Welcome to the Thunder Bay Thriller!

Take on the challenge of the 62-mile multi-surface gravel grinder through the scenic Northeast Michigan countryside and trail system on September 14th, 2025. We are excited to announce that we will be part of the Michigan Gravel Race Series for the upcoming 2025 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 27-mile option as well as the NEW 16-mile 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.

Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/thunder-bay-thriller
62-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3141032543975373186
27-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3190142660854870178
16-Mile Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3289323215895098208

When: September 14th, 2025

Time: 62-Mile – 8:00am / 27-Mile – 8:05am / 16-Mile – 8:10am (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.

16-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.

Each registrant will receive a shirt and sticker along with a swag bag from our sponsors!

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.

Riders are expected to follow the rules of the road based upon Michigan Bicycle Law.

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! Awards for the longest rides on race day.

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/

We appreciate the support from the Michigan Gravel Race Series for the 2025 race season. Thank you to our incredible sponsors in 2025!