Feb. 3, 2016

Contact: Ana Hotaling (Epic Races), 734-585-7101, ext. 702 or Maia Turek (DNR), 989-225-8573

Volunteers needed for inaugural Waterloo Grit and Gravel adventure bike race

Those eager to get a behind-the-scenes look at a new bicycle adventure race are encouraged to volunteer for the inaugural Waterloo Grit and Gravel bike race Saturday, March 19. Epic Races and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are partnering to host a competitive adventure bike race that takes participants through Lower Michigan’s largest park, where pristine forests, rolling glacial terrain and sparkling lakes provide a breathtaking backdrop for the cycling experience of a lifetime – and help is needed in just about every phase of the race.

Volunteers are needed with a variety of assignments, including aid station, course marshal, cleanup, finish line, packet pickup and registration. Volunteers will receive a complimentary Epic Race T-shirt and refreshments for volunteering. Interested volunteers can register online at http://bit.ly/WGGVolunteers.

The race course will vary from rolling hill climbs and swift descents to winding curves and rare straightaways. Most of the roads will be dirt and rock (that’s where the “grit” and “gravel” come in). There may even be mud, ice and snow. Expect to get dusty. Expect to get grimy. Expect to have the time of your life!

The race is part of the Pure Michigan FITness Series of events and is endorsed by the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports.

The Waterloo Recreation Area is located at 16345 McClure Road in Chelsea. The park is home to four campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, 11 fishing lakes, nature trails, 47 miles of hiking trails, cabins, equestrian trails and the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center.

For more information, please contact Ana Hotaling (Epic Races), 734-585-7101, ext. 702.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the Waterloo Recreation Area. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.