RIDER’S GUIDE

W W W . M I C O A S T T O C O A S T. C O M

We’re excited that you’re joining us on the inaugural 210-mile gravel journey across Michigan – or

for the 100-mile adventure from Ludington into the Manistee National Forest and back. Race the

setting sun as you cross the mighty Mitten — from coast to stunning freshwater coast. You’ll follow

a route that stitches together fast gravel roads and signature two-tracks, spanning Michigan’s lower

peninsula. With heart pumping challenges and breathtaking views, the course is the only one on

Earth that links two freshwater oceans.

The two courses will not be known for their gravel, ironically, but for everything that’s NOT gravel

– the forest roads, the two-tracks, the snowmobile trails. Much of the second half of the course is

heavily forested, closed in, constantly changing. It ’s a 100% rideable, challenging, roller coaster ride.

Set your eyes on the glorious sunset over Lake Michigan or ride into the night to get to the finish line

on time.

If Michigan is America’s high five, the Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder is how you earn it.

Presented by Salsa Cycles. Adventure by Bike.

W E L C O M E

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E V E N T K E Y I N F O R M AT I O N

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Date: SATURDAY, MAY 12TH 2018

Start time and location: 210 MILE: 6:12 AM (sunrise) - Point Au Gres Marina, 2325 Green Drive, Au Gres, MI 48703 100 MILE: 9:00 AM Stearns Park, Ludington, MI 49431

Finish location: Stearns Park, Ludington, MI

210-mile Event Schedule:

FRIDAY, MAY 11

Check-in, Big Bend Campground, Standish (Lake Huron side): 3:00 – 7:00 pm

Pre-race Pizza Dinner & Meeting, Big Bend Campground: 7:00 pm (BYOB)

SATURDAY, MAY 12

Final Race Announcements: Point Au Gres Marina, 2325 Green Dr, Au Gres, MI 48703: 5:45 am

Start: Point Au Gres Marina, 2325 Green Drive, Au Gres, MI 48703: 6:12 am (sunrise)

Checkpoint #1 (Gladwin) Cut-off: 11:30 AM

Checkpoint #2 (Marion) Cut-off: 4:24 PM

Checkpoint #3 (Dublin) Cut-off: 10:30 PM

Sunset Award Cut-off: 9:02 pm

Awards Ceremony, Graystone Event Center at Holiday Inn, Ludington: 10:15 pm

Lodging: Holiday Inn (official race partner and location of awards)

SUNDAY, MAY 13

Cut-off, Stearns Park Beach, Ludington: 3:12 am (10.3 mph average)

100-mile event schedule:

FRIDAY, MAY 11

Lodging if needed: Holiday Inn (official race partner and location of awards)

SATURDAY, MAY 12

Check-in: Stearns Park Beach (or Graystone Convention Center at Holiday Inn if inclement weather),

Ludington, 7:00-8:15 am

Start Location: Stearns Park Beach, Ludington, MI 49431

Start, Stearns Park, Ludington - Time: 9:00 am

Halfway checkpoint (Dublin) Cut-off: 3:30 PM

Finish, Stearns Park, Ludington – Cut-off time 9:02 PM (sunset)

Awards Ceremony Location: Graystone Convention Center

Awards Ceremony Time: 10:15 pm

Post-Awards: Head to Stearns to cheer on the Coast to Coasters!

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C O U RS E D E S C R I P T I O N

WITH THE HELP OF

MATT ACKER,

LOCAL GRAVEL GURU

AND TOP RACER,

WE HAVE CREATED

210-MILE & 100-MILE COURSES

YOU WILL BE SURE TO LOVE.

Start your day

at the sunrise shores of

Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.

Make one all-out push west,

210 miles through Michigan

farmlands and grasslands,

the majestic

Manistee National Forest, all

the way to the sandy beaches

of Lake Michigan at Ludington.

The course is highlighted by

blistering fast gravel

and challenging, scenic

two-tracks, seasonal roads

and snowmobile trails.

COAST TO COAST210 MiLER

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C O U RS E D E S C R I P T I O N

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COAST LOOP 100 MILE

The Coast Loop gravel grinder, like its big brother Coast to Coast,

is a 100% rideable, challenging, roller coaster ride.

Due to popular demand, this shorter race will be a looped race with a start and finish in Ludington.

The Coast Loop contains many of our favorite parts of the

Coast to Coast version including the final 45 miles.

The race is self-supported.

A support crew can meet you at and only at the official checkpoint if desired.

Touch Lake Michigan to start and finish your quest.

Sunset is at 9:02 PM and will be the race cut-off!

Lodging STANDISH, MI (FRIDAY, MAY 11 FOR 210 MILE RACE) Big Bend Family Campground 513 Conrad Rd. Standish, MI 49658 Standish & Au Gres Motels

Point Au Gres Marina & Campground Rust ic/car camping ($5) 2325 Green Dr, Au Gres, MI 48703

LUDINGTON, MI (FRIDAY, MAY 11 FOR 100 MILE RACE; SATURDAY FOR EITHER RACE) Holiday Inn 4079 US-10 Ludington, MI 49431 - Mention Coast to Coast block for discounted room

Things to DoI f you have more t ime to explore the area before or after the race,

f ind out more about the Lake Huron coast, the Ludington area or perhaps Grand Rapids, consult the

Things to Do Nearby page on the website.

Route FindingCourse direct ions wil l be provided via cue sheets and GPX/TPX f i les to be used with a bike computer.

ALL r iders must have at least cue sheets; we recommend a bike computer with cue sheets as the

back-up i f possible. I f al l else fai ls, f ind someone to r ide with al l the way in. You are responsible for

print ing the cue sheets. You may bring along maps i f you wish. Riders are responsible for accurately

navigating the course. I f you go off course, you must return to where you left the course.

Download the GPX (or TPX) f i les at www.micoasttocoast.com under Route. Although we reserve the

r ight to make course changes, the current f i les ref lect what we intend to have as the f inal course.

There wil l NOT be signs on the course except for at two-track and snowmobile trai l intersect ions

where clari ty wil l be helpful. Signs often fal l down, get stolen or, worse yet, reversed.

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Key Course StatisticsCOAST TO COAST 210 MILE

Route: Saginaw Bay to Ludington

Distance: 210 miles approx.

Elevation Gain: 4,650 ft . (varies w/ GPS; wil l update at f inal pre-ride)

See the sunset: 9:02 pm - 14 hours, 50 min., 13.75 mph

21 hour cut-off (3:12 am): 10.0 mph

COAST LOOP 100 MILE

Route: Loop start ing in Ludington

Distance: 101 miles approx.

Elevation gain: 2,600 ft . (varies w/GPS)

See the sunset and race cut-off: 9:02 pm - 12 hours, 2 min., 8.3 mph

12:02 hour cut-off (9:02 pm): 8.3 mph

Checkpoints and Cut-off times

210-mile:Checkpoint #1: Gladwin, MI – 53 miles - 11:30 AMCheckpoint #2: Marion, MI – 103 miles - 4:24 PMCheckpoint #3: Dublin, MI – 163 miles - 10:30 PMFinish: Ludington, MI – 210 miles – 3:12 AM

100-mile:Half-way checkpoint: Dublin, MI – 55 miles - 3:30 PM

Finish: Ludington, MI – 101 miles – 9:02 PM

Preparations REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Cue sheets and cycl ing computer ( to track distance).

A GPS cycl ing computer is recommended to run the GPX route.

• Backup battery and cord or charging source for their computer.

• Front and rear l ights. Front l ight on unti l ful l dayl ight and again at dusk.

Rear l ight is to remain on for the entirety of the event.

• Minimum of two f i l led water bott les or equivalent volume in hydration bladder

• A spare inner tube

• A method of inf lat ion (CO2, pump, etc. . )

• A mobile phone or means of communication to reach your support crew

with battery back-up

• ID/Drivers License

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

• Mult i- tool ( f ind one with al l the tools you may need to repair your bike

or supplement with addit ional i tems)

• Chain tool

• Spoke wrench

• Al len wrenches

• Torx wrench

• Tire levers

• Puncture repair ki t (patches, glue, t i re boot, t i re plugs, l iquid sealant, etc…)

• Chain lube

• Water and wind-proof jacket

• Extra layers (arm/leg warmers, thermal shirt , warmer socks, cycl ing cap, etc…)

• Cash, debit or credit card ( for use at convenience stores or other needs)

• Hydration pack ( to store extra food/clothing/repair i tems)

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C O N V E N I E N C E S T O R E S

Checkpoint convenience storesCheckpoint #1: Gladwin, MI – Citgo Gas Stat ion – 53 miles

Checkpoint #2: Marion, MI – Shel l Gas Stat ion – 102 miles

Checkpoint #3: Dublin, MI – Marathon Gas Stat ion or Dublin General Store – 163 miles

On-route convenience storesMile 21.5 – Marathon Gas and Mobil Gas stat ion (0.3 miles east of route on M-61)

Mile 49.8 – Buckeye Market (0.3 miles east of route on M-61)

Mile 52.2 – Citgo gas stat ion

Mile 63.3 – Cedar River Party Post

Mile 83.4 – Leota Mini-Mart

Mile 102.7 – Shel l Gas Stat ion

Mile 151 – Corner Express (0.7 miles north of route on M-37)

Mile 163 – Dublin General Store and Marathon Gas Stat ion

Mile 189.9 – Marathon Gas stat ion (2.3 miles east of route on Free Soi l Rd.)

Mile 207.3 – The Y Country Store

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E V E N T R U L E S

Riders are responsible for themselves. Riders should understand that they are undertaking

a dif f icult task and as such are exposed to r isk.

YOU are responsible for YOUR own SAFETY at al l t imes!

I t is not the promoters’ responsibi l i ty to rescue you; this is what the support crew is for.

Be safe, have fun and don’t be a jerk!

Support Crews:Support crews may support up to three riders. We may allow

exceptions for large crew vans or other arrangements.

Contact us.

Support vehicles must stay off the race course. You may not follow

along your biker or meet them at any point during the race except

at the three designated checkpoints. You must take other roads to

reach each checkpoint and the finish line. We assure you that the

course is NOT the fastest way between checkpoints!

Bring your GPS device to help with navigation. In general,

programming a route from one checkpoint to another via GPS

should avoid much of the race course but it is not guaranteed so

compare that route to the race route and avoid the race route.

Exception: you may travel on the race route within the towns of

Gladwin, Marion, Dublin and Lakeshore Drive in Ludington in order

to access the checkpoint locations.

Support can be provided ONLY at the designated checkpoints by

support crews. Support crews may NOT leave gear/food drops

for riders along the course except at the three checkpoints. If a

support vehicle is seen on the course before or during the race,

their rider(s) will be disqualified. This is in keeping with the spirit

of self-supported racing.

In the event that a rider requires assistance of their support crew

between checkpoints this will be considered a DNF for that rider.

If you break down between checkpoints and the checkpoint you

already visited is closer, you may return to that CP for help from

your crew but only by your own power.

Neutral/Other Support:You may access “neutral area”

support such as convenience stores,

gas stations, or public water access.

You may also receive racer or

resident help, but only if not pre-

planned and available to all racers.

There is reasonable cell phone

coverage along almost the entire

route to communicate between

racer and support crew. There are

gaps in the Manistee National

Forest and possibly elsewhere. Ask

other riders if they can call your

crew if needed, move to another

location for coverage or seek help

from a local business or residence in

an emergency.

Racers may provide assistance to

other racers at any time during the

event. If you are involved in a rescue

that prohibits you from finishing the

race, you will be provided a full

credit for next year’s race.

Drafting is allowed. Tow ropes are

not allowed.

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E V E N T R U L E S

CHECKPOINTS:You must LEAVE designated checkpoints by the cut-off times listed under Race Details and in pre-race communications. If

you arrive at the checkpoint before the cut-off but are not able to leave by the cut-off time, you’ll be required to end your

race there. Your crew can drive you to the finish or head home.

You will check in with a volunteer at each checkpoint. Please provide your race number. Your crew is responsible for

sharing your progress online or through other channels with friends and family. You will be chip timed at the finish only

and your results will be posted online after the race.

The volunteers/staff may ask to check your front and rear lights. Note that a front light is only required during dark hours

but a rear light is mandatory for the entirety of the race.

EQUIPMENT: MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: A standard two-wheel bike (no motors). A bicycle helmet. Printed cue-sheets and method for

tracking distance. Two water bottles or equivalent water capacity. Spare inner tube and method of inflation. A cell phone

or other means of communication with your support crew. Front and rear lights.

Bike swaps are NOT allowed. You must finish on the same frame that you started on. Therefore, if you have a situation

where your frame is unfit to continue then you would have to accept a DNF if you can’t get yourself and your bike across

the line before the cutoff.

We are NOT allowing wheel OR tire swaps just for the sake of adjusting your setup during the race (i.e. switch from wheels

w/gravel tires to wheels w/MTB tires, or swapping different tires onto the same wheels). This is in keeping as much as

possible with a self-supported ethos. If you should encounter a mechanical between checkpoints where your wheels/tires

are irreparably damaged (i.e. huge sidewall tear, massive puncture, freehub breaks, broken spokes, massive wheel dent,

etc…) then you must get you and your bike to the next (or previous) checkpoint on your own power and may replace the

broken items there if need be (i.e. replace a tire that has been booted with GU energy packs, or repair/replace a broken

wheel). Our goal isn’t to be fun police but keep things as much in the spirit of self-supported gravel racing while still

allowing a crew to assist you at checkpoints.

Tri or aero bars are allowed.

Lock up your bikes when you will not be with them. We are not responsible for damaged or stolen bikes.

All riders must carry the printed cue sheet at a minimum as well as a method for tracking distance covered. A GPS cycling

computer is recommended as well. All riders using a cycling computer should carry a back-up battery (don’t forget cord;

hook it up at the start).

Riders must have a red taillight on during the entirety of the race. Please carry a spare taillight or have your crew bring

one to any checkpoint if you think it won’t last the entire event. Flash mode recommended.

Riders must have a fully charged front handlebar light and/or headlamp on at the start of the race until light. During

dark hours we recommend using both handlebar light and headlamp at the same time as they illuminate different space,

especially on turns.

Number plates must be handlebar mounted via twist ties (not zip ties) with the number visible to staff in front of the bike.

Not on your back, hydration pack, pocket, etc.

Do not trim, fold, cut holes in, or bend number plates.

Please carefully dispose of wrappers and other trash, especially while riding. Use a pocket or gear bag that is designated

just for trash so that you’re not trying to pull unwrapped food from where the trash is.

We are guests in this beautiful area and we’d like to leave it as nice or better than when we visited!

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E V E N T R U L E S

COURSE VIOLATIONS & DISPUTESRacers should hold each

other accountable for

following the course and

report any violations to

race staff.

If a racer reappears ahead

of others, they should be

informed of their mistake.

Racers going off course

must determine where

they left the course and

must return to that point or

they will be disqualified.

Race staff reserve the

right to assign penalties

or disqualifications.

Penalties can be assigned

in amounts much

greater than any time

savings gained from

unintentionally following

an incorrect route to

ensure that there is no

benefit gained.

When results are posted

riders will have 30

minutes to contest or

dispute results. After that

results are final.

SAFETY: Roads will not be closed for the race. You are responsible for obeying the Michigan

Vehicle Code as it applies to bicycles (e.g. you must obey all stop signs, riders no

more than two abreast, etc…).

Always ride as far right as is reasonably safe. Do not cross the yellow line!

Music via headphones/earbuds is not allowed.

Any physical altercations will result in disqualification

In the case of severe weather such as lightning/thunderstorms, please take shelter

in a vehicle or building until it has passed. Do not shelter under trees. If you have

no choice, choose a forest rather than an open field or near a large body of water.

Because there may be severe weather in one part of the course while some racers

are in another part, the clock will continue to run. If there are long delays, we

will consider extending the final cut-off time to encourage riders to take shelter

in severe weather.

When facing an emergency, first call 911 and then call your support crew. Do not

neglect getting help from your crew if there’s a medical emergency.

Race officials reserve the right to delay the start if unsafe weather conditions are

present

We will have a sweeper vehicle for anyone that might get missed by their support

crew.

If you decide to drop out of the race, please inform or have your support crew

inform us.

Last, but certainly not least, riders should conduct themselves in a proper manner

at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. This adventure is

intended for you to test yourself and you have decided to do so on your own

volition.

Be kind to one another and please assist any riders in need as you are able to.

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E V E N T R U L E SE V E N T CAT E G O R I E S , SWA G & P R I Z I N G

COAST TO COAST 210 mileMen 16-29

Men 30-39

Men 40-49

Men 50-59

Men 60+

Men Single Speed Open

Men Fatbike

Women 16-29

Women 30-39

Women 40-49

Women 50+

Women Single Speed Open

Women Fatbike

Tandem

Two-woman relay

Two-man relay

Co-ed relay

Fatbikes: minimum 3.7” tire width

A 1st place prize and trophy will be

given regardless of how many are in that

division. A 2nd place prize and trophy

will be given if there are a minimum of 5

entrants in the division. A 3rd place prize

and trophy if minimum of 10.

1st place finishers will get first pick of

the prizes. 2nd place will get next and so

on. That way everyone has a good shot

at getting something they want.

Overall winners are pulled OUT of the

divisions, so a rider could bump up into

the prizes from a lower place.

Top Finisher Prizes1st overall male and female will receive $1 for every

registered racer in the 210-mile race, trophy and pick of prize.

2nd overall male and female will receive 67% of the first place prize,

trophy and pick of prize.

3rd overall male and female will receive 50%, trophy and pick of prize.

4th overall male and female will receive 33%, trophy and pick of prize.

5th overall male and female will receive 25%, trophy and pick of prize.

SwagAll 210-mile registrants will receive your pick of the race shirt or socks

if you register by 4/25. The first 500 registrants of the 210 and 100

race combined will receive a high-quality Salsa/C2C water bottle.

Sunset AwardEveryone completing the 210-mile course by official sunset (9:02 pm)

will receive a smaller block version of the top finisher trophy.

Finisher AwardAll finishers will receive a large barrel/Moscow Mule mug, a custom

C2C-Salsa finisher’s top cap and “210” sticker for your vehicle, car-top

carrier or bike rack.

RaffleWe’ll do one raffle for everyone at the awards ceremony and then

randomly give raffle prizes to those who won’t be there because they

are still out on the course (between 10:15 pm and 3:12 am).

This way you can pick a prize you like

rather than assigning you one before the race.

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E V E N T CAT E G O R I E S , SWA G & P R I Z I N G

COAST LOOP100 mileMen 16-29

Men 30-39

Men 40-49

Men 50-59

Men 60+

Men Single Speed (Open)

Men Fatbike (Open)

(minimum 3.7” tire width)

Women 16-39

Women 40-49

Women 50+

Women Single Speed (Open)

Women Fatbike (Open)

(minimum 3.7” tire width)

Tandem

A 1st place prize and trophy will be

given regardless of how many are in

that division. A 2nd place prize and

trophy will be given if there are a

minimum of 5 entrants in the division.

3rd place prize and trophy if minimum

of 10.

1st place finishers will get first pick of

the prizes. 2nd place will get next and

so on. That way everyone has a good

shot at getting something they can use.

Overall winners are pulled OUT of the

divisions so a rider could bump up into

the prizes from a lower place.

Top Finisher PrizesTop 3 overall men and women will receive a trophy

and pick of a prize.

SwagThe first 500 registrants of the 210 and 100 race combined

will receive a Salsa/C2C water bottle.

Finisher AwardAll finishers will receive a custom C2C-Salsa finisher’s top cap

and a “100” sticker.

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S U P P O RT C R E W I N F O R M AT I O N

210-mile Checkpoint locations Checkpoint #1:

Gladwin High School, 1400 N. Spring St., Gladwin, MI 48624

Checkpoint #2:

Marion Middle/High School, 2213 20 Mile Rd., Marion, MI 49665

Checkpoint #3:

Dublin General Store, 18372 Hoxeyville Rd., Wellston, MI 49689

(you may also use the side and rear spaces at the Marathon gas station across the street)

100-mile Checkpoint locationHalfway checkpoint:

Dublin General Store, 18372 Hoxeyville Rd., Wellston, MI 49689

(or Marathon gas station across the street)

Support Crew RulesSupport crews may support up to three riders. We may allow exceptions for large crew vans or other

arrangements. Contact us.

Support vehicles must stay off the race course. You may not follow along your biker or meet them at any

point during the race except at the three designated checkpoints. You must take other roads to reach each

checkpoint and the finish line. We assure you that the course is NOT the fastest way between checkpoints!

Bring your GPS device to help with navigation. In general, programming a route from one checkpoint to

another via GPS should avoid much of the race course but it is not guaranteed so compare that route to

the race route and avoid the race route. Exception: you may travel on the race route within the towns of

Gladwin, Marion, Dublin and Lakeshore Drive in Ludington in order to access the checkpoint locations.

Support can be provided ONLY at the designated checkpoints by support crews. Support crews may NOT

leave gear/food drops for riders along the course except at the three checkpoints. If a support vehicle is

seen on the course before or during the race, their rider(s) will be disqualified. This is in keeping with the

spirit of self-supported racing.

In the event that a rider requires assistance of their support crew between checkpoints this will be

considered a DNF for that rider.

If you break down between checkpoints and the checkpoint you already visited is closer, you may return to

that CP for help from your crew but only by your own power.

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C H E C K P O I N T # 1

Checkpoint #1:

Gladwin High School, 1400 N. Spring St., Gladwin, MI 48624

CLOSE-UP

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C H E C K P O I N T # 2

CLOSE-UP

Checkpoint #2:

Marion Middle/High School, 2213 20 Mile Rd., Marion, MI 49665

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C H E C K P O I N T # 3

Checkpoint #3:

Dublin General Store, 18372 Hoxeyville Rd., Wellston, MI 49689

(you may also use the side and rear spaces at the Marathon gas station across the street)

If you arrive after the Marathon gas station has closed but before the cut-off,

your closest source for food and restrooms is in Irons, 3 miles south on Brooks Road.

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A R E A H O S P I TA LS

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FASTEST WAY TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AND TREATMENT

DURING AN EMERGENCY IS TO DIAL 911.

THIS LIST IS MEANT TO SERVE AS A QUICK REFERENCE SHOULD THE EMERGENCY BE NON-CRITICAL.

Standish, MI St. Mary’s of Michigan Standish Hospital, 805 W Cedar St, Standish, MI 48658 – (989)-846-4521

Gladwin, MIMid-Michigan Medical Center – Gladwin, 515 Quarter St., Gladwin, MI 48624 – (989)-426-9286

Great Lakes Medical Center – Gladwin Location, 1277 E. Cedar Ave., Gladwin, MI 48624 – (989)-465-6606

Cadillac, MIMunson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, 400 Hobart St., Cadillac, MI 49601 – (231)-876-7200

Wellston, MIWellston Medical Center, 14477 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689 – (231)-848-4777

Ludington, MISpectrum Health Ludington Hospital, 1 N Atkinson Dr., Ludington, MI 49431 – (231)-843-2591

Mercy Health Urgent Care Ludington, 5656 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431 – (231)-843-2543

RESOURCES:

Websitewww.micoasttocoast.com

Registrationwww.bikereg.com/micoasttocoast

Facebookwww.facebook.com/MICoastToCoast

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S P O N S O RS

A hearty thank you to all of our sponsors. Please check out their products and services.

If you get a chance, thank them for supporting the race.

Version 2.0. Race details are subject to change.