MICHIGAN MOUNTAIN MAYHEM
Michigan Mountain Mayhem (MMM) Gravel Grinder celebrated its sixth year on September 28thin Boyne City, Michigan. Recognized as a destination for mountain snow skiing and summer recreation, Boyne City is a charming small town on beautiful Lake Charlevoix in Northern Michigan and worth the trip. Given that MMM was also the season finale for the 2019 Michigan Gravel Race Series, it was a big day for series leaders, contenders, and enthusiasts alike. MMM was the icing on the gravel season cake with a chance to tackle the Mount Bodawei wall and Mount Diablo—a continuous 1.8 miles, 502-foot climb.
The MMM Gravel Grinder exists today because a gravel enthusiast once had the vision to create it. Paul Nicholls is the Founder of the MMM Spring Classic and Gravel Grinder events. A MGRS participant himself, Paul lives in Boyne City and is passionate about both road and gravel racing. After experiencing a Wisconsin race more than a decade ago, Paul realized Boyne City area had great roads to offer so the MMM was born and is the only Michigan race that offers King and Queen of the Mountain segments with an additional $250 prize. Paul believes in providing a great all-around experience, so MMM racers can count on a good meal included in race admission and plenty of cold beer available from the Short’s Brewing Company.
I complimented Paul on the race organization, intersection monitors, and excellent signage. Seems Paul takes course signage seriously, given he had the experience of one lost rider a few years ago and the unfortunate need to call out Boyne Search and Rescue. As the story goes, the solo rider mistakenly followed a permanent (yellow arrow) sign onto a snow mobile road and lost his way until chancing upon a gas station and calling for pick up—nearly 20 miles from the course. So forevermore, racers can count on a well-marked and monitored MMM course.
Happily crossing the fast 40-mile finish line, I reflected about the last few months that brought me to this moment and the people that supported and encouraged me along the way. I’d left my comfort zone, embraced the unknown, dug deep to find my inner athlete, and followed the plan.
Earning the podium was not my goal. I held no illusion about that given the field of experienced and talented competitors. My goal was striving for my personal best with the top prize good health, improved fitness, and the sheer joy of a gravel beginner adventure.
Recently visiting with my wellness coach after my annual physical, she commended me: “Well now, seems you’re a regular Benjamin Button. You’re not just getting better, you’re getting younger!”Nice. I’d earned her praise based on my physical and lab results. Seems my overall health has steadily improved since I’d started cycling six years ago and once again showed impressive improvement this year—thanks to gravel training and racing, I’m quite sure and I had the ride of my life.
A sincere THANK YOU to Matt Acker and the MGRS Sponsors for making the gravel scholarship possible and to the Cool Kids that offered advice and encouragement. A special thanks to Jenny, Emily, Melanie, Tory, James, and John and Laura of Grand Rapids. Marc Brown served as a “chief sufferfest” example, consultant and a very capable bike mechanic. And to my amazing and badass sister, Lou Richey, who is an extraordinary mentor, supporting me every pedal along the way.
