Michigan’s richest Fun Run, MIRA racing and fabulous trails…and lots of snow!
Snow, baby, snow! While we love all four seasons in Gaylord, Michigan, it goes without saying that winter holds a special place in our hearts. For approximately six months each year, we find ourselves blanketed under a hefty helping of SNOW — 152 inches on average, in fact. Along with flurries falling from the sky, we’ve got a flurry of activities planned for sled heads this season!
MIRA Racing is excited to announce the return of the Extreme Power Sports 250, taking place on January 29-30, 2022. The fine folks at MIRA have been putting together enduros and sprint races throughout the Midwest since 1979, and their 2021 Gaylord event was a huge success. Backed by local organizations and businesses including the Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau, Extreme Power Sports, Dubie Welding and Johnson Oil, this sled-centric weekend of racing is strongly supported by our winter-focused community and already a fan favorite.
“Our community really came together to make this event happen in 2021, and we are thrilled to see MIRA back for what we feel will turn into a highly anticipated annual tradition,” stated Paul Beachnau, Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau Executive Director. “Gaylord embraces winter and snowmobilers are a huge part of our seasonal business structure. We’re pleased to have such a professionally orchestrated event centered on snowmobiling.”
Currently MIRA runs a full sprint racing program on Saturday, with the Kitty Cat 120’s and the main event enduro following on Sunday. The class structure is similar to that of most other sprint racing associations, which allows them to participate without having to make drastic changes to their equipment. You’ll see the track beckoning from I-75, just off Johnson Road and across from The Ellison Place. For full details, visit www.miraracing.com.
Not ready for racing but still want to be a part of the action? Join us for Michigan’s Richest Snowmobile Fun Run, part of the Michigan Snowmobile Festival. Held the fourth weekend of February and now entering its fourth season in a revamped riding-centered format, this two-day event brings you more of what you love – snowmobiling! Scheduled for February 25-26, 2022, Michigan’s Richest Snowmobile Fun Run consists of two-days of riding at your leisure to participating area businesses offering a place to warm up and grab a bite to eat. The best part? Registration is FREE and you could win up to $1,000 in cash for doing what you look forward to each winter – riding our scenic northern Michigan trails!
So how does this event work? Register online at www.gaylordmichigan.net or in-person at the Tourism Bureau during the event. Your registration packet will include slips to each participating business and a map showing each location. While it’s possible to hit all the stops in one day, we’re spreading it out over two so you can take in the scenery and enjoy yourself. Don’t worry if you’re short on time and can’t make it to each stop, either. The more stops you visit, the more chances you have to win, but even one slip turned in could take home the $1,000 grand prize. If you’re new to the area or sledding in general, two guided rides are offered on Saturday.
The event concludes at the Eagles Hall on Saturday evening with free heavy appetizers, a cash bar and live music with local legends, Exit 282. While you refuel and visit with fellow sledders, we’ll be holding prize drawings from the participating stops, followed by 3 cash drawings for $250, $500 and $1,000! Details are still being finalized so check our website as the event gets closer for more information.
“We want to keep this event fun and free of charge for both visiting and local snowmobilers. Our goal is to make sure everyone can experience our network of trails, along with the hospitality Gaylord is known for. Michigan’s Richest Snowmobile Fun Run is a great way to sample what Gaylord has to offer, plus, you could win $1,000 just for going for a ride,” commented Christy Walcott, Director of Marketing for the Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau and Snowmobile Festival committee member.
Whether you’re heading our way for a weekend, weeklong getaway or settling in even longer, Gaylord has the trails you want, along with all the conveniences you need to make your trip worthwhile. Our location just off I-75 makes it easier than ever to get here from virtually anywhere, and you’ll marvel at the snow depth increasing the closer you get to our Alpine Village.
For more information on snowmobiling in the Gaylord area or to request your free Snowmobile Trail Map, please visit www.gaylordmichigan.net or call 800-345-8621.