Melting Mann

March weather swings wildly—Pete Post raced through 3 inches of fresh snow in 2014 while 2025 saw 35°F temps. "Some years are chilly and icy, while others are sunny and warm," making studded tires a gamble that paid off for prepared riders during the snowy edition. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[9]

Pete Post praised race director Mark Wright's first-year execution: "The volunteers were super helpful, the swag and race prizes were awesome." Wave starts limited to 80 riders prevent Mann Road bottlenecks, with pace cars managing the Swiss Valley Ski entrance at 15mph before racers split onto Patterson Hill Road.[1]

The course winds "through forests, around lakes, past farms, and across open fields" on gravel roads "often overlooked by cars and tourists." Conditions can include "mud, water crossings, or patches of snow and ice," but it's countryside exploration rather than wilderness adventure.[9]

Multiple March Fly and June Fly awards recognize race director excellence and tough conditions, but winning speeds show regional competition levels. Robert Oehler's 22.1 mph average for 58 miles in 2025 reflects solid midwest gravel racing without national-level field depth.[3]

Only if you're in Michigan and want an affordable early-season gravel ride. Not worth traveling for.