This has been a challenging year for so many people, businesses, and organizations. This week, the directors of our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Bear Claw Epic Mountain Bike Race, announced that our fall event would not take place. That doesn’t mean we’re slowing down one bit.
The Bear Claw Epic is our biggest source of funds to support ambitious trail projects, maintenance, and expansion. Last year, we announced approval on plans to add eleven miles of singletrack to the Cadillac Pathway. That expansion comes on the heels of the completion of a new Pavillion, an improved winter grooming program, a bigger parking lot, and solar-powered lights. We have achieved a lot in the past five years, and we plan to keep the momentum going.
You can help. First, all mountain bikers in the region need to become members of the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association. Becoming a member is the best way to support us financially, but it’s so much more than that. Joining NMMBA adds your voice to advocate for non-motorized recreational trails across the region, as well as a way to connect with a wide and inclusive mountain bike community.
Second, you can donate to the Cadillac Pathway directly. Your donation helps us with everything from basic trail work to trail proposals and construction. We’re looking to bridge the funding gap and keep our singletrack project on track in order to give Cadillac mountain bikers the singletrack experience they deserve right here at home.
Finally, and by far the most fun, we need you to ride. Make it a priority to ride and enjoy the Cadillac Pathway, use the Pavilion, and share your Pathway stories with others on social media. Get a pal that hasn’t ridden in years, or perhaps has never ridden before, to join you in the woods for a lap or two. We work hard to create this place for you to enjoy; maybe the very best way to say thanks is to do just that!
For more on the Bear Claw Epic decision, head here. We support the decision of the race organizers and applaud their commitment to keeping racers, volunteers, sponsors, and our wider community safe this fall.