The Dirty Mitten Gravel Bike Race

Nestled in the heart of Middleville, Michigan, is the beautiful YMCA Camp Manitou Lin. It is one of the best venues in the area for tri-sport. A beautiful sandy beach start from the shores of Barlow Lake, to a breathtaking ride through the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside to an out & back run along the lakeshore, this is a must-do event for every triathlete. Positioned as a boutique event, entry is limited so we can offer great SWAG for everyone, generous transition space and cash prizes not only for the winners but also for 2 lucky random drawings. And the proceeds from this event supports local nonprofit myTEAM TRIUMPH West Michigan Chapter. Join us as we celebrate ability together! We remain committed to create a VIP experience just for YOU! Watch this spot or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates!

Camp Manitou-Lin

September 12, 2026

37 or 19 miles of legendary singletrack and gravel. Plus a 10-mile gravel-only ride.

Weave through the epic singletrack trails at Yankee Springs Recreation Area.

Hammer the fast but hilly gravel roads and two-tracks of Barry County.

Conquer both and you will be a Lord of the Springs.

• Start with a 5 mile lead-out, mostly on gravel.

• Follow with 5 miles on the challenging Yankee Springs Deep Lake mountain bike trail.

• Grind out 18 miles of Barry County gravel roads, Audobon Sanctuary scenery, and the infamous Sager & Shaw two-tracks (5 miles for the 19-mile race and no Sager or Shaw)

• Tackle an additional 4 miles of Deep Lake singletrack (19-mile race heads back via the rugged Norris two-track instead of the singletrack).

• Finish fast with 5 miles on mostly gravel roads.

Chip timed. Wave starts based on historical performance (similar to IceMan). Trophies and gear prizes. Low-key vibe.

Plus a free kids race (10 minutes, loop within eyesight of parents).

Go to www.lordofthesprings.com for all the details.

Why not start your Saturday with a nice little shake-out run before your bike race? We are pleased to announce the newest addition to Dirtfest Weekend, the Dirty Mitten Trail Run!

This 5k course features the single track, fields, and gravel roads at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, MI.

Complete The Dirty Mitten Trail Run, The Dirty Mitten Gravel Bike Race, and the Dirty Mitten Gravel Triathlon, and you will be one of the elite few who can say they tackled the Greenleaf Trust Trifecta! What does that mean you ask? Aside from a lifetime of bragging rights, we will also add an awesome piece of swag to help sweeten the pot. Signup today!

THE DIRTY MITTEN IS PROUD TO BE THE 2026 GRAVEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE UNIVERSE (yeah, we made that up, but the event is so good we are sticking with it)!

Based out of Camp Manitou-lin in Middleville, MI, The Dirty Mitten offers a beginner friendly sprint option (The Shorty), and a more challenging Olympic (The Long One) course.

9 EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM: 4 events at each distance: The Shorty (sprintish), The Long One (olympicish), both feature triathlon, aquabike, duathlon and relay... plus you can join us virtually!

TO DO: Frederick Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

AIRPORT: Gerald R Ford International Airport

AIR TEMP (AVG): 54 F / 70 F

WATER TEMP (AVG): 67 F and wetsuit legal

We think we are awesome but will admit we are biased. Check out our athlete's forum to ask questions from those who have already experienced the awesomeness that is The Dirty Mitten!