Registration open for annual mid Michigan mountain bike races

As spring rolls into town, more and more people will start rolling their bicycles out of the garage, either to take to the city streets or to bound through central Michigan’s many trail systems.

The latter is a much more messy endeavor, especially this time of year.

But for area mountain bike enthusiasts, little can stand in the way between their bikes and a good trail. (Luckily "Mount" Pleasant isn’t known for its mountain lion population.)

That being said, registration for two annual mountain bike races is now open. A central Michigan tradition, the Rust Shaker Mountain Bike race and the Sweat Shaker race return to Mid Michigan College and its Harrison Campus trail system for the eleventh year in a row.

As they were last year, each event raises funds for Mid’s recreational facilities.

This year’s Rust Shaker is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. The race features a trail winding through a hilly forest, climbs of varying degrees, and both fast flows and tighter, more technical spots. Nearly 120 riders participated in last year’s event.

Registration is open now online until 10 a.m. on the day of the event.

The Sweat Shaker race, aptly named for it being held on Saturday, June 27, features heats for both amateurs and those looking to score in the MMBA Championship Point Series. Almost 250 riders participated in last year’s event.

Registration is open now online until 10 a.m. on the day of the event.

Each race features a complimentary lunch, which follows the event. Also included are giveaways and awards.

Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.

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