Race Logistics and Other Details of Note

START TIMES & LOCATIONS

8am - 10 mile Shore Rock starts from Lakeview Arena in Marquette (map)

9am - 28 mile Soft Rock starts from Lakeview Elementary School in Negaunee (map)

10am - 48 mile Hard Rock starts from Iron Street in downtown Negaunee (map)

4pm - 4 mile Junior Rock starts from Lakeview Arena in Marquette

5pm - 50 yard Littlest Rock starts from Lakeview Arena in Marquette 

5:15pm - 1 mile Little Rock starts from Lakeview Arena in Marquette

AID STATIONS
Aid stations will be available on both the HARD ROCK and SOFT ROCK courses.  Natural Spring Water direct from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, courtesy of Norway Springs, and fruit will be available as will Clif Bar Gel at most stations.

CUT-OFF TIME
As a courtesy to the many volunteers, riders failing to make it to Forestville Road (approx. 38 miles into HARD ROCK; approx. 18 miles into SOFT ROCK) prior to 3:30 p.m. will be guided off of the course and taken to the finish area by support vehicle.

DROP OUTS
If you should decide to drop out of the race, go to the nearest aid station and inform a race official of your decision. Support vehicles will be available for a ride from the aid station to the finish area.

HELMETS
Use of an approved helmet is required in all events.

FIRST AID
First aid will be available at all of the aid stations and at the finish line as well as roaming medical personnel along the course.

AWARDS CEREMONY
The Awards Ceremony will begin at 2 pm outside of Lakeview Arena near the music and beer tent. We’ll start things off by announcing the Down Wind Sports bike giveaway winner (Need not be present at drawing- we’ll save your prize!) Next, we’ll celebrate the Overall Male and Female winners in the 48 mile Hard Rock, 28 mile Soft Rock, and 10 mile Shore Rock. Finally the Junior Cup 15 and under Male and Female 28 mile Soft Rock winners will be announced and recognized as the next names to be added to the commemorative Junior Cup.

Overall cash awards will be available to pick up inside the Arena following the ceremony at the Award Booth. Please remember, I.D. is required for all cash award winners!

Don’t forget- all racers are eligible for top 3 age or class awards in their events! The commemorative awards will be available to be picked up throughout the day inside Lakeview Arena. Pick up your result ticket and bring it to the Award Booth, then be sure to use the stage for photos!

PARKING
Registration/Finish Line (map): With the new finish line, there is VERY limited parking at Lakeview Arena. Please park right across the street in the east parking lot of NMU's Berry Event Center. (Parking map)

28 mile Start Area - Lakeview Elementary School in Negaunee (map). Please park at the school or legally on nearby city streets.

48 mile Start Area - Downtown Negaunee (map). Please park in city lots or legally on nearby city streets.

BUS TRANSPORTATION
Buses will be available for personal transport (no bikes allowed) from the finish to the start areas of both the Soft Rock and Hard Rock races (all buses go to both locations) from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (on the 1/2 hour).

CLOTHING DROP BAGS
Riders will be given a numbered clothing drop bag. Riders may place personal articles needed at the finish area in these bags. Drop bags left at the start in the designated bag area will be transported to the finish at Lakeview Arena. The drop bags will be secured to the best of our ability, but we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Local bike shops will be on hand to help out with any necessary mechanical repairs at the start areas of both races. Please carry your own tools and supplies for emergency repairs on the course.

BIKE WASH & STORAGE
Hoses will be available outside Lakeview Arena for washing bikes. A bike storage area will be provided while riders are socializing at the arena and/or returning to the start to pick up vehicles. Bikes will be secured to the best of our ability, but we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. The bike corral will close at 4 p.m. Please pick up your bike prior to that time.

SHOWERS
Showers are available at Lakeview Arena free of charge. Please provide your own soap and towels.

MEMORABILIA
This year we are offering your choice of a T-shirt or a pair of quality bike socks embroidered with the race logo as part of your entry fee. Please indicate your choice of socks or shirt, and your desired size on entry form.

*Please note that shirts and socks are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Marking your size on the entry form helps the Ore to Shore Committee determine what sizes to order. The Ore to Shore cannot guarantee that you will receive the exact size that was marked on your entry form.

PHOTOS
Official race photos from 2004 through 2023 can be viewed/shared/purchased at www.MarquettePhoto.com

Official Accommodations

Please consider the following O2S Official Accommodations when making your travel plans.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marquette

2472 US 41 West
Marquette, MI 49855
(906)-225-1300
https://www.ihg.com/spnd/hotels/us/en/marquette/mqtmq/hoteldetail

Staybridge Suites

855 W. Washington St.

Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 225-9901

www.staybridge.com/Marquette/Staybridge

For more information about travel in the Upper Peninsula, please contact: Travel MarquetteTravel Marquettetravelmarquette.com

I’d like to ride sections of the trail. Is there a course map available?

The course travels through a majority of private land. Landowners have been generous in letting riders pass through on race day. We must respect their wishes by not riding through their property. The trail is only open for riding on race day. The Ore to Shore course is unique in that it is a trail that is not normally available to the public. It is the one day of the year in which we can all gather together to ride through this beautiful area.

A map containing mile markers and points of interest can be found here: Spectator Map

What type of terrain is on the O2S course?

The course is wide, extremely scenic, and biker-friendly. The Hard Rock is challenging in that it is obviously a long ride (48 miles), but it wears riders out due to the rolling hills and constant changes in terrain. The trail for the most part consists of hard-packed dirt, gravel and grass, but you will encounter rocky segments and some sand. There is one popular climb on the Hard Rock course-“Misery Hill”-a long (400 meters) rocky uphill in which many riders are incapable of pedaling the entire way. However, the satisfaction and view are worth the effort. Riders in the Hard Rock will appreciate merging trails with the Soft Rock as this portion of the course offers plenty of flats and downhill sections with a few hills of average difficulty to climb. The beauty of the course will appeal to all riders as it travels through the backwoods passing streams, inland lakes, gorgeous vistas, and historic places of interest.

Would I be able to use a hybrid bike on the O2S trail?

There are some sandy sections in which a hybrid bike may have a harder time than a regular mountain bike. Riders have completed and enjoyed the O2S using a hybrid. However, for optimal riding enjoyment, we recommend using a mountain bike.

I’ve never done a bike race before. Do I need to do a lot of training to be able to finish?

Organizers planned this event for both the novice and elite rider. Riders who are out on their bikes just a few times a month have been successful at reaching their goal of finishing. However, your riding experience will be greatly enhanced by riding on a regular basis. Of course, we suggest you consult with your health care provider to discuss starting a bicycling program.

Is there a cut-off time for finishing the race?

Yes, riders must pass through Forestville Road (approximately 38 miles into Hard Rock and 18 miles into Soft Rock) by 3:30 p.m. Those riders who do not make the cut-off time will be guided off the course and taken to the finish area by a support vehicle.

Is there help for riders who have a mechanical breakdown?

Riders are encouraged to carry their own tools and supplies in case of a mechanical breakdown, as there will be no specific aid for those riders who need repairs. Local sports shops will offer technical support at the start areas.

Is there bus service to the start areas in the morning?

There will be no bus service to the start areas. Buses will run from the finish to the start areas from 11:00 am – 5:00 p.m on the half hour in order for racers to retrieve their vehicles. Bikes will not be permitted on the bus.

Are clothing drop bags provided?

Yes, clothing drop bags will be taken from the start areas and brought back to the finish. You may use these numbered bags for personal articles such as dry clothes, towels, or shoes needed after the race. The bags will be secured, but we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen articles.

How do I get a preferred start position?

A very limited number of preferred start positions are available in both the Hard Rock and Soft Rock events. The top male and female riders for the Hard and Soft Rock events from the previous year will automatically be given a preferred start position. 

Additional spots will be considered if a race resume is submitted to our email (oretoshore@gmail.com) by July 15. Please be sure to check the box on the entry form. Entry forms without a race resume will not be considered. Once the preferred start deadline has been reached, no more preferred starts will be given out.

2024 Preferred Start List is Up! Preferred Start List

Can I change events (from Hard Rock to Soft Rock or vice versa)?

A change of event request must be received in writing by August 6th. Email your request to oretoshore@gmail.com. No phone calls or faxes please. No changes will be allowed after this date.

Is there registration on race day?

The only events that allow for race day registration are the Little/Littlest Rock. You may register your child for these events up until 3:30 p.m at Lakeview Arena. The Hard, Soft and Junior Rock events hold registration up until 9:00 p.m on Friday at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.

Can I fax my entry form?

No. Faxed forms do not transmit very clearly and usually get cut off. Last minute entries can be taken via the on-line registration or you may register Friday night at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.

cAN i MAIL MY ENTRY FORM?

Yes. Fill out the paper registration form (email oretoshore@gmail.com) and mail to the address found at the bottom of the form. Keep mailing times in mind and remember there is no day-of registration for the 48, 28, and 10 mile races.

You will need to show up to registration on August 9th with proper ID to fill out a waiver and pick up your race packet.

How do I confirm that I’m signed up for the race?

All registered riders will be able to view race start list on the home page of our website within a couple weeks of mailing the registration form. Racers will also be able to confirm their preferred start after July 15th. Preferred starts will be identified by race plates from 1-100 for the Hard Rock and Soft Rock.

What if I don’t show up for the race-do I get a refund?

Unfortunately, due to the enormous pre-race costs, we cannot give out refunds for any reason.

If I can’t make it to the race, can a friend ride with my race number?

Transferring of numbers is not permitted for any reason.

Will there be a secure area to keep my bike while I go back to get my vehicle?

Yes, there will be a secured bike corral at the finish. Bicycles will be secured to the best of our ability, but we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. The bike corral closes at 4:00 p.m.

Are there showers available?

Yes, showers are free of charge at the finish area in Lakeview Arena. Please provide your own soap and towel.

Are E-bikes permitted in the race?

Only with permission and only Type 1, peddle assist bikes. To request the use of an e-bike during the race you must first send an email to oretoshore@gmail.com with your registration information, reason for request, and bicycle model. The use of an e-bike will disqualify you from any podium position and any cash prize.

Using an E-bike without following the above protocol will result in disqualification from future races.

What Kids’ Event would be appropriate for my child?

The Littlest Rock is intended for the smallest children-those who are not accustomed to riding more than a few minutes at a time. This event will be approximately 50 yards on a paved surface. Children can use any type of wheeled unit from tricycles to Big Wheels to their favorite plastic racing car-as long as it is propelled by child or parent power. Parents are welcome to push or pull their child. The Little Rock is a one-mile ride also on a paved surface. The Little and Littlest Rocks are non-timed and non-competitive events. The Junior Rock is an exciting new race we added in 2001. This is an opportunity for those young riders who feel they are too old for the Little Rock, but are not quite ready for the challenge of the Hard or Soft Rocks. The Junior Rock is available for those riders 16 and under. It will be approximately four miles on a dirt trail. This will be a timed event with riders competing in various age groups. Parents may ride with their child. Riders in all the Kids’ Events will be thrilled to ride through the same finish as the Hard and Soft Rock Events. Every child will receive a t-shirt and will be given a “winner” ribbon for participation. The JR Rock Participants have a chance to win an age group Award. For your child’s safety, all children must wear a helmet.

Is there a babysitting service available for those parents who would like to compete in the Hard or Soft Rocks but have children with them?

At this point in time, the service is not available.