Great Deer Chase Information

Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Great Deer Chase showcases the Swedetown Recreation Area trail system, better known for skiing. Proceeds will support the continued creation and maintenance of mountain bike trails at Swedetown as well as a bike park within the Village of Calumet.

Course

The 17.5- and 27-mile races start at 10 a.m. at the Calumet Colosseum.

The roll-out proceeds through downtown Calumet and onto two-track at Swedetown. The short course is 17.5 miles and the long course is 27 miles in length. Both courses are one lap only.

There is one aid station at the 11-mile point for both races. The long course will pass by the same station six miles later.

The long course features the official/unofficial U.P. Single Speed Championship. Requirements for this is that you reside in the U.P., compete in the long course and ride a single speed. To the winner goes a trophy and bragging rights for an entire year! There is a men's and women's open division.

The Youth Race Course

The youth races will start at 2:00 pm, in the finish area, on Oak Street between 5th and 6th Streets (in front of Cross Country Sports). There is a 3-mile race for those youth ages 10-and-under and a 4.5 -mile race for those 11-14 years old. Most of this race is doubletrack and the finish is also on Oak Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Parents are encouraged to ride with younger racers. Please remember to yield to faster racers and do not hamper or impede others or your child may be disqualified. Younger racers may compete in the 4.5-mile race but will be registered in the 12-and-under category for awards.

Other Events and Amenities

The Heritage Celebration events will be going on in Agassiz Park (near the start area) featuring games, music and food. The Awards ceremony in Agassiz Park will follow at 4:00 pm after the conclusion of the Youth Races.

Changing rooms and showers are located in the basement of the  Calumet Colosseum (Red Jacket Road near Fourth). Please use the door on the West side of the building to access them. The Calumet Keweenaw Sportsmens Club has their expo the same day and there is a charge to enter it. Please use the main doors on the South side of the building to see the displays and visit their vendors.