to announce that we will be part of both the Michigan Gravel Race Series & I Love Gravel Race Series for the upcoming 2026 race calendar!
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'll have the 31-mile option as well as the NEW 15-mile option to race day. The 31-mile course will still take you along all the fun of Indian Reserve Rd, Devil's Lake, and the Norway Ridge Pathway. Want something LONGER? Our brand new 100-mile Ultra category is just the fix for you!
ROUTES
65-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3404660806101232378
31-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3404662070105980196
16-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3404660052957176870
100-Mile Route (subject to change): https://www.strava.com/routes/3421165684783294118
Full course walk-through video from 2025 can be found here, but there are minor adjustments for the 2026 course so be aware!: https://youtu.be/Ya0CGOXzE24
awards/timing information
Time: 100-Mile - 7:00am / 65-Mile - 8:00am / 31-Mile - 8:20am / 15-Mile - 8:40am (may be subject to minor change based on weather)
Start/Finish - Where: Thunder Bay Jr High, Alpena, MI 49707
Awards: 65-Mile - Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women, Top 3 per age group, men/women: 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. Top nonbinary. Top SS and Fat bike.
31-Mile - Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women, Top 3 per age group, men/women: 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. Top nonbinary. Top SS and Fat bike.
15-Mile - Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women, Top 3 per age group, men/women: 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. Top nonbinary. Top SS and Fat bike.
100-Mile - Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women, Top 3 per age group, men/women: 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. Top nonbinary. Top SS and Fat bike.
We will once again have the Clydesdale and Athena as well as Single Speed, Tandem, and Fat Bike category options. If you are unfamiliar with these and would like to know more, please email race director trevor@letsrockcf.org.
TIRE CHOICE + COURSE MARKING
We recommend a MINIMUM of at least around 40c tires for this route, and the entire course can be done with a gravel bike. I personally just did it on 45c tires and they were perfect! There will be some fast rolling hero gravel, slightly rougher two-track, and a bit of (dare I say it?) sand from time to time on the back trails! Just enough for a good time BUT if you were with us the past two years, we have made an adjustment to the final few miles to minimize the amount of sand near the finish as well as a (subject to minor change) new finish setup. 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.
WHERE TO STAY/CAMPING
There are a few hotels, inns, motels, and plenty of AirBnb/VRBOs in the Alpena, Alcona, Hubbard Lake, and Long Lake area(s). With regards to the RV/Van parking onsite, because the start/finish is located at a school parking lot, we won't be able to offer onsite camping at the starting line, but there are a few locations very close by for camping/parking.
There are two pretty close by that I would recommend which are the Alpena Fairgrounds and Campers Cove. The Fairgrounds are very close to the start of the race and normally have solid availability, also closer to town. Campers Cove is down Long Rapids Rd and is a little bit further from the start, but not too far that I wouldn't suggest using it!
Long Lake Park is also solid if you want more of a secluded experience, but up the other way on US-23N. More info on a couple of the other spots can be found here: https://www.alpenacounty.org/293/Alpena-County-ParksCamping
And of course, there is a Walmart on M-32 in Alpena really close by that allows overnight RV/van parking, too.
BE A PART OF IT
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/