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MARQUETTE - More than 100 racers participated in the Classic Auto Collision 12 Hours of Potluck Saturday in the Harlow Lake area.

According to race official Jon Becker, most of the 110 or so racers came from the central Upper Peninsula, although some traveled farther.

"The farthest traveler this year was from Sheboygan, Wisconsin," Becker said. "In the past we have had folks from Minneapolis, we had a woman here from Oakland, California, that's the farthest away."

Riders rode either solo or in four person teams. The endurance event was a 12-hour race around a six mile course, with an optional six-hour race.

The course was a mix of terrain and numerous technical challenges. The trail incorporated both single track and two track trails, including running on a fire road and an old railroad grade.

On their six mile journey, racers were able to experienced the "Top of the World" trail, which is a mile-long stair step style climb to the top.

The course also included a classic stretch called the "Jedi," which has been part of the trail system since the late 1980s, said solo racer Bob Hendrickson of Negaunee.

"It's long decants, sweepy turns, you can kind of recover on that piece," Hendrickson said.

Many racers commented on the atmosphere of the race and how different it is from other races.

Scott Peterson, second year title sponsor from Classic Auto Collision and fourth year racer from Escanaba, said cycling has become such a big part of the Marquette community that Classic Auto Collision wanted to be a part of race.

"The way Jon (Becker) and Greg (Potvin) have pulled everybody together, its just really such a festive, fun atmosphere out here," Peterson said. "Most people look at us like we are nuts, but I think if they came out and saw the kinda festive atmosphere, they would think its pretty cool thing that's going on here. People are out here just to have a good time."

Mike Williams, a six-hour solo racer from Gladstone, said he tries to do a half dozen races a season.

"The nice thing about endurance races like this, is opposed to like the Ore to Shore or races where 'boom' the starting race gun goes off and then there is a finish line, (is) you never see anybody who's a pro or any of the top riders," Williams said. "Versus a six-mile course like this where you get to ride with people of varying skills all day long.

"You're passing slower people, you're getting passed by faster people ... this has a little more camaraderie to it, little more team feel and team support. When you go point-to-point there are no team races, it is every man for himself, versus with this (where) there is more of a team or family feel to it."

Becker said the race this year was a benefit for the Noquemanon Trail Network.

"Its not just a race, it is a gathering of like-minded individuals," he said.