Ann Arbor, or A2 as locals call it, is home to the University of Michigan and its famous sports teams. But by June, school is out and summer sets in, along with summer festivals, food fairs, the farmers’ markets and outdoor dining. Ann Arbor has an artistic bent and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown, with unique shops, international cuisine and sidewalk cafes.

Ann Arbor upholds its “Treetown” nickname by being densely forested: the city contains more than 50,000 trees along its streets and another 50,000 trees in its parks. The city has 157 municipal parks ranging from small neighborhood green spots to nature areas, sports complexes, bike paths, Huron River park, an arboretum, to large recreation areas. In short, Ann Arbor is serious about an active and outdoor lifestyle.

GFNY Ann Arbor starts two miles from Downtown Ann Arbor, The University of Michigan and The Big House – University of Michigan’s Football Stadium; the largest in the United States. Enjoy all the amenities of Downtown Ann Arbor and the scenic cycling and nature surrounding Ann Arbor as part of your GFNY Ann Arbor experience.

Your scenic race course starts at Ann Arbor’s ice rink, The Ice Cube, or as locals call it, A2Ice3.

You will depart the Ice Cube heading west and south to reach the 35-mile loop. You will explore the country roads of Michigan. You will get to see creeks, rivers and lakes. You will ride past the Sharonville State Wildlife Management Area. You will ride through small villages like Manchester and Bridgewater. You will get to see local farm land and see the crops we raise. You will get to enjoy the low-traffic, scenic and gently rolling roads.

The long course athletes will do the loop twice while the medium course athletes will do the loop once. At the conclusion of the loop, you’ll trace the same route north and east to return to the Ice Cube.

Finishing back at the Ice Cube, you will receive your medal, finisher photo, post-race meal and take part in the post-race festivities!