The Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic is always a highlight of summer in the Upper Peninsula.

Saturday will be the 20th anniversary edition of Michigan’s largest mass start, point to point MTB event. The O2S is not just a race but a whole set of races: the 48-mile Hard Rock, which has a 10 a.m. start Saturday in downtown Negaunee; the 28-mile Soft Rock which starts from Lakeview Elementary School in Negaunee; the 10-mile Shore Rock, which has its start at 8 a.m. at Lakeview Arena in Marquette; the 4-mile Junior Rock, beginning at 4 p.m. at Lakeview Arena; the 1-mile Little Rock, a non-timed kids race that starts at 5:15 p.m. at Lakeview Arena; and the 50-yard Littlest Rock, another non-timed race for children that takes off at 5 p.m. from Lakeview Arena.

The two longest races will take competitors through some of the most beautiful woods in the world to the final destination near the incomparably beautiful Lake Superior.

The two shortest races for kids gives the little ones a chance to see what all the excitement is about.

In all, it’s an amazing day here in Marquette County.

Of course, months and months of planning have gone into making the O2S events a reality. Kudos to all those involved behind the scenes.

And hundreds of people serve as volunteers on race day, helping to keep things moving along safely and smoothly. Many thanks to them.

According to the race website: “Cash and awards ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Arena. Thousands of dollars in merchandise will be given away by random drawings courtesy of our sponsors (must be present to win). Unique commemorative awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in each class in the Hard, Soft, Shore, and Junior Rock races.”

All in all, it’s going to be epic. Welcome to all who are competing in an Ore to Shore race. We’re hoping for great weather to help make this a perfect O2S Saturday here in God’s country.