The Bear Claw Epic is a multi lap high intensity race for mountain bikers hosted at the Cadillac pathway. With five six race divisions; Elite, Expert, Sport, Intermediate, Beginner, and the Bear Cub for kids 13 & under there is a distance and division for everyone!

After some COVID related struggles and the original race directors; Michelle Andrews and Dustin Webb, stepping down and the BCE was cancelled for one year before being picked back up by some flatlanders from downstate, “Flatlanders” = South of Big Rapids, and revived the for the 2023 season. After dealing with the travel distance for one year, HardRacing was asked to take over the race.

2024 DATE CHANGE: I am a high school teacher and coach; Girls Track & Field as well as the Cross Country program in Manton. Spring is just to busy so we are moving the date back to the fall. Saturday, Oct. 12th. The 2nd Weekend in October for all future years.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE RACE PROCEEDS!? Coach Harding, aka; HardRacingevents holds a week long cross country camp up in Traverse City at Timber Ridge campground. Members of Manton’s XC teams will work The Divide gravel road race as well as the Bear Claw Epic in order to earn their team camp. I estimate we’ll put in over 200 hours into trail building and maintenance during the summer of 2024.

RACE SPONSORS / VOLUNTEERS: We are excited to announce that EINSTEIN CYCLES has signed up to be this year’s title sponsor. However, we are still looking for race sponsors to help cover costs related to holding this race, including; medals, trophies, insurance, prizes, food, etc. If you or your business is interested in contributing please contact us to discuss how we can help each other. LINK: https://forms.gle/gRrSv9PUr5X4EynL7

SIGN UP TODAY!!! https://michianatiming.com/registration/