3 cycling events in Grand Traverse County, Michigan
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find cycling events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Grand Traverse County
3 events in Grand Traverse County-
Fri, Apr 10, 2026 at 6:00 PMSee full details
Join us on May 2, 2026, for the 16th Mud, Sweat & Beers – A Homegrown Spring Cycling Event with Purpose
Mud, Sweat & Beers is one of Michigan’s most anticipated spring mountain bike races, drawing nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators each year to the trails and lodge at Mt. Holiday. Known for its high-energy atmosphere, challenging courses, and unforgettable finish through a muddy chute, MSB blends competition with celebration, all while supporting local nonprofits. Since 2010, the event has raised over $800,000 for Mt. Holiday and community partners.
Riders will launch and finish at Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreational Area overlooking beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Adult racers will travel through the scenic VASA Trail system before returning to Mt. Holiday’s stadium finish.
This year’s 16th annual race is going full 1980s! We’re introducing a new Retro–Klunkers category, so dust off those pre-’95 rides, crank up the hair metal, and ride like the wind!
Participants can choose from a 25-mile Stout, 12-mile Pale Ale, under 2-mile Ginger Ale, or the kids’ mini-loop, fondly known as Mud, Sweat & Root Beers. Local brews will be on tap for adult riders, who can enjoy the kids’ race later in the day while sampling Traverse City’s best.
All proceeds from the event support Mt. Holiday, the Midwest’s only nonprofit 501(c)(3) ski and recreation area. Since 1949, Mt. Holiday has been built by the community, for the community. Our mission is to continue that legacy by providing value-driven outdoor fun, fostering connection, and creating a space where everyone can share in the spirit of adventure.
Age groups are determined by the rider’s age on race day.
Race Categories
25-Mile Stout – Categories for both men and women:
Elite
Expert
Sport
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage – Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
12-Mile Pale Ale – Categories for both men and women:
Sport
Beginner
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage – Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
Ginger Ale – Grouped by age and gender, not timed.
Root Beer (Kids Race) – Grouped by boys and girls:
6 and under
7 and over
Preliminary Schedule for 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 4–7 PM
New for 2026! The Greater Michigan Ford Dealers Packet Pickup Party in the Mt. Holiday Beer Garden featuring The Headwaters Band!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Race Day Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 7–8:30 AM
Stout Race Start: 9 AM
Pale Ale Race Start: 9:30 AM
Ginger Ale Race Start: 12:30 PM (approx.)
Root Beer Day Registration: Mt. Holiday Lodge, 12–1 PM
Root Beer Race Start: 1 PM
Awards Presentations: 2 PM
Beer & Food Tent: 10 AM–3 PM
All times and activities are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued. Riders who need to cancel may donate their entry fee to Mt. Holiday (501c3) or transfer their registration to another rider. A $25 transfer fee is required, along with a completed registration and signed waiver. All transfer fees will be donated to the Mt. Holiday Scholarship Fund.
-
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 at 4:00 PMSee full details
Get ready to roll! TART Trails is thrilled to host the annual Tour de TART on Friday, July 17, 2026. This family-friendly ride promises an evening of fun, food, and fantastic views along the Leelanau Trail.
-
Ride the Leelanau Trail – Start at Darrow Park and bike 16 scenic miles to North Park in Suttons Bay.
-
Fuel Up – Enjoy two tasty snack stops along the way.
-
Dine Bayside – Celebrate at the finish line with a delicious meal, a cash bar featuring local wine and microbrews, and great company.
-
Easy Return – Kick back on a relaxing bus ride back to Traverse City, while your bike is safely transported in a secure truck.
Start Time and Location: Riders can hit the trail anytime between 4 PM and 6:30 PM from Darrow Park
Return Shuttle: Buses start rolling at 6 PM, with the last bus leaving at 9 PM sharp. Volunteers will keep an eye on your bike until you’re reunited back at the start. Each rider gets a numbered wristband to match their bike—no mix-ups, just smooth sailing.
When
Friday, July 17, 2026
Rolling start between 4:00 - 6:30 pm (riders can start anytime within that window of time!) until 9:00 pm
Where
Start | Darrow Park, 1025 Bay Street, Traverse City, MI
Finish | North Park, 601 Front Street, Suttons Bay, MI
Route
Ride roughly 16 miles along the paved Leelanau Trail that takes users through rolling hills, forests, orchards and meadows, and past streams, lakes, and ponds. There are two aided food and water stops along the route at Fouch Road and Bingham Road respectively.
Parking & Bathrooms
Parking will be available at Acrisure Insurance Agency, the Bayview Building and Leelanau Studios.
Bathrooms can be found at the Cherry Bend Road trailhead, DeYoung Natural Area trailhead, Bingham Road rest stop, Suttons Bay pond/lagoon area, Suttons Bay Fourth Street trailhead, Suttons Bay beach by the marina, and at North Park in Suttons Bay.
Return Transportation
Riders will be transported back to Traverse City by school bus. Buses leave when full, with the first bus leaving around 6 pm and the last bus leaving at 9 pm sharp. Bikes will accompany the buses on trucks.
Pre-Event Shuttle
Riders who wish to start and finish in Suttons Bay will have the opportunity to park at North Park and take the pre-ride shuttle from Suttons Bay to Traverse City. The pre-ride shuttle leaves North Park in Suttons Bay at 4 pm sharp, so please arrive early for bike loading. PLEASE NOTE This is not the post-event shuttle back to Traverse City. The post-event shuttle is available for all participants who start in Traverse City and finish in Suttons Bay.
WEATHER CANCELLATION
In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, threatening rain), we may postpone or cancel Tour de TART. Please check emails the morning of the event for updates. In the event of cancellation or postponement, your registration fee is non-refundable but will be considered a tax-deductible donation to TART Trails.
-
-
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The Traverse City Trails Festival presented by Stone Hound Brewing is excited to be the last race in the Michigan Off Road Championship Off Road MTB Race Series (MORC) To see what categories qualify see registration or visit MORC or After a lot of discussion with race participants, sponsors, and the board, we’re stoked to confirm that the 2025 Traverse City Trails Festival will once again start and finish at Timber Ridge Resort on September 27th!
Online registration closes at noon on Friday, September 26th. There is no in-person or day-of registration, so make your move!
The Traverse City Trails Festival is proud to have Stone Hound Brewing back as the title sponsor of our 2025 event. Stone Hound Brewing has supported the trails since their doors opened, naming countless bespoke brews after our local marked and unmarked trails. Stone Hound Brewing, located on Bunker Hill Road, has become a favorite destination for post-ride refreshments and a vital contributor to our cycling community.
Award Categories - Top 3
Full Pint (Roughly 28 Miles)
-
Elite Men Open
-
Elite Men 40+
-
Elite Women Open
-
Expert Men 39 & Under
-
Expert Men 40-49
-
Expert 50 & Up Men
-
Elite/Expert Men Singlespeed
-
Expert Women 39 & Under
-
Expert Women 40+
-
Sport Men 18 & Under
-
Sport Men 19-29
-
Sport Men 30-39
-
Sport Men 40-49
-
Sport Men 50+
-
Sport Men Fat Bike Open
-
Sport Men Singlespeed Open
-
Sport Women 29 & Under
-
Sport Women 30-39
-
Sport Women 40-49
-
Sport Women 50+
Half Pint (Roughly 15 Miles)
-
Sport Men 14 & Under
-
Sport Men 15-18
-
Sport Men 19-29
-
Sport Men 30-39
-
Sport Men 40-49
-
Sport Men 50-59
-
Sport Men 60+
-
Sport Men Singlespeed Open
-
Sport Men Fat Bike Open
-
Sport Men Clydesdale
-
Sport Women 14 & Under
-
Sport Women 15-18
-
Sport Women 19-29
-
Sport Women 30-39
-
Sport Women 40-49
-
Sport Women 50+
-
Beginner Men 14 and Under
-
Beginner Men 15-18
-
Beginner Men 19-29
-
Beginner Men 30-39
-
Beginner Men 40-49
-
Beginner Men 50-59
-
Beginner Men 60+
-
Beginner Men Clydesdale
-
Beginner Women 14 & Under
-
Women’s Beginner 15-18
-
Women’s Beginner 19-39
-
Women’s Beginner 40-49
-
Women’s Beginner 50+
-
Fat Bike Women
-
Singlespeed Women
-