Welcome to the THUNDER BAY THRILLER!
Take on the challenge of a 65-mile multi-surface gravel race through the scenic Northeast Michigan countryside and trail system on August 29th, 2026. We are excited to announce that we will be a part of the Michigan Gravel Race Series & ILoveGravelRacing 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.
We'll have the 31-mile option as well as the 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 whereas the 15-milers will have their own fun loop. Do you want something a bit LONGER? Inttroducing our new 100-mile Ultra category! This loop is still a WIP, but check out our ‘tentative’ route along with the other routes below.
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
When: August 29th, 2026
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 5 Men, Top 5 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.
Packet Pickup:
Early Pickup - Friday, August 28th from Harborside Cycle & Sport - 10:00am - 5:30pm
Race Day Pickup - Saturday, August 29th at Thunder Bay Junior High School - 6:00am - 7:45am (just before race time)
Each registrant will receive a pair of custom socks along with gear from our sponsors!
We recommend a BARE 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 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.
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! Also, if you are a person living with cystic fibrosis: you ride for free! Email us to learn more and rolling.
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 & ILoveGravelRacing Series for the 2026 race season. Thank you to our incredible sponsors: Vertex, Viatris, Squirt Cycling Products, Harborside Cycle & Sport, STS Bicycles, and Hopside Brewery of Alpena.