Lord of the Springs

Lord of the Springs – Yankee Springs, Michigan, United States

• Date: September 12, 2026
• Location: Camp Manitou-Lin, Yankee Springs, Michigan
• Distances: 37 miles, 19 miles, 10 miles
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The Lord of the Springs is a challenging gravel race in Michigan that weaves together the very best of the region’s terrain. Set in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area, the event offers a distinctive blend of fast gravel roads and technical singletrack trails. The day’s racing begins from Camp Manitou-Lin, providing a classic basecamp atmosphere for riders before they set out into the quiet landscapes of Barry County. It’s a course designed to test a rider's versatility, rewarding those who can find a rhythm across its varied surfaces.

Riders begin in waves with a five-mile lead-out on mostly gravel, allowing the field to spread before hitting the more technical sections. The main 37-mile route then dives into six miles of the Yankee Springs Deep Lake mountain bike trail, a challenging segment that demands focus. Following the singletrack, the course transitions into the heart of the race: eighteen miles of hilly Barry County gravel roads. This long stretch includes scenic views through the Audobon Sanctuary and the infamous Sager and Shaw two-tracks, a true test of endurance.

The final phase of the 37-mile event brings riders back for another three miles of demanding singletrack before a fast five-mile finish on gravel roads. The shorter 19-mile option offers a similarly mixed-terrain challenge, following the same initial lead-out and singletrack but substituting the longest gravel section with a rugged two-track connector. This makes for a punchier, more condensed experience of this unique gravel race in Michigan, while still capturing the spirit of the landscape.

For those newer to the discipline or seeking a less technical day out, the event also includes a 10-mile route. This option intentionally avoids the singletrack, allowing riders to experience the fast-rolling gravel roads of the area without the mountain bike-style challenges. It’s an accessible way to be part of the race day atmosphere and explore the rolling terrain that defines this corner of the state. It stands as a great introduction among the many other gravel events in United States.

Lord of the Springs is more than a contest of strength; it’s an exploration of the unique topography of Yankee Springs. The interplay between smooth gravel and rugged trail creates a compelling rhythm, asking riders to adapt and respond to the ground beneath their tyres. It’s a day for finding a pace, reading the terrain, and finishing with the satisfaction of having conquered a truly varied course. More detailed information about registration and the day’s schedule can be found on the official event website.