Rough Stuff Rally - MI

A Non-Competitive Mountain Bike Festival
- Presented by Wilde Bicycle Co. & Rock Solid Trail Contracting - The Rally is two days of riding on some of the best trails in the world. On Friday we have shuttle runs from 4-8pm using the shuttles in town at the Keeweenaw Adventure Company, and on Saturday we'll do a big loop of the trail system taking in a highlight reel of single track. Aid station on course at East Bluff. Later that night we'll enjoy family dinner hosted by Chef Adam Blake at Trails End Campground, featuring organic vegetables grown on site, with a big party to follow that evening. 

Registrants will receive: shuttle service on Friday, t-shirt, sticker, aid station on course, family dinner post ride and complimentary beverages Friday and Saturday night. 

Registration cost is $100 Until March 1st, at which point it will go up to $120

Route: 43 mile or 22 mile loop on some of the best single track on Earth. A mix of machine built flow trails, rocky old school tight single track, double track and gravel roads. Ride fast or take it slow, all options are valid. This is an event for experienced mountain bikers. It's not overly technically hard, but there are some challenging sections and it's a real big day on the bike. Registration can be used for either distance, feel free to make the call day of. New this year are two options for the short course. Riders can elect to ride the first half of the long route which has more climbing and technical challenge, or start the course from the aid station solo, or meetup with their friends who are doing the longer route. The second half of the course has less climbing and technical features than the first half and is more suitable for newer riders. 

Gear: We recommend a full suspension mountain bike or hardtail. Most folks opt for a bike in the 130-150mm travel range. The course is mostly blue trail, but the first half does have one black section, though the harder bits are easily walkable. You'll need to be self sufficient out there, be prepared to rescue yourself as there is no cell service. Bring tools, tubes, tire plugs, spare derailleur hanger, etc. We also suggest riders bring ample water and food. If you'd like to rent a bike, the Keeweenaw Adventure Center in town has plenty of options. 

Schedule
Friday - Riders Arrive
Check in at Trails End Campground 11-4pm
Shuttles 4-8pm - Keeweenaw Adventure Company
Sunset Ride: 8:30pm From Trail's End to Top of Flow - bring lights and beverages

Saturday
Check In 8-9am
Mandatory Riders Meeting 8:45am
Rollout 9am
Aid Station Open 11-4pm 
6pm Time Cutoff
Saturday 7-10pm - At Campground Lake: Dinner, Bonfire, Beverages, Music, Revelry

About Copper Harbor - One of my favorite places to visit in the world, and I can't wait to share it with you. It contains some of my favorite trails, favorite lake to swim in (Fanny Hooe), and of course some of my favorite people. Perched on the edge of the Keeweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior, Copper Harbor has developed an international reputation for hosting some of the best mountain biking in the world. A good day riding here is as good as any place I've been. The town has less than a hundred year round residents and no cell service. It feels remote and end of the road, it's like being on an island. There is exceptional sight seeing, rock hounding, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and fishing. Great times for everyone no matter what you're into. 

Camping: We encourage all riders to stay at Trail's End as that will be center of activity, there are cabins available for reservation as well as first come, first serve campsites. The campground features a pump track and toilets. Each campsite provides a fire ring and picnic table. All sites rent for $20 per site per night. 

For those seeking other accommodations Copper Harbor boasts a number of motels, airbnb's, and another campground at East Bluff.  

Partners:
Rock Solid Trail Contracting, Trail's End Campground, East Bluff Bike Park, Copper Harbor Trails Club, Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Angry Catfish, Wilde Bicycle Co., Northern Coffeeworks