The Marji Gesick mountain bike race rolls through Marquette County on Saturday, Sept. 19, sending riders on a 100-mile endurance course from Marquette to Ishpeming.
The 906 Adventure Team, the Marquette-based organizer, hosts the race that pro cyclist Jeremiah Bishop once called "the hardest single-day mountain bike race in America," according to the 906 Adventure Team's website. Race Director Todd Poquette told WLUC the race sold out in under a minute.
Riders navigate the course on their own. Organizers provide trail markers, but the rest depends on the rider.
"You will have world-class athletes to show up to toe the line, and you will have everyday, weekend warriors and kids alongside of them," Poquette said.
Road closures
Marquette drivers should plan around closures on Lakeshore Boulevard between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the start of the Marji Gesick 50-mile race, according to a city public safety notice. The 100-mile race starts separately, an hour earlier at 7:30 a.m., at the Forestville Trailhead on County Road HT, and does not use Lakeshore Boulevard.
Lakeshore Boulevard will be fully closed between Spring Street and Washington Street. Through traffic will also be blocked between Washington Street and Ridge Street. The detour runs via Spring Street, Front Street and Ridge Street.
Police officers will direct traffic on Lakeshore Boulevard. Lake Street, Cliffs Power Road and Mount Marquette Road will stay open.
Riders in the 50-mile race start on Lakeshore Boulevard, follow the city multi-use path and Lake Street south to the Carp River bridge, then continue onto Cliffs Power Road, Mount Marquette Road and Noquemanon Trail Network trails.
Spectator scene at Mile 50
Marquette Mountain Resort is hosting a neutral aid station at Mile 50 of the 100-mile course. The resort will offer live music from noon to 3 p.m., food and drinks for athletes and support crews, and air-conditioned rest areas.
Spectators at Marquette Mountain can also catch a Summer Classic Charity Volleyball Tournament and scenic fall color chairlift rides, according to the resort's event page.
What to know
- What: Marji Gesick mountain bike race weekend, including a 50-mile and a 100-mile course
- When: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Route: Marquette to Ishpeming (100-mile course)
- Road closures: Lakeshore Boulevard, 6–8:30 a.m., for the 50-mile race start
- Spectator hub: Marquette Mountain Resort, Mile 50 of the 100-mile course
- Contact: Todd Poquette, race director, (906) 748-0034; Marquette Engineering Department, (906) 228-0440
