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 2024 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

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 NOON in three en masse start  by  distance;  50,  34,  then  19.

All three distances of the bike races will be on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Manton, MI.

Registration:
Bike Registration – Open Now!

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 1500’+), The Divide+ at 34 miles (elevation change of 3400’+) and The Divide Pro-Elite version at 50 miles (elevation change of 4,500’+). All three races will offer the option of Bike, Fat Bike and, Single Speed/Fixed Gear. Age divisions will be ten 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.

19 MILE course riders, you will experience the short punchy climbs of the Amish Sawmill as well as the best half of challenging section known as Gilbert Corners and will experience the rolling hills and narrow forest roads before you head back into the town.

34 & 50 MILE course riders head out onto the the 11 mile section known as The Outer Loop.   Out here the hills are much bigger but will have a lower incline, except for El Diablo on E. 35 Rd. which is both steep and long.  We switch directions on the Outer Loop each year; even its clockwise and odd years its counter-clockwise.   50 MILE riders take the long way to and from the Outer Loop through Gilbert Corners while the 34 MILE riders only take Gilbert Corners on their way back to town.

STRAVA / GPX FILES:

19 MILE COURSE: Odd & Even Years

https://www.strava.com/routes/3198667564605793416 

34 MILE COURSE:  Odd Years

https://www.strava.com/routes/3198673282859422670 

34 MILE COURSE:  Even Years

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3198666827127754890 

50 MILE COURSE:  Odd Years

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3198675899443731406 

50 MILE COURSE:  Even Years

Route:: https://www.strava.com/routes/3198664992846076042

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 – 19 Miles (any division) $20.00
The Divide+ – 34 Miles (any division) $25.00
The Divide Long Course – 50 Miles (any division) $30.00

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

As this event will divide the racing year between the Barry and Iceman races — it is why we call it The Divide — it is the midpoint, 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.