SOL Gravel

Take part in the first of many editions of SOL Gravel, an ultra-cycling event that covers the best alt-roads of Benzie and Manistee counties. The route is 177 miles on open roads with about 7k feet in elevation gain. The race starts at 7 AM Saturday, July 22, 2023. It starts and finishes at Elberta's Waterfront Park along the shores of Betsie Bay.

SOL Gravel is a 100% self-supported pop-up race in response to the high demand for reviving the Sancho 200. That means no aid will be provided on the course, including before and after the race, and racers are discouraged from receiving outside aid/support while on the course. There are several resupply stops along the way and it is up to you to figure out where you will refill hydration and calories.

The course is 67% gravel/unpaved and 33% paved roads, with some two-track and single-track. While there is very little sand and rugged terrain you'll encounter (about 2-3 miles of sand if conditions are very dry), we recommend using a gravel bike or mountain bike with a tire width of at least 38-40c. The route will be revealed on July 10th. 

All timing will be done online via Strava. Join our group to share your official activity and time for the race: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1154220

Route

• Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3113856892303762488 
• RideWithGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43466206

Course Description

Starting on the Betsie Valley Trail from Elberta to Thompsonville, enjoy flat, fast, and scenic gravel for the first 40 miles before embracing the epic climbs of the Manistee National Forest. Just after mile 80, you'll cross the Lincoln Bridge over the Pine River where you can expect a couple of miles of slow, sandy climbing and a soothing descent to North Kings Highway. From there, it's smooth sailing westbound to Manistee where at mile 126 you'll travel along the Lake Michigan coastline on mostly paved roads through Onekema, Pierport, and Arcadia before hitting 4 miles of single track at the Arcadia Dunes C.S. Mott Nature Preserve. It's the homestretch along Herring Lake before one last climb up Johnson Road and it's all downhill back to Elberta. Overall, you'll cover 175 miles and climb just shy of 7k feet in elevation gain.

Resupply spots on course at:
Mile 43 - Mesick
Mile 97 - Dublin
Mile 128 - Manistee
Mile 141 - Onekema