The Divide

The Divide is a gravel road bike race held each year in Manton MI on the last Sunday of July.  The Divide is a part of the Michigan Gravel Race Series.   and there are three distances to choose from; 19, 34, & 50 miles.   All three routes are very hilly and include a mixture of gravel, seasonal, and forest roads some of which have some sandy spots.  The largest hills are out on the Outer Loop which are a part of the 34 and 50 mile routes.  The 19 is characterized by short punchy climbs and fast downhills.    Although roads in Northern Michigan have a sand base our entire course can be ridden at high speed with some skill and high volume and fast rolling tires.  Riders have suggested tires from the mid 32-38 cc and up.

SIGN UP FOR THE 2023 RACE:  http://michianatiming.com/registration

Results for pasts years (and this year shortly after the event can be found here): The Divide Bike Race Results – Manton, MI

During the event, live results can be found at: michianatiming.com/live

facebook

If you need to change something or want to add a team designation, please use our form: Form to Change Stuff

There is an FAQ here:
Event FAQ

Packet pickup will be at the Pavilion in Railroad Park – Downtown Manton one block east of old 131 – will start at 8:45 a.m. Bike racing will begin at 11:00 am in three en masse starts, and also in individual starts for those desiring social distancing. course-strava

All three distances of the bike races will be on Sunday, July 30, 2023, in Manton, MI.

Registration:
Bike Registration – Open Now!

   INDIVIDUAL STARTING TIMES FOR 2023?

Yes, from 10:00 am until 10:30 am as an option if you need more time, or just want to be out of the group. We will of course have a common start at approximately 11:00 (50 mile start), 11:03 (34 Mile Start) and 11:06 (19 Mile Start). But, if the common start is not for you, they you can go solo or join a couple of regular ride pals and do a time trial start between 10:00 and 10:30. If you elect to do so, you must be started by one of our staff to log your time. If your group is slightly bigger, just let us know.

We have discounts for the several groups or persons. Bringing a team? We will create a code for you. Simply contact us for the discount code valid on registrations through July 4th for these groups:

  1. Returning Participants from the Divide!
  2. Participants in The Michigan Gravel Race Series!
  3. Barry Roubaix Registrant
  4. Cadillac Cycling Club
  5. Founders Racing Team
  6. Hagerty Cycling Sports Team
  7. McClain Cycle Racing Team

Bike Races:
The Divide will be manageable by bike riders of any and every skill level. The Divide is 19 miles (elevation change of 1330′), The Divide+ at 34 miles (elevation change of 1987′) and The Divide Pro-Elite version at 50 miles (elevation change of 2292′ plus). All three races will offer the option of Bike, Fat Bike and, Single Speed/Fixed Gear. Age divisions will be five year increments for each race and division.

The Divide will start in downtown Manton and head south and west towards the dirt roads that skirt the Manistee National Forest. The Divide Standard event uses mostly solid gravel roads with only a little sand and one slightly rougher downhill section dubbed the redneck roughneck. This ride is doable by any rider.

Those ramping up to The Divide+ and for our Pro-Elite race, will enjoy just a little two track in addition to the solid gravel roads.

The Divide Pro-Elite will do a double loop of the most challenging part of the course to add a bit more elevation and to challenge the stronger racers out there. We race opposite directions on the loops each year to vary the terrain profile and to mix it up.

STRAVA / GPX FILES:

19 MILE COURSE: Odd & Even Years https://www.strava.com/routes/2720797267911665290 
34 MILE COURSEOdd Years:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2720808263802286296   
34 MILE COURSEEven Years Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2720801984819610840 
50 MILE COURSE:  Odd Years Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/19888265 
50 MILE COURSE:  Even Years Route:: https://www.strava.com/routes/25353722 

The Divide – Bike Race Pricing Options

All bikers pay a base fee which is:
Phase One before 7/4 $10.00
Phase Two before 7/22 $15.00
Phase Three 7/23 through Day of $20.00
Day Of $30 come early! Bring exact change.

Bikers then pay the following based on the race in which they plan to compete:
The Divide – Bike – 19 Miles $20.00
The Divide – Fat Bike – 19 Mile $20.00
The Divide – Single Speed/Fixed – 19 Mile $20.00
The Divide – Tandem Rider One – 19 Mile $20.00
The Divide – Tandem Rider Two – 19 Mile $5.00

The Divide+ Bike – 34 Miles $25.00
The Divide+ Fat Bike – 34 Miles $25.00
The Divide+ Single Speed/Fixed – 34 Miles $25.00
The Divide+ Tandem Rider One – 34 Miles $25.00
The Divide+ Tandem Rider Two – 34 Miles $10.00

The Divide Pro-Elite Bike – 50 Miles $30.00
The Divide Pro-Elite Fat Bike – 50 Miles $30.00
The Divide Pro-Elite Single Speed/Fixed – 50 Miles $30.00
The Divide Pro-Elite Tandem Rider One – 50 Miles $30.00
The Divide Pro-Elite Tandem Rider Two – 50 Miles $15.00

We are actively seeking sponsors and other groups willing to help with the event.

As this event will divide the racing year between those the usual Barry and Iceman races, it will give you an opportunity to test your mid-season fitness. In addition teams/groups bring five or more riders can arrange to receive a discount on each riders’ entry fee.

12 thoughts on “The Divide”

  1. Is there video footage of the course for the downhill longboard race? I would like to see what my son and I are getting ourselves into. Also, is this a double elimination event?

    1. Bike race at noon.
      Downhill elimination longboard at 12:20 pm
      5K and 10K Push at 4:00 pm

    1. Yes and then they will take different paths once out on the course. The only exception will be the micro kids race which we will likely do at a different time depending on numbers.

  2. Is it possible to get a map of the longboard 10k route? I am probably going to be in Michigan and able to race, I would like to see the route beforehand if possible. Thanks!

Comments are closed.