The Arcadia Grit and Gravel is the most-talked about new race of 2012. With a course winding through one of the nicest areas in the state and a top-notch field on hand, it’s going to be well worth your time to recon. 

Epic Happens Race Team will be out on the trails Tuesday, May 15 for a preview of the course. EH’s roster is hot off an outstanding showing at their debut race, Mud, Sweat and Beers. The Freaky Fast squad invites everyone to join the team on a course recon trip as they prepare for AGG, which is sneaking up on us this weekend, May 19.

The trail system is one of the most pristine in the state and is run by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. The route hasn’t been marked yet, but the combination of maps, local advise and the reliable reconnoitering of EH’s Director Sportif, Matt Hodges, should be enough to get a very solid idea of the race conditions. The 30 mile route features gravel, pavement, single and two-track along its rolling, hilly trajectory. It’s forecasted to be a drag race, though many who have been out scouting the race say there are some sections that slow the race down and that fatigue may be a factor in the final run in to the finish.

For more information on the ride and on Epic Happens Race Team, check out the Epic Happens Team page and the EH Race Team page on Facebook. 

Check back later in the week for a full race preview, complete with photos and Strava information of the suspected route.