Breaking News
Local News

DTN getting set for Tour de Dickinson, Pine Mountain 500

By Terri Castelaz 5 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Cyclists and runners will have the chance to test themselves in two very different endurance events next weekend, as the Dickinson Trail Network hosts its annual Tour de Dickinson on Saturday, Aug. 1, followed by the Pine Mountain 500 on Sunday, Aug. 2.

"We had great attendance for both events last year and we're looking towards the same, if not more, again this year," DTN Vice President Sanj Peterson said. "The weather looks amazing -- the smoke finally cleared. It's a good time to be outside."

The weekend kicks off with the 19th-annual Tour de Dickinson, highlighted this year by the new Duel at Dickinson, a competitive 100-kilometer race offering $1,000 in cash prizes plus local bragging rights.

"Top three men and women finishers will split the cash prize graciously donated by U.P. Sport & Spoke," she said.

Cyclists looking for a more relaxed ride can choose from several non-competitive road tour routes, a family-friendly route or the Tour de Mountain bike option.

"Tour de Dickinson riders can choose from several options for any age and experience level," she said. "There's something for everyone."

Participants can select from an 8K, a 5-mile family route; the 45K, 70K and 100K routes; or the 30K MTB.

Peterson said the MTB will take place at Pine Mountain this year.

Packet pickup and registration is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Popple Palace, near the entrance of Pine Mountain Resort, and continues Saturday from 7 to 7:45 a.m.

The event also marks the return of the Veterans Freedom Ride for a second year. Military veterans can participate free by registering with the code VETFREE2026. Registration includes a post-ride meal sponsored by the local company NUBS Seasoning.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon by Bryan Drewyor, the One Human Band.

The competitive Duel at Dickinson begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Veterans Freedom Ride participants leave at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 45K, 70K and 100K riders. The family 8K ride begins at 9 a.m., with the Tour de Mountain bike riders departing at 9:10 a.m.

Awards ceremonies for the duel competition are scheduled for noon.

NUBS Seasoning is back serving up food for participants and spectators from noon to 3 p.m.

Peterson encouraged community members to come out and cheer on the riders.

"Last year finished within a tenth of a second. It was super fun to watch," Peterson said.

She added the event continues to attract riders from across the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin, drawn by the area's scenic roads and trails.

On Sunday, the Pine Mountain 500 returns with its biggest lineup yet, offering six event options.

Participants can choose the traditional Pine Mountain 500, which is one lap; the PM500 Deuce, two laps; or the PM500 Extreme Challenge, four laps, totaling 2,000 stairs.

New this year is the Pine Muddin' 500, a rugged 2-mile off-road trail course winding through Pine Mountain Resort. Participants in this event also can choose one, two or four laps of this new trail event.

"It's the wavy gravy trail for those familiar with the Pine Mountain course," she said. "It'll be a fun new addition for our trail runners."

The PM500 Extreme competitors will kick off the day at 8 a.m. at the top of the hill, followed by the PM500 Deuce and the two Pine Muddin' 500 Trail Runs events at 8:30 a.m. The traditional PM500 run will begin at 9 a.m.

Peterson encouraged anyone who has not registered online to arrive early.

All 300 participants will receive a commemorative finisher medal.

Overall male and female champions in each event will be awarded custom gold, silver and copper stair trophies, while age-group winners will receive matching pins that can be attached to their medal lanyards. Top finishers will also compete for cash prizes and gift cards donated by Queen City Running Company.

"There's money on the line, which is exciting," Peterson said. "The custom trophies made by our president are also very cool."

The popular all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is back that will include real maple syrup donated by Anderson's Maple Syrup. They will begin to serve at 10 a.m.

DTN will host an awards ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Pavilion.

New this year, Pine Mountain Resort will offer free chairlift rides to the top of the hill on Sunday.

Peterson reminds spectators that there will be no parking at the top of the hill on Sunday.

"We have such a fun, iconic thing here. It's a different, unique race that you're not going to find anywhere else," she said. "It's a suffer-fest -- not easy -- but once you get to the top and you're looking as far as the eye can see, it's worth it."

Like the Tour De Dickinson, spectators are encouraged to cheer on runners along the route and as they reach the top of the hill.

The Pine Mountain 500 marks the Dickinson Trail Network's third year organizing the event, and Peterson said the group is grateful for the opportunity to continue offering it to the community.

DTN is still in need of volunteers for both events. Anyone interested can contact organizers on their Facebook or on the registration page on the website at www.dtntrails.org.

Both events go on rain or shine, so prepare for the elements, she said.

DTN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group of dedicated volunteers whose mission is to build, maintain and promote non-motorized trails throughout Dickinson County. The group's three pillars are trails, partnerships and community.

Anyone who has questions and is interested in learning more about DTN can reach out to board members at the events or go to their website.

———

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

Starting at /week.