A participant in the 2023 Eh Winter Enduro races down one of its three stages. (Photo courtesy of Nic Dobbs)

MARQUETTE — The Eh Winter Enduro race is back for its 6th year today. The race features three downhill sections and is raced on fatbikes on the Noquemanon Trail Network South Trails.

Enduro races are different from a typical bike race in that they are focused specifically on downhill racing.

“The uphills are untimed, so you pedal up at your leisure then race down three different downhill stages,” said Nic Dobbs, race director. “You get to recover with your friends on the way up, then put on your game-face to go downhill.

“Almost all fatbike races are cross-country style. We wanted to offer a different fatbike racing experience. I’m not a cross-country racer. I like gravity-style racing and riding. Lots of people are like me, they enjoy using gravity to their advantage.”

The Eh Winter Enduro is also a fundraiser, raising money for winter grooming efforts on the NTN.

“This is an NTN event,” said Dobbs. “The event was started in 2021 and we built it because there weren’t a lot of winter fundraising events, and with fatbiking continuing to grow in popularity the grooming needs get more extensive. Replacing snowmobile parts when they break down, paying trail employees for their time, that sort of thing.”

After expenses, which include timing equipment and a free hat for all participants, “100% of the proceeds go back to the trails,” said Dobbs.

Although the Eh Winter Enduro is an exciting, fast-paced race, it’s not a typical spectator event.

“It’s not like you’re going to get the whole racing field going down at the same time,” said Dobbs. “But if someone is curious, they should come to the NTN South trailhead on Highway 553.”

Registration closes at 10 this morning and racing goes from 9 a.m. to noon, with awards held at 12:30. There is a concurrent youth race for participants ages 15 and under.

“I’d like to thank Embers Credit Union,” said Dobbs. “They’ve been our title sponsor since day one of this event and it’s really awesome to have a returning sponsor like that.”

More information can be found on the Noquemanon Trail Network website.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.