700 Cyclists Brave Winter’s Last Stand at 12th Annual Melting Mann Gravel Race in Michigan

In a thrilling display of endurance and spirit, 700 cyclists, including one spirited abominable snowman, gathered at Russell’s M40 Speedway for the 12th Annual Melting Mann Gravel Race on Saturday, March 22

Despite chilly temperatures hovering around 35°F, participants tackled the frozen gravel routes of 58, 38, and 23 miles, showcasing their resilience as spring begins to emerge across the United States.

The Melting Mann Gravel Race has become a hallmark event in the cycling community, attracting riders from across the country. This year, cyclists donned full winter kits to combat the lingering chill while competing in one of the most anticipated gravel races of the season.

Robert Oehler, 27, emerged victorious in the main event, clinching the champion’s jersey with a remarkable finish time of 2:37:12 on the 58-mile route. Oehler maintained an impressive average speed of 22.1 mph, outpacing his competitors Derek Dotlich and Jim Flora, who finished in 2:40:06 and 2:43:14, respectively.

In the women’s division, 19-year-old Ellory Clason claimed victory with a time of 2:55:41. Clason’s performance was a testament to her skill and determination, as she bested Maire Noonan, who finished second at 3:03:59, and Victoria Cane, who took third place in 3:21:50.

The shorter 38-mile “medio meltdown” race saw Tony Fietz and Sheila Sherwood take the top spots for men and women, respectively, with Fietz finishing in 1:46:36 and Sherwood in 2:10:23.

This year’s event not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the cyclists but also fostered a sense of community among participants and spectators alike. “The Melting Mann Gravel Race is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of cycling and camaraderie,” said the race organizer “We are thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout, even in these challenging weather conditions.”

Corinna Tharp said afterwards "Another Melting Mann in the books and this was the best year yet! I didn’t have any expectations for this race aside from having fun, which alleviated so much unnecessary pressure because it’s almost impossible NOT to have a good time when you’re in the presence of so many amazing people. The vibes on the course were great and I had a lot of fun bopping along to some good music and encouraging the riders around me along the way. It was an unexpected surprise that I made it to the overall podium because I was convinced there were at least 3 or 4 women blazing the trails ahead of me. I am truly grateful that I am capable of completing this challenging course. Even just finishing is a huge accomplishment that I will never take for granted. Many thanks to the organizer, sponsors, and volunteers that came together to make @meltingmann happen as well as @pumpkinvinecyclery for continuing to support me and our amazing community."

The Melting Mann Gravel Race continues to grow in popularity, drawing both seasoned cyclists and newcomers eager to experience the thrill of gravel racing. As the event wraps up, organizers are already looking forward to next year’s race, promising even more excitement and community engagement.

Link to photos from Christina Bowers Photography : https://christinabowers.smugmug.com/2025-Melting-Mann

Link to 12th Annual Melting Mann Results: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/Results/118167#resultSetId-536046;perpage:100

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