Home » America Travel News » Experience Jackson’s Irish Hills Gravel Race: A New Cycling Adventure in Southeastern Michigan, US

Published on
September 9, 2025

With the launch of the Irish Hills Gravel Race scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, a new chapter is being written in the cycling community of southeast Michigan. Experience Jackson is organising this exciting event, which promises to introduce a new and exciting adventure to the picturesque area, which is known for its picturesque rural roads and rolling hills. Gravel bike racing, one of the fastest-growing cycling subgenres, offers experienced riders an exhilarating challenge as well as an increasingly popular way to experience the Irish Hills’ natural splendour.

A New Cycling Experience in the Heart of Michigan

The race will take off and conclude at the NASCAR Fan Zone at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. This iconic location, a popular spot for motorsport enthusiasts, will be the perfect starting point for cyclists looking to experience the best of what the region has to offer. The 100K (62-mile) and 50K (31-mile) routes will lead participants along a variety of gravel paths that wind through Jackson County, Lenawee County, and Washtenaw County, offering cyclists a chance to enjoy both challenging terrain and stunning natural landscapes. Riders will encounter gravel roads, serene farmlands, wooded sections, and picturesque views that are unique to the Irish Hills region.

For many, the attraction of gravel bike racing lies in its ability to combine the speed and endurance of road cycling with the rugged charm of mountain biking, all while riding on unpaved routes. The gravel bike scene has been growing rapidly, and the Irish Hills Gravel Race is a prime example of how this relatively new discipline is being embraced as a recreational pursuit that draws people from all backgrounds and skill levels.

Open to Cyclists of All Types and Abilities

One of the key aspects of the Irish Hills Gravel Race is its inclusivity. While many races can be exclusive to certain types of bicycles, the Irish Hills Gravel Race invites participants to use various bike styles. Whether it’s a flat bar, drop bar, gravel bike, mountain bike, touring bike, or even an e-bike, riders of all kinds are encouraged to join in on the fun. This level of accessibility ensures that everyone, from competitive racers to casual cyclists, can take part in the event and enjoy the experience of exploring the Irish Hills at their own pace.

A Strategic Push to Revitalize Tourism in the Irish Hills

The Irish Hills region has long been known for its natural beauty and as a destination for tourists. However, like many rural areas, it has faced challenges with the decline of traditional roadside attractions and tourism models that once brought visitors to the region. To adapt to changing times, local officials have turned their attention to outdoor recreation—an industry that continues to grow and attract visitors looking for new, immersive experiences. With gravel bike racing quickly gaining in popularity, it has emerged as the perfect sport to promote the Irish Hills as a prime destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Gravel racing allows participants to enjoy a slower, more scenic type of recreation, making it ideal for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers riders the opportunity to experience nature up close, all while benefiting from the physical challenge that cycling provides. As Experience Jackson puts it, the Irish Hills region is an untapped gem, with beautiful, tree-covered gravel roads waiting to be explored by cyclists of all levels. The new race will undoubtedly become a cornerstone for future tourism efforts, showcasing the outdoor recreational opportunities of the Irish Hills and drawing visitors to local businesses.

Encouraging Economic Growth Through Cycling

Local businesses stand to benefit greatly from the influx of cyclists attending the Irish Hills Gravel Race. Cyclists often have disposable income, making them a valuable market for small-town shops, cafes, and restaurants. In Brooklyn, Callaghan’s, a local café on South Main Street, and Atlas Restaurant, located on North Main Street, are just two examples of establishments that could see an increase in foot traffic as cyclists stop in for coffee, meals, and post-race refreshments. By integrating the race into the broader tourism strategy, Experience Jackson aims to create an economic ripple effect that benefits the entire community.

The hope is that, over time, the Irish Hills will become a prominent gravel cycling hub in Michigan, attracting not just local residents but visitors from across the state and beyond. The establishment of the Michigan R3 (Rural Recreational Roads) programme is one such initiative that will help make this vision a reality. The program works to map out gravel cycling routes throughout Michigan, promoting them to cyclists looking for new and exciting routes. The Irish Hills region is poised to become an integral part of this growing network, further establishing it as a premier destination for cycling.

Event Logistics and Registration Details

The Irish Hills Gravel Race will be a one-day event, but the excitement begins the day before. Packet pickup will be available starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the NASCAR Fan Zone, allowing participants to pick up their race bibs and other necessary materials. For those looking to get in a quick warm-up, a shakeout ride will be offered to help participants get familiar with the course and prepare for the challenge ahead.

On race day, the 100K race will kick off at 8:00 a.m., while the 50K race will start at 8:30 a.m. After the races, participants and spectators can gather at the finish line party for refreshments, camaraderie, and an awards ceremony at noon.

Registration is now open, with the cost set at $100 per person. Interested riders can sign up online and access course maps, race details, and further information about the event.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Race in Future Years

The Irish Hills Gravel Race is intended as a test run, with the goal of establishing it as a regional race. If the inaugural event is successful, the organisers plan to expand the race in future years, potentially drawing even more participants and expanding the race to other areas within the region. The long-term goal is for the event to become a major stop on the gravel cycling circuit, attracting riders from all corners of the country.

The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Scenic Beauty

The Irish Hills Gravel Race is poised to become one of Michigan’s most exciting new cycling events thanks to its combination of difficult gravel roads, stunning scenery, and a developing cycling community. This event is a must-attend for cyclists who want to experience new routes, take in the beauty of nature, and participate in a sport that is expanding quickly. The Irish Hills Gravel Race promises to be an amazing experience that highlights the beauty and charm of southeast Michigan, regardless of your level of experience as a cyclist or your desire for a new adventure.

[Image Source: Irish Hills Gravel Official Website]