Mann Road
Mann Road is only fully open from March thru November to vehicular traffic, but open year-round for brave cyclists. The Cass County Road Commission closes access between Patterson Hill Road and M-40 each winter, making those sections seasonal. The Melting Mann Dirt Road Bike Challenge celebrates the seasonal opening of the road each year.
Course Highlights
Course Highlight
Bald Hill
Now that your legs are warmed up, Bald Hill challenges you from the start. After a sharp left turn, and cresting the peak of the climb, racers might exceed 30 mph, as they descend the steep, rolling downhill, beware of the 90-degree turn near the bottom of this descent.
The Rock
There is a natural anomaly called The Rock (owned by the State of Michigan) just north of the jog on Bald Hill Road. It is quite possibly the true year-round home of the Melting Mann Yeti. The Rock is known to many, but only accessed through privately owned property.
Bald Hill EarthCacheGeocaching Profile
Course Highlight
Kirk Lake Lungbuster
Just as you think the route is calming down, you take a turn onto Kirk Lake Road. It starts with a slight downhill to pick up the speed and boost your confidence... until you start the climb. Experienced racers know that last one is a doozy.
Kirk Lake Rd LungbusterStrava Segment
Course Highlight
Patterson Hill Road Climb
When turning south off of Kinney Rd. onto Patterson Hill Rd., about a mile from the finish line, you will be met by "The Wall", when you reach the top, you will have a short descent before a sharp right hand turn, with an uphill race to the finish line.
Patterson Hill Rd. Climb #1Strava Segment
Course Highlight
Mann Road East
The start of the race will descend on pavement, crossing Patterson Hill Rd. where you will be greeted by the loose sand, before the initial climb. It will be followed by a roller coaster of descents and climbs, crossing M-40 until reaching Sodaman Rd. HOLD ON! It will be congested and fast the first 3 miles.
Mann Road East - DirtStrava Segment
Course Highlight
Mount Misery
Don't waste all your legs on Mann Road East. Mt. Misery is located on the second leg of Mann, where you will climb close to a mile on the ever-increasing grade with little relief. It is one of Southwest Michigan's highest natural points.
