Melting Mann is a Dirt Road Challenge for Mountain Bike, Fat Bike and/or Cycle Cross Bikes of all skill levels. First time racers and experts welcome! You’ll race throughout Newberg, Penn, and Marcellus Townships in Cass County Michigan. The Melting Mann event is named after one of the most challenging sections of the route, MANN Road. MANN Road has been known to turn bikers into hikers! Also accessed via MANN Road, but buried deep in the woods of Michigan’s State land, is Mount Misery, one the highest natural geographical points in Southwest Michigan.
You may choose from a 24 mile, 35 mile, or the new 60 mile route. Come discover what many serious and successful bikers use as their training terrain!
Date & Times
Saturday, March 23rd, 2019
Start time: 10:00 a.m.
Waves for all three distances will be designated and announced as race day approaches. You must start in the correct wave.
Distances
24 Mile Short Route, 35 Mile and a 60 Mile Long Route
Location
18035 W. State Street
Vandalia, MI 49095
Fees*
*A portion of every race fee is donated to NIMBA (Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association), SWMMBA (Southwest Michigan Mountain Bike Association) and LMB (League of Michigan Bicyclers). Thank you to them and all organizations that support our biking industry and passion.
ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT 5PM ON THURSDAY, MARCH 21st.
REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE RACE DAY ONLY IF WE HAVE NOT EXCEEDED 1,000 PARTICIPANTS
- $48 through March 15th, 2019, $63 after March 15th, 2019 and day of race. *
- Juniors, Age 18 and under, receive $10 off their registration fee.
- Tandem Division $65 through March 15th, 2019, $80 after March 15th, 2019 and day of race.*
- Fee includes a T-shirt in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Only those who register by March 15th will be guaranteed a T-Shirt.
- Registration is limited to 1000 participants.
- *Prices and registration deadlines may change.
Divisions
- 24 Mile/Short Route:Male and Female (0-19), (20-29), (30-39), (40-49), (50-59), (60 and Over). Male and Female Fat Tire.
- 35 Mile Route:Male and Female (0-29), (30-39), (40-49), (50-59), (60 and Over), Male and Female Fat Tire, Co-ed Single Speed, and Tandem.
- 60 Mile/Long Route: Open Class Race / Podium Pay Out & Prize Structure TBD.
Early Packet Pick-up and Registration
Early packet pick-up will be held on Friday, March 22nd from 5:00pm-8:00pm., at the “Melting Mann Registration Head Quarters” in the Vandalia Village Office/Youth Center, 18035 W. State St., (M-60) Vandalia, Michigan 49095. Race registration and merchandise pick-up will also be available starting at 7:30pm race day.
Course
Featuring 90% gravel roads, the 24 mile loop has over 1,000 vertical feet of ascent and the 35 mile loop has over 1,500 feet of vertical ascent. The new 60 mile loop offers just over 75% gravel with almost 2,000 vertical feet of ascent.
The course is an open road race course with vehicle traffic. You must follow the Michigan Vehicle Code and wear a ANSI/Snell approved bicycle helmet. RIDE SAFE and have tons of fun!
Awards
To be determined based on age and gender. 24 Mile Loop Placements receive medals. Cash and/or Gift Card prizes for 35 Mile Loop to be determined based on the number of participants. 60 Mile Route prize structure is being determined and will be announced closer to race date. 2018 Melting Mann total prizes amounted to over $5000.00.
Timing & Results
Timing and results will be provided by Macs Sport Timing. We will be using Chrono Track Systems, featuring the disposable B-tag that remains attached to the race number.
Results will be posted continuously during the race for review, with results posted here after the completion of the event.
Race Day Outline
Please download and read the Race Day Outline for important information about your participation in Melting Mann.
*PLEASE NOTE THE ABOVE RACE DAY OUTLINE WAS USED FOR 2018 AND IS POSTED FOR SAMPLE USE ONLY
The 2019 Race Day Outline will be available closer to race day.
Melting Mann Custom Merchandise
Melting Mann custom merchandise may be purchased during the online registration process or purchased separately. We have short and long sleeve jerseys, hoodies, mugs, beanies, growlers, buffs, insulated thermal mugs, hats and T-shirts for purchase. Some items have purchase deadlines, so order early to get your custom Melting Mann merchandise! All merchandise will be available for pick-up at the event.
Local Accommodations
![River Country Tourism]()
Melting Mann encourages participants to take advantage of early packet pick-up held from 5pm-8pm on Friday, March 22nd. We will treat you right on race day but treat yourself the night before by arriving to the area Friday night. Plan for dinner at Jaywalker Restaurant in White Pigeon, The Rock in Marcellus, Yesterday’s of Granger, Indiana or Frankies and Roosters Wing Shack in Three Rivers. Choose one of the many local lodging options for a fun weekend and stress free race day. T&R Inn Between the Lakes is located less than 10 miles from Vandalia and several other options,starting at 15 miles away in southwest Michigan, are available through the the many River Country Tourism Lodgers.
Volunteers
Each year over 100 Melting Mann Volunteers make it happen! Would you like to join us? Volunteer for Melting Mann
Adverse Weather Policy
Heart Smart Events, LLC reserves the right to delay or cancel the start of MELTING MANN in the event of inclement weather and/or unsafe road conditions. The definition of inclement weather and unsafe road conditions belongs solely to the discretion of the Heart Smart Events, LLC, Race Directors. Sorry no refunds)
Michigan Gravel Race Series
Melting Mann is one of the first races in the Michigan Gravel Race Series. Learn more about the series at www.michigangravelraceseries.com.
Location
18035 W State Street
Vandalia, MI 49095
