Gravel bike race coming to Manchester Township
Irish Hills Gravel 2025. Photo courtesy of Experience Jackson.
by Sara Swanson
When someone says “Irish Hills” most people think of the tourist attractions along US 12, or maybe the hills and lakes in southeastern Jackson County and northwestern Lenawee, but the Irish Hills extend into Washtenaw County as well as into Manchester Township. Manchester Township will, in fact, host a section of the 100km route of the upcoming Irish Hills Gravel Race.
Irish Hills Gravel 2026 is a bike race that will be held (mostly) on non-paved roads, starting and ending at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, October 17. It offers three routes — 30km, 50km, and 100km — with categories for different ages, genders, bike types, and even a tandem bike category.
Organizer Steve Trosin explained how the race, which is in its second year, got started. He stated, “The race is organized by Experience Jackson, which is Jackson County’s convention and visitors bureau. Experience Jackson’s latest strategic plan calls for highlighting the great outdoor recreation opportunities, especially in the southern part of the county. Out of that initiative (and some conversations I had with Ryan Tarrant, Experience Jackson president), Irish Hills Gravel was born.” He added that last year they had 165 participants.
Those who opt for the longest course will actually get a pretty good tour of Manchester Township. Riders will enter the Township from Franklin Township to the south on Carson Highway with a short jog on U.S. 12, then head north on Hudson Rd, turn east onto Lemm Rd, north onto Van Tulle Rd, west onto Bowens Rd, north onto Schleweis Rd, west onto Sandborn Rd, south onto Grossman Rd, west onto Mahrle Rd, south onto Sharon Hollow Rd, west onto Wellwood Rd, north onto Mulvaney Rd, and north onto Watkins Rd before heading into Norvell Township.
If you are interested in registering, volunteering, or have questions, visit https://www.irishhillsgravel.com/. And keep an eye out for bikers on back roads, especially on October 17!
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