News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Wednesday, Levi Goebel is seen working on a bike that a participant will use in the Thunder Bay Thriller bike race on Sunday. Goebel said that the race exposes more people to the beauty of Northeast Michigan.

ALPENA — On Sunday, cyclists from across the state will visit Alpena for a 62-mile cycling challenge through Northeast Michigan as part of the Thunder Bay Thriller bike race.

The route will take cyclists from gravel backroads to snowmobile two-tracks. Riders will pass along Devils Lake, ride through the Norway Ridge Pathway, then along the Alpena-Hillman Trail.

There are also 27-mile and 16-mile options available to cyclists who want a shorter route.

Harborside Cycle and Sport is a sponsor of the race this year and Levi Goebel, owner of the cycle shop, said that he wants to help promote Northern Michigan and cycling.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to help bring people to Northern Michigan and help them experience trails that they might not normally ride,” Groebel said. “We have a lot of cool trails and scenery around here.”

Goebel noted that Alpena is “kind of off the beaten path” so Northern Michigan is often overlooked as a cycling destination. He said that most cyclists go to the west side of the state.

“This year there’s over 270 already signed up and it got added on to the Michigan gravel bike race series,” Goebel said.

The Michigan Gravel Race Series is made up of 16 different gravel centric events, according to the series webpage. Racers accumulate points throughout the season.

“So that kind of helps encourage more downstate, serious riders, to come on up and kind of see what we have to offer in this area,” Goebel said.

Goebel said there are different levels of cycling, such as casual riding versus racing.

“I think pretty much anyone can go out and get on a bike,” Goebel said. “Some people don’t enjoy walking or running outside, but cycling’s kind of a great opportunity for people to get outside, enjoy nature, and fresh air.”

Goebel said that some people like cycling because they “want to go fast” and others like it just to move their legs.

He added that he’s seen a trend of individuals recovering from surgery use ebikes to be active outside instead of using stationary bikes inside.

“It is less impact, where it is more of a circular motion versus like a pounding on the ground,” Goebel said.

Trevor Holowaty, a Port Huron native and race director for the Sunday event, said that he chose Alpena as the destination because of the beauty of Northeastern Michigan.

Holowaty said that because his wife is from Alpena, over the years he’s made frequent trips to the area. When he is in town, Holowaty brings his bike.

Holowaty told The News that he enjoys rides around the area and said that Alpena is “sort of untapped for people around the state.”

Holowaty explained that 100% of the proceeds from registration and sponsorship go to Rock CF Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.