Ready to be a part of the longest running MTB race in Michigan and support our local trails? Yankee Springs Time Trial hosted at the Yankee Spring Recreation Area fits the bill! Yankee Springs Time Trial is a unique race for several reasons and a fantastic way to dip your foot into racing. The race uses the Deep Lake Trail which is about 11 miles long, technical, and fast! As the first MTB race of the season, it is a great training motivator over the winter. Race day this year is April 25 and registration opens December 18 at 11am and limited to 800 spots! Here are our top reasons you should add it to your race schedule!

1. It’s the largest fundraiser for some of your favorite trails! All proceeds go back to the WMMBA who maintain and manage some of the best trails in West Michigan like Merrell, The Dragon Trail, Cannonsburg, and the new Johnson Park Trail! This race is volunteer-run as well! If you don’t race it for the competitiveness you should race it for supporting our amazing community and sport!
2. It’s the longest-running MTB races in the state of Michigan! There has been a lot that has changed in mountain biking since this race started in 1990, but the mission and atmosphere have not! Every racer is a part of a rich mountain bike race history in Michigan!
3. It’s just you against the course! Time trial races are a fun format because while you are racing with other people, it is still mainly you against the course. There’s a different mentality to the race day, and it’s a blast!
4. It’s great for all riders! Beginner? Do one lap of the course. Sport class is one lap, but for the faster racers. Elite class do two laps. There are even fun races for kids whether they are on Striders or able to move under their own pedal power! They have their own loop so that they don’t have to worry about the fast, adult riders. Registration for kids 14 and under is FREE!
5. It’s part of the M.O.R.C (Michigan Off-Road Championship) series! This new MTB race series founded by Join the Fight is in the early stages of development but is already proving to be a hit. There are 10 races in the series this year all over Michigan and all funds from the series go to support The House of Promise in Lansing, MI.

Whether you are a new racer or a seasoned racer, Yankee Springs Time Trial is a great way to get into the racing season and give back to the trails that we use everyday!

See you on the trail!

Mark Deering