Rusty Fish

October 04 2025

Manistee MI

Unconfirmed

Distances: 26, 53, 100 km

Difficulty: Difficult terrain with longer, steeper hills

Limited to: 250 Participants

The Rusty Fish was designed to show Manistee County that off the beaten path gravel and trailways can interconnect to a much broader Northern Michigan Trail system. The route takes us from Manistee over the river and through the forest to Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, Michigan. The Betsie River Valley Trail System connects in Thompsonville and will eventually be a gateway to Traverse City (or at least we hope for that).

With multiple route options available we hope that the RF can accommodate to your riding skill level! All of the routes feature mixed surfaces with pavement, dirt roads (West Michigan dirt is a little sandy so we don't say gravel), two-tracks, and a few sandy spots (very limited - we got rid of a very big hill and traded)

We will be donating additional funds raised to two local trail groups this year to help aid in our raising awareness of Manistee County Trails.

A vast majority of the Rusty Fish occurs on gravel/two-track/mixed surfaces. Vehicle traffic should be minimal but please be aware that this is an open road race course with vehicle traffic. You must follow the Michigan Vehicle Code. Cycling road rules apply. Stop at all stop signs, always yield to the right-away, do not cross the center-line of the road and ride no more than two abreast.

Rusty Fish 100