Grassroots gravel event in southeast Michigan.
Reputation: Small regional Michigan event.
[01]
Course Overview
Southeast Michigan gravel in Dexter near Ann Arbor.
62 mi
Distance
3,000 ft
Elevation
Dexter, Michigan
Location
August 8, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$60-90
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / angel sanchezRolling southeast Michigan gravel through rural areas.
Signature challenge: Rolling southeast Michigan terrain and summer heat.
20
MILE
Southeast Michigan Rolling
Rolling terrain begins.
40
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through course.
55
MILE
Final Stretch
Last miles to finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Hills and rolling terrain
The route features rolling hills with some climbs, but not intimidating elevation for riders coming from flatter areas.
Water crossing
The course includes a water crossing that adds intrigue to the race.
The gravel roads are smooth as can be - absolutely fantastic on a gravel bike. The course transitions from paved roads onto gravel with rolling hills throughout.
[04]
From the Field
For a 110 mile race you're not looking at uber elevation - it's plenty of elevation but it's not too much, so when you're coming from a place where it's fairly flat it's not intimidating if you're looking to do a 100 mile event.
STS, American Made Bicycles · 140 views
The Watermoo has ample room to grow - you park right at the Jolly Pumpkin, there's plenty of space right there at the event, and really close to the start finish is a school with a huge parking lot.
STS, American Made Bicycles · 140 views
You park at the Jolly Pumpkin with plenty of space right there at the event, and really close to the start finish is a school which has a huge parking lot so they have ample room to grow.
STS, American Made Bicycles · 140 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced The Watermoo? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
August 8, 2026 THE WATERMOO
RIDERS REPORT
A variety of tire types work well - slicks performed fine for one rider, while another used tires with a little bit of tread (American Classic gr).
[08]
Train for The Watermoo
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Detroit (DTW) 45 min
Lodging
Dexter has basic lodging. Ann Arbor (30 min) has more options.
Food
Small city with dining options. Stock race nutrition beforehand.
Packet Pickup
Race morning typically
Parking
At start/finish
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
3
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at The Watermoo?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 81°F and lows of 64°F, with a 50% chance of rain on any given day. Ken Lemieux experienced challenging August conditions in 2023: 'It rained three times during the race, and as a result, I ended up very dirty.' The weather forecast was concerning enough that 75 registered riders chose not to start. Early August timing means potential heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms in southeastern Michigan. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for The Watermoo?
The race offers two wave starts (6:11am for riders averaging 14mph or less, 7:11am for faster riders) allowing self-seeding by pace. Ken Lemieux found the aid station at mile 72 well-stocked with water and snacks when he needed recovery. The start location at 2319 Bishop Cir E in Dexter provides organized staging with post-race festivities at Jolly Pumpkin.[7]
How adventurous is The Watermoo?
The river crossing provides one adventure moment in what's otherwise described as farmland riding. The 'road that is no longer a road' sounds intriguing but is probably just a glorified doubletrack section. Michigan farmland doesn't offer the isolation or terrain variety that creates real adventure, just steady miles through agricultural landscape.[1]
How prestigious is The Watermoo?
The Watermoo is one of 15 races in the Michigan Gravel Race Series, which tells you everything about its place in the hierarchy. No pro field, no prize purse mentioned anywhere, and your finisher's prize is literally a road sign to hang in your bedroom. It's a regional points series race that most people outside Michigan have never heard of.[2]
Should I race The Watermoo?
Only if you're in southeast Michigan or the Ann Arbor area and want an affordable gravel ride. Not worth traveling for.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: 2023 THE WATERMOOridewithgps.com/routes/43962788
- Other Sources Chelseaupdatechelseaupdate.com/the-watermoo-new-gravel-bike-race-that-...
- Other Sources Komcyclingkomcycling.com/blogs/product-blogs/dirty-chain-podcast-ep...
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/the-watermoo/review/
- Other Sources Annarborrunningcompanywww.annarborrunningcompany.com/blogs/news/the-watermoo-2
- Other Sources Flyingrhinoccwww.flyingrhinocc.com/photography-summary-2023/the-waterm...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/9373/the-watermoo