Experience the Thunder Bay Thriller, an exhilarating 65-mile multi-surface gravel race set to take place on August 29th, 2026. This scenic journey through Northeast Michigan's countryside and trail systems promises a unique blend of rolling backroads, exciting snowmobile two-tracks against picturesque Devils Lake, and woodland paths. For those seeking less distance but still wanting an engaging challenge, the event offers both a 31-mile route and a 15-mile loop. The longer routes will traverse Indian Reserve Rd, Devil's Lake, and Norway Ridge Pathway, while the shorter options provide their own distinct loops filled with thrilling terrain. Looking for something even more demanding? The new 100-mile Ultra category is open to ambitious participants. Although still under development, this long-distance adventure promises a memorable experience through some of Michigan’s most scenic routes. The race will kick off at Thunder Bay Junior High in Alpena, MI (49707), with staggered start times: 100 miles at 7:00am, 65 miles at 8:00am, and the 31-mile and 15-mile categories starting respectively at 8:20am and 8:40am. A full course walk-through video from last year is available for your reference, though some minor adjustments will be made. Awards await top finishers in each category—men, women, and nonbinary participants across various age groups (11-70+). Special recognition also goes to the best riders on single-speed bikes, tandems, and fat tires. Clydesdale and Athena categories are open for those meeting specific weight requirements. Packet pickup is available early from August 28th at Harborside Cycle & Sport in Alpena or race day at Thunder Bay Junior High School starting at 6:00am until just before the event starts. Each participant will receive custom socks and gear from sponsors, along with a minimum of 38c tires recommended for this challenging course. Alpena, known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, offers more than just racing. Enjoy outdoor activities, local cuisine, and family-friendly adventures against Lake Huron's backdrop. For further information on what to do in Alpena, visit Visit Alpena at https://www.visitalpena.com/. A virtual race option is available for those unable to join the physical event. Additionally, participants with cystic fibrosis can ride free by contacting organizers. All proceeds from this race benefit Rock CF Foundation, a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing tools for people living with cystic fibrosis. Learn more about their mission at https://letsrockcf.org/. Thank you to our sponsors: Vertex, Viatris, Squirt Cycling Products, Harborside Cycle & Sport, STS Bicycles, and Hopside Brewery of Alpena.
Races Offered
Thunder Bay Thriller - 100-Mile Race - 100-Mile Athena
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$80.00
Thunder Bay Thriller - 100-Mile Race - 100-Mile Clydesdale
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$80.00
Thunder Bay Thriller - 100-Mile Race - 100-Mile Fat Bike
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$80.00
Thunder Bay Thriller - 100-Mile Race - 100-Mile Open
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$80.00
Thunder Bay Thriller - 100-Mile Race - 100-Mile Single Speed
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$80.00
Thunder Bay Thriller - 100-Mile Race - 100-Mile Tandem
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$90.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 15-Mile Race - 15-Mile Athena
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
24.1K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$32.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 15-Mile Race - 15-Mile Clydesdale
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
24.1K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$32.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 15-Mile Race - 15-Mile Fat Bike
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
24.1K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$32.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 15-Mile Race - 15-Mile Open
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
24.1K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$32.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 15-Mile Race - 15-Mile Single Speed
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
24.1K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$32.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 15-Mile Race - 15-Mile Tandem
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
24.1K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$42.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 31-Mile Race - 31-Mile Athena
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
49.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$50.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 31-Mile Race - 31-Mile Clydesdale
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
49.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$50.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 31-Mile Race - 31-Mile Fat Bike
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
49.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$50.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 31-Mile Race - 31-Mile Open
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
49.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$50.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 31-Mile Race - 31-Mile Single Speed
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
49.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$50.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 31-Mile Race - 31-Mile Tandem
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
49.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$60.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 65-Mile Race - 65-Mile Athena
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$63.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 65-Mile Race - 65-Mile Clydesdale
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$63.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 65-Mile Race - 65-Mile Fat Bike
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$63.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 65-Mile Race - 65-Mile Open
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$63.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 65-Mile Race - 65-Mile Single Speed
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$63.00
Thunder Bay Thriller 65-Mile Race - 65-Mile Tandem
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$73.00
Virtual Rider - Virtual Rider
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Virtual Rider - Virtual Rider
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$45.00
Volunteer - Volunteer
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Volunteer - Volunteer
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
54 days remaining
sell
$0.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Alpena.
