Dexter, Michigan · Saturday, July 25, 2026
The THE WATERMOO Preride: Upper Course is a cycling and gravel event held on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It is located at 2200 N Parker Rd in Dexter, Michigan.
Join THE WATERMOO event director and Ann Arbor Velo Club members for a pre-ride of the lower half of the course before race day! All are welcome, even if you have not registered for THE WATERMOO.
The route is about 80 miles, and will cover some of the course's more challenging hills. There are two pace group options. Both rides are no-drop and will include bathroom and food stops if needed. Participants are expected to have the route and everything they need to sustain themselves, including tools, hydration, and food.
Route: The Lower Watermoo
Bathroom/Water:
Waterloo Headquarters spigot and porta-potty, miles 24 and 66
Sharon Mills County Park indoor restroom and water fountain, mile 44.5
Bathroom/Food:
Marathon Gas Station, mile 62
Date: Saturday, July 11th | 8:30am
Start & Finish: Dexter High School
2200 N. Parker Rd.
Dexter, MI 48130
The Ride
One Helluva Ride is Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society's signature event. This event allows AABTS to advocate for cycling in not just our community but across Michigan. Proceeds from this event are used to fund philanthropic activities, which include donating thousands of dollars for things like helmets, out-reach, education, and other charitable causes each year.
Join us for a day of scenic bicycle touring over tree-lined roads and beautiful gravel trails. The routes wind through rural and recreational areas and vary enough to appeal to a broad range of cyclists. We welcome all categories of riders.
When / Where
The ride will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Pre-registered check in starts at 6:30am. All rides start and end at Chelsea High School (740 N Freer Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118). Enter high school to park from Trinkle Rd.
NOTE: New starting location for 2026!
Routes
Updated routes for 2026.
Four paved road rides (20 -100 miles) and one gravel route (42 miles) are offered. Routes will be marked, and maps via RidewithGPS available for download. All rides start and end at Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Michigan. SAG support and bike mechanics will be available.
Routes subject to change based on road conditions - always check prior to the ride at www.aabts.org/ohr for the latest routes.
Food
There will be lunch from Slows Bar BQ of Detroit (including vegetarian and vegan), snacks and beverages at rest stops.
Merchandise
You can order a custom t-shirt and socks via the RunSignUp Store. T-shirts and socks ordered will be available for pickup when you check-in the day of the ride.
NOTE: T-shirt ordering closes as of June 21st and sock orders on July 5th. Some limited supplies will be for sale day of the ride.
Other
No day of ride registration! Online registration closes July 5th.
Questions: [email protected] / Full ride details found on our website (aabts.org/ohr).