Grand Haven Michigan Spread the Music 8 Hour Adventure Race

This year Endurance Sports has teamed up with Spread The Music Foundation of Grand Haven Michigan. Spread the Music Foundation provides grants to advance the joy in music through education, training, and supplies that are required for a successful musical experience. Racers will be finishing in front of 3000 screaming rock fans, this is your chance to be a rock star.

Date: Saturday July 11, 2009
Location: Harbor Island, Grand Haven, Michigan
Length: 8 hour sprint race
Disciplines: Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Trekking, Ropes
Divisions: 2 person coed, male (MM), female (FF) and Solo
Who: Beginner to intermediate
Racer Check-In: 7:00am to 9:00am
Race Briefing: 9:15am
Race Start: 10:00am
Race Cutoff: 6:00pm
Post Race Food with Prizes & Giveaways: 15-30 minutes following cutoff.

Event Cost

Per Person – $60.00 – The cost includes race swag, post-race food, and some very cool prizes that will go to the top finishers. Entry is limited to 300 racers on a first come-first serve basis.

Racer Check In Information & Directions:

The start and finish will take place at Harbor Island, Grand Haven.
More details of registration and check-in will be announced as the race nears.

Trekking / Trail Running / Orienteering:

The total on foot will be approximately 10K meters – more depending on the selected route. The terrain will vary from trails to sandy hill tops. Maps will be topo. All maps will be pre-marked, no plotting will be necessary.

Canoe:

Teams will be paddling 3-5 miles. Teams are responsible for their own canoes, paddles (standard or kayak), and PFDs. Wisner Canoe Livery will be providing a pickup and delivery service to the race site. See their website at Wisner Canoe or call (231)652-6743 to reserve your equipment. Solo and team racers will be allowed to bring their own kayak or canoe as long as it meets certain requirements. For this event solo racers who want to bring a sit-on-top will be allowed to do so. Standard sea kayaks, usually around 14-17 feet, with closed cockpits are fine. Teams bring their own boats will only be allowed canoes, two person kayaks will not be allowed. Check with race staff if you still have questions about your boat being acceptable.

Mountain Bike:

The mountain bike stage(s) will be fast and fun at 15-20 miles in
length. Teams must locate and check in at each of the required
checkpoints. The course will include a combination of dirt, and paved roads.

Ropes Course:

Endurance Sports is working hard to make this happen and at this time they feel it will happen. They promise you this; you have never done a ropes course like this one. Will not be hard but very, very different.

For more information about Grand Haven Michigan’s 2009 Spread the Music 8 Hour Adventure Race go to: Endurance Sports where they have complete details on the adventure race and registration. Endurance Sports even has a message board where you can ask any questions you may have concerning the race. Also check out Spread the Music Foundation to see what other events they have planned for 2009.

Registration opens March 1, 2009 online. Registration on Active.com will open March 1, 2009. In an effort to produce a “greener” event, there will be no paper registration option this year. Only online registrations through Active will be accepted.

For 2009, the Peak2Peak will be limited to 500 riders. So early registration is a must. Registration fees will increase on June 1 and again on September 1, 2009, so register early!

The P2P also serves as a great “warm-up” race to the world famous Iceman Challenge, this year held three weeks later, on November 8th. And, it will give those riders who weren’t able to get into the Iceman an opportunity to test themselves one last time for the season.

The mountain biking trail system, which includes both Crystal Mountain property and state land, provides some of the most fun riding in Michigan. The hardwood and pine forests along with rambling two-tracks and flowing single-track will have you humming as you race. The course is fast and challenging but not so difficult that racers new to the sport of mountain bike racing won’t have a great ride. Plus, the pre- and post-race festivities at the Mountain are sure to be a hit for everyone in the family.

The Peak-to-Peak Mountain Bike Classic will be held at the Crystal Mountain Resort for more information go to Michigan Vacation Getaways, Thompsonville, MI on Saturday, October 17, 2009. For more information go to Endoman Promotions,LLC.

For more mountain bike race information go to Michigan Mountain Bike Races for the 2009 mountain bike race schedules.

The Grand Haven Winterfest Schedule is as follows:

Thursday Events

*Dollar Family Ski and Board :

JANUARY 22 – THURSDAY –

4:00 – 8:00 PM. Mulligan’s Hollow. $1 Lift Ticket (weather permitting)

Friday Events

*Ice Sculpting

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

Spring Lake Holiday Inn & Jack’s – Watch Jack’s culinary staff convert ice into art. Sculpting under the lights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.  Call Jack’s at the Holiday Inn for more information and reservations, (616) 846-1370.

*Art Reception

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

The Tri-Cities Historical Museum Akeley Building, 200 Washington St. Celebrate West Michigan talent and view works of the 2008 Winterfest Photography and Poster Contest participants.  Award winners will be announced.  All are welcome to attend.  Refreshments will be served.  Call (616) 842-0700 for more info.

*Intergalactic Human Sled Race

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

8:00 PM – On Washington Ave. between Harbor and 1st. Registration at 7:00 PM. Races begin at 8:00 PM.  Sleds Provided. Free Entry. Prizes. Teams of 6 – 4 Pullers, 1 Musher, and 1 Rider. For entry form, rules and more information, visit winterfestonline.org. This was a huge success last year.

*Music Pass

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

All night.  One ticket gets you into the local bars for music, fun, and drink specials on both Fri. and Sat.  Tickets available at many locations.  winterfestonline.com

Saturday Events

*Family Dog Pull

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Sponsored by the City Farmer, at Mulligan’s Hollow. Registration at 9:00 AM. Race begins at 9:30 AM (616) 842-0360 for info and list of rules.

*Cardboard Sled Race

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – At Mulligan’s Hollow.  Registration 10:00 AM. Sled judging at 10:30 AM. Races begin at 11:00 AM. All entrants must wear protective head gear.

*Euchre Tournament

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

10:45 AM – Team play begins at 12:00 PM.  $10 per team.  Smoking and Non-smoking areas available. Pre-register by calling the Elk’s Club at (616) 842-0970.

*Ice Sculpting

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

Spring Lake Holiday Inn & Jack’s – Watch Jack’s culinary staff convert ice into art. First session from 11:00am – 12:00pm, and sculpting under the lights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.  Call Jack’s at the Holiday Inn for more information and reservations (616) 846-1370.

*Photography and Poster Display

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM – All photography and poster contest entries will be on display at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Akeley Building, 200 Washington St., Grand Haven.

*Children’s Creation Centers

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

2:00 – 5:00 PM – Doors open at 2:00 PM. Creative projects, balloons, face painting, gerbil races and more! Children’s entertainment includes theatre and music at Community Center. Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Kiwanis. For more information (616) 842-4499.

*Race of Kings: Hamster/Gerbil Race

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

2:00 PM – At the Community Center.  Bring your pet & gerbil ball! Registration begins at 2:00 PM. Must be signed up and ready to race at 3:30 PM. Sponsored by the Rochester’s Reef Pet Store. (616) 846-9592 for more info.

*Snowboard and Ski Competition

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl. Slope style and Giant Slalom. Open to all ages. Free Competition.  Prizes. Lift ticket required at reduced price.Sponsored by Buffalo Bob’s. For more info visit mulliganshollow.com3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl. Slope style and Giant Slalom. Open to all ages. Free Competition.  Prizes. Lift ticket required at reduced price.Sponsored by Buffalo Bob’s. For more info visit mulliganshollow.com

*Music Pass

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

All night. One ticket gets you into the local bars for music, fun, and drink specials on both Fri. and Sat.  Also gets you into the Winterfest Luau. Passes available at many locations.  www.winterfestonline.org

*Luau Extravaganza

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

7:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Admission) The doors open at 7:00 PM, enjoy the tropical music from 8:00 PM – Midnight.  You must be 21 years of age to attend.

Sundays Events

*Snow Angel Contest

JANUARY 25 – SUNDAY

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM in Central Park on Washington between 4th St. and 5th St. Create a snow angel in Central Park and win prizes. Supplies provided. Visit winterfestonline.org for rules, entry form, and more info.

*Photography and Poster Display

JANUARY 25 – SUNDAY

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM – All photography and poster contest entries will be on display at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Akeley Building, 200 Washington St.

Grand Haven Winterfest is a huge event along the lakeshore in the winter time. There will be free Trolly rides to the events. No need to mush your way around the entire event.  For further details outlining the Grand Haven Winterfest you can go to: Winterfest 2009

The Iceman Cometh presented by Gary Fisher, is a point to point cross country mountain bike event held traditionally on the first Saturday in November. The race starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and finishes twenty seven miles later in Traverse City. The course is a safe and fast rolling adventure through the hardwoods, meadows, and cross country ski trails of the PereMarquette State Forest. Over the last eighteen years, 45% of the events have been conducted with snow on the ground.

The Iceman Cometh Challenge is a point to point mountain bike race held traditionally on the first Saturday of November. The race starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and finishes twenty seven miles later at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort on the eastern edge of Traverse City, Michigan. The course consists primarily of dirt roads, two-tracks (the majority of the course), abandoned railroad beds, and the world famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. It crosses only one paved road (Williamsburg Rd at mile 16) as it winds through the breath taking (literally) terrain of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Northern Lower Michigan.

Iceman attracts competitive cyclists from 32 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and as well as Ontario, Canada. Their ability levels vary from first time racers to seasoned professionals. Ages range from 3 years to 82 years of age.

For the Iceman Cometh Challenge Bicycle Race 2009, the 2008 Iceman registration lottery system is dead. On-line registration for the 2009 Iceman will open at 7:00 PM on Friday February 27th.

No bells, no whistles, no hoops to jump through; just first come first serve.

The Iceman Cometh for 2009 will be held: Saturday November 7. Make sure to mark that on your calenders. But first remember to register February 27, 2009.

For further information go to: Iceman Cometh Challenge

Further information on schedules for mountain biking schedules at Michigan Mountain Bike Races.

This is video footage from the “2007″ Iceman Cometh Challenge.

This year has some new surprises for children and adults alike. There are many new acts that the Muskegon audiences have never seen before.

Attendance is expected to be higher than normal. People are ready to get out and have some family fun after this long winter weather that we have had this year along the lakeshore in Michigan.

The Shrine Circus has always be a welcomed site for the people of Muskegon and surrounding areas. The an array of clowns, aerialists, equestrians daredevils, jungle animals, cyclists and even bears are exciting to experience no matter what the age.

Tickets are $6.50 in advance, $7 at the door. Available at the arena box office. To reserve by phone, call (231) 726-2400.

Show times for the Shrine Circus are 7 p.m. Friday (tonight) and 10 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m. March 1. 

Come to Muskegon’s L.C. Walker Arena along the lakeshore of Michigan and and have a good time with your family enjoying the Shrine Circus.

The Margarita Mix-Off is gearing up to kick off next weekend March 1st at the Old Boys’ Brewhouse at 971 W. Savidge, Spring Lake, Michigan. The event is scheduled to be held between the hours of 12 noon to 5PM along the lakeshore.

Enjoy margaritas from several area restaurants for only $2.00 a drink. Then you can vote on the “Best Margarita”. Voting begins at 5pm.

The Margarita Mix-Off is a great way to earn money to benefit the Walker AMBUCS. Years past a good chunk of change was raised for AMBUCS organization. At $2.00 a drink it goes to show you how well the community has supported this organization along the lakeshore in the past.

The entertainment and music for the Margarita Mix-Off will be provided by Living Soul.

So mark March the 1st on your calendar to attend the Margarita Mix-Off at the Old Boys Brewhouse in Spring Lake, Michigan along the lakeshore and lets all have some fun together.

JSJ Corporation will pick up the $30,000 tab for the 2008 Coast Guard Festival fireworks. The Coast Guard Festival’s “Fireworks Extravaganza” is a popular event in Grand Haven and West Michigan. The fireworks show is the finale to the festival every August and draws crowds along the lakeshore estimated at 150,000.

On July 26 the TRI-CITIES FAMILY YMCA COAST GUARD RUN will take place. Events include activities designed for all skill levels and ages. 5K run, 1 mile Family Fun Run/Walk, Tot Trot (ages 3 – 6), 10K run. Awards ceremony and entertainment to follow. Saturday 8 a.m.

The exact schedule has not yet been released for the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival but will be posted on Along the Lakeshore News as soon as more information is released. You can also go to the official Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival site here:

Ready for something fun about now? The Outhouse 500 is free to enter with three heats with prises for the top three overall entries. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite toilet seat down at the Coopersville Variety Store on Main Street also.

Start your day off with a pancake breakfast at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Then join in or appluad the runners at the 5K Run which begins at 10am. There is also going to be a dog sled demonstration for the kids.

Next you will want to warm up with a hot bowl of chili at the Rotery Chili Blast held at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Then on to the euchre tournament held at the Coopersville VFW.

For your evening entertainment the Outhouse 500 Festival will have live music from 6pm to midnight at the Outhouse 500 Entertainment Tent.The concert will be featuring many West Michigan bands. Or maybe line dancing is more your style. There will be line dancing held at the Coopersville Farm Museum from 6pm til 10pm.

For further information on the Outhouse 500 Festival at Coopersville, Michigan go to: www.coopersville.com

The Grand Landing resort is open for business in Grand Haven, Michigan. The 120,000-square-foot Village at Grand Landing includes 34,000 square feet of retail, 8,000 square feet of office, and 40 residential condominiums along the south channel of the Grand River at US-31 and Jackson Avenue.

Plantenga’s Cleaners

Jimmy John’s – Gourmet Sandwiches – America’s #1 Sandwich Delivery!

Earth’s Edge – Outdoor Gear with such names as Patagonia, North Face, Marmot, Go Lite, Prana, Smartwool, Dansko, Watergirl, Royal Robbins, Arborwear, Keen, Chaco, Merrell, Mountainsmith, Capilene

Sweet Temptations

Sunflower Gourmet – Opening in April 2008

Culver’s

Also the Channel, Rockpile Surf Shop and other signature shops will fill the store space on this phase of the villiage.

The next phase scheduled to begin this year will have all-main-level condos at Harbor View, Waterfront condos fronting the South Channel, and a nine-story Tower featuring penthouses and condos on the upper levels and a hotel on the lower levels.

The 130 condominiums vary in size from 767-square-foor units to a 4,000-square-foot penthouse. Prices run from the $180s to $1 million. Thirty percent of the residences in The Village building have been purchased; 60 others throughout the development are reserved.

The waterfront amphitheatre at the Grand Landing will be a multipurpose facility that will feature a stage, floor-level and tiered seating that can be covered by a portable sailcloth. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, concerts, theatre and other live performances will entertain crowds at the amphitheatre. During the winter months, the amphitheatre will be transformed into an ice skating rink for all to enjoy!

Grand Landing is the ideal place to experience the rich history and character that Grand Haven provides though all four seasons. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home, a venue to celebrate a special occasion or a day away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Grand Landing is the place to be.

For more information go to : grandlanding.com/

Tonight, Friday-Jan.25 the Winterfest is full of activities.

The Holiday Inn in Spring Lake and Jack’s is going to be having the Ice Sculpting. At 6:30 you can watch Jack’s culinary staff create art out of ice. This will be neat especially under the lights.

After you experience the Ice Sculturing, go to downtown Grand Haven and watch the Human Dog Sled Race. Race time begins at 8 PM. Entry is free and prizes will be awarded. The race will be held on Washington Avenue between Harbor and First Street. Registration is at 7 PM.

You could also stroll into the Tri-Cities Historical Museum between 6:30 – 8:00 PM and view works of the 2008 Winterfest Photography and Poster Contest participants. Check out the local talent and prizeses awarded. You can also enjoy some refreshments while you are their.

The night continues all night with a Music Pass. One ticket gets you into the local bars for music, fun, and drink specials on both Fri. and Sat.  Tickets available at many locations.  (616) 842-4499 for more info.

Saturday’s events start at 9 AM with the  Family Dog Pull and go on throught the whole day and night. Ending with a Luau Extravaganza.

For Sunday-Jan. 27 the Polar Ice Cap Golf Tournament ((Cancelled))  Details not available!

Tonight the family can enjoy skiing and boarding at Mulligan’s Hollow.  The event will take place from 4 to 8 PM at the Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl.

Lift tickets are only $1.

The winter fest has grown bigger and better every year. This is going to the best year yet.

Be sure to get out to the Grand Haven Winterfest and have a great time.

See you at the Snow Bowl.

Teen ‘scape

Ages 10 and up, escape to the library every fourth Wednesday of the month for food, friends, and fun.  Play Xbox and Wii games, and get in on the pizza tasting contest to decide who has the best pizza in Spring Lake.

Wednesday, January 23, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

*****************************************************************

Automotive Advantage Presents:

Ladies Night @ the Library

What You Need to Know About Car Maintenance

A certified mechanic from Automotive Advantage, of Grand Haven will share information about:

• 30, 60, and 90 mileage intervals.

• What to keep your eye on between intervals.

• How to maintain your car for the long term.

• Why you don’t have to go to the dealer.

Pre-registration for this free program is required by January 18.  Call (616)  846-5770, ext 107, or register online at www.cars4keeps.com.

Snacks and beverages will be provided by Morning Star Café, of Grand Haven.  The first five ladies will be treated to reflexology or massage provided by Danielle and Jasmine of Natural Touches by Kelly.

 Wednesday, January 23, from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm

Meet Chef Kurt Jaeger

 Chef Kurt Jaeger from the Sardine Room prepares two of his favorite dishes, as featured in the Savor Michigan Cookbook. Come and sample the cuisine and share recipes. 

Tuesday, February 5, at 7:00 pm.

Pre-registration is required, as seating is limited.  Call (616) 846-5770, ext. 107  to pre-register.  Copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase.

************************************************************************

For more information contact Spring Lake District Library

Find out about their weekly pre-school story times.

Looks like winter is definitely going to be here for this one.

Winterfest is even going to have a human dog sled race on Friday night. You have got to be there to witness this one.

Polar Ice Cap Golf Tournament – JANUARY 27 – SUNDAY 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – U.S.G.A. Winter Rules Child, Individual, & Teams, 9 or 18 holes.  At Petty’s Bayou, Spring Lake.  (registration fee)  (616) 842-4910. Pre-register at www.grandhavenjaycees.org.
Ice Sculpting  -

JANUARY 25 – FRIDAY

Spring Lake Holiday Inn & Jack’s – Watch Jack’s culinary staff convert ice into art. This year with even more ice and more sculptures. Sculpting under the lights begins at 6:30 PM.  Call Jack’s at the Holiday Inn for more information and reservations, (616) 846-1370.

JANUARY 26 – SATURDAY Spring Lake Holiday Inn & Jack’s – Watch Jack’s culinary staff convert ice into art. First session at 11:00 AM, and sculpting under the lights begins at 6:30 PM.  Call Jack’s at the Holiday Inn for more information and reservations (616) 846-1370

Luau Extravaganza – JANUARY 26 – SATURDAY :00 PM – 12:00 AM (Admission) The doors open at 7:00 PM, enjoy the tropical music from 8:00 PM – Midnight.  You must be 21 years of age to attend.  For more details call
(616) 842-4499.

Dollar family ski and board – JANUARY 24 – THURSDAY 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Mulligan’s Hollow. $1 Lift Ticket (weather permitting) Call the Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl
(616) 842-0634.

And Much Much More

Did I mention prises too!

To get a complete schedule go to Winterfest Online