Sarah's story: Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder

BaseCamp athlete Sarah Porch shared her experience at the 2025 Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder bike race.

Three BaseCamp Explore Team members (Beth Collins, Andrea Troy, and I) decided early this year to race the 2025 Michigan Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder. I would be racing my first 200, Andrea her second, and Beth? Well, she is a legend. This year, however, plans changed, and since she was not racing, she graciously offered to be the Support Crew extraordinaire. And for those of you that have the privilege of knowing Beth, that means that no detail was left to untouched or to chance.

The sunrise came early. It was 6:00 AM ET…time to race 204 miles across Michigan’s Mitten (the Lower Peninsula) starting in Au Gres, set along Lake Huron’s shore through the gravel roads, farmland, grassland, double and single track until we reached the sandy beach in Ludington, which hugs the freshwater coastline along Lake Michigan.

The start: After dipping our rear wheel in the deep-blue hued Lake Huron water, we chatted with other racers before exuberantly crossing the start line. The overcast sky kept the temperature cool at the start. We rode at a neutral pace until reaching the outskirts of town then, after a quick turn, we were off. Expect the unexpected: The tailwind the usually helps push riders along for the first section did not occur this year. Thankfully, we “slightly” obsessed over the weather leading in race day. The Epic Rides forecast calling for unusually strong headwinds was correct. We shared the work as planned, each taking a break from the wind and jumped in with others when we deemed it a good move.

Checkpoint 1 (mile 54): Beth greeted us as we crossed the Checkpoint 1 timing mat and directed us to the van. We took a bit more time than planned to stretch after fighting the wind, then continued racing along gorgeous gravel roads surrounded by farmlands, grasslands and pine forests. The short climbs in this segment added a bit of versatility. The cloud cover dissipated and the temperature rose. The terrain became increasingly sandy as we approached the halfway mark.

Checkpoint 2 (mile 103): Beth once again had a buffet for easy replenishment. Real food (PB&J, PB & banana, and Michigan sweet red cherries) tasted amazing as we stocked up ride fuel and hydration. In hindsight, the few stretches on the hot, sunbaked pavement should have raised a flag about the escalating heat and humidity. It was only predicted to reach the low 80s, but that was clearly not the case. Onward.

The sun. The heat. The humidity. It sapped energy. We found some shade to lower the body temp and stretched. We both nearly ran out of hydration despite each carrying two Bivo insulated bottles and a full hydration pack. And then…the kindness…we’re in Michigan, folks. The Midwest. Several residents set up water and cooling stations for the racers. One kind family put up a sunshade, chairs, and a table so racers could stop and take ice and cold bottled water, or play in the sprinkler as some do. We took advantage of the neutral water stop at mile 143 before dropping into a section of the Manistee National Forest that we pre-rode to experience the Michigan sand. On race day it looked different, as sand does. The heavy rains over the previous couple of days dried a bit and parts were easier to navigate. We also felt more confident. Yeah, planning.

We peered down at the Pine River, a Nationally-designated Scenic River. It looked inviting – especially as we had time to admire the shimmering water as we trudged through deep sand.

More than a few areas were not rideable – or at least when weighing the risk of navigating deep, wheel-eating sand. We choose an option that made sense, did not significantly impact time and kept pushing since the shadows were getting longer.

Checkpoint 3: Mile 169. We entered the Big M Recreation Area and were greeted by the mosquitos. So many that you almost needed to hold your breath. Bug spray? They couldn't care less. It was humorous trying to eat, grab hydration, and put on the lights while being buzzed and bitten. Okay, not really that funny. We really felt bad for Beth and the other support crews who patiently waited for their racers to arrive and likely had little sense of timing given the lack of cell service.

Time to go. Thirty-five miles until we reach Stearns Park in Ludington. Our goal of beating the sun faded as fast as the daylight. No problem. SAIL. Readjust goal. Ride strong. Have fun. Cherish friendships. Enjoy others around you also racing to Ludington.

We set off at dusk into the single-track section before finding another double track section. The previous rains left large, trail-wide puddles on the trail. Some were easy to navigate while others suggested a bit more caution. The moss layer on top of some was eerie. Happy to see those and not mistakenly ride into it like some others.

Pavement. We were back on pavement, and it was a welcome change as we started to drop into Ludington. The bike lights didn’t diminish the beauty of flickering fireflies or the stars in the sky. We made the last turn and started the countdown. Heading down Lake Shore Drive, we turned into Stearns Park and crossed the finish together, just as planned. We were greeted by Beth, the Coast to Coast staff, volunteers, other racers and support team. Time to touch the front tire in Lake Michigan!

Much gratitude to Coaches Brig Brandt and Tina Hart for preparing me and Andrea (respectively) for this race.