MuskOx Partnered with Barry-Roubaix, The Largest Gravel Bike Race in the World

Image of Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Race

The Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Race in Hastings, Michigan, on April 12, 2025, is the ultimate test of grit and endurance. This iconic race has exploded from 274 daring cyclists to a staggering 5,500 riders hailing from 48 states and 8 countries for the 2025 event. Since being launched in 2009 by Rick and Cathy Plite, who discovered Barry County's rugged and scenic gravel roads during a group ride, the race now has the acknowledgement of being the largest gravel bike in the world, all taking place in Hastings, Michigan. With challenging courses spanning 18-miles, 36-miles, 62-miles, and the formidable 100-mile distance, Barry-Roubaix caters to both novices and seasoned pros seeking the thrill of the ride. Under the stewardship of owners Scott "Tenner" & Marnie TenCate and Matt & Jenny Acker, the race remains true to its roots — delivering an exceptional racing experience crowned by an epic after-party filled with hearty food, shared stories, laughter, and, of course, Blackrocks beer.

Image of Race Owners, Matt Acker (Left), Scott "Tenner" TenCat (Right) via Clare Paniccia

We caught up with Tenner to celebrate the unbreakable spirit of adventure and camaraderie that makes Barry-Roubaix legendary. In classic Barry-Roubaix fashion, they’ve hooked us up with two coveted race passes to the sold-out April 12th event — just to fuel the MuskOx Herd’s passion for hitting the gravel.

Know someone who’s ready to embrace the grit? Or maybe it’s you? Click Here to nominate a fellow cyclist — or yourself — to represent the MuskOx Herd at this iconic race. Winners will be announced by February 14th, 2025. Let’s ride!

WHY IS BARRY-ROUBAIX SUCH A SIGNIFICANT RACE AND EVENT FOR THE CYCLYING COMMUNITY?

The event is the first major race and test of cyclists' early season condition. After a long winter of "hibernation" from your friends, teammates and competitors, the event serves as a reunion and a day of racings, socializing and catching up with everyone from the cycling community.

WHY ARE THE COURSES SO UNIQUE AND SPECIAL FOR RIDERS?

The courses are referred to as; the 18-mile "Chiller", the 36-mile "Thriller", the 62-mile "Killer", and the 100-mile "Psycho Killer". All courses start and end in Hastings, Michigan, and are approximately 85% dirt, sand and gravel surface roads. The area is so scenic with dense tree lined roads, a beautiful abundance of lakes, streams and bogs and of course the HILLS! The courses also have some aptly named signature locations … The Three Sisters (first set of hills within the first 2 miles of the race) Sager Road (a one mile stretch of sandy, rutted uphill two track), and The Wall (you can guess why) to name a few.

2024 Barry-Roubaix Course Map and Raceday Photos

HOW DOES THE RACE SUPPORT YOUTH 18 AND UNDER RIDERS, AND CYCLING TEAMS?

We've always connected the race with numerous youth cycling organizations ... Dirt Dogs, Coyotes, MISCA, 906, to name a few as a way to help invest in the next generation of cyclists. To really make an impact in 2016 - 2017 we offered 18 and under youth race entries for only $25. We decided to up the ante in 2018 going all in and offering a youth race for FREE! Additionally we offer a youth team competition for the 18 & 36-mile races where the winning teams receive $1,000 each for their organization as well as prominent recognition during the awards. The program has generated tremendous results going from 20 - 40 youths racing in the earlier years of the race’s history to almost 300 in 2025.

HOW CAN THE MUSKOX HERD GET IN ON THE ACTION?

The 2025 race is sold out, but we welcome everyone to come to Hastings, Michigan, on April 12th to watch some exciting racing, enjoy some food, music, bonfires, and Blackrocks beer and hang out with like minded outdoors loving people. You can also volunteer (serve beer, corner marshals...), as we "hire" over 40 members to support the race day. We also pay Barry County organizations to help us team up with 350 volunteers, and we pay the organizations over $38,000 annually for their time and energy to help us run the race. They serve beer, corner marshaling, or work in the recovery tent. So many people help us with various tasks and make money for their local charities.

Photos of 2024 Barry-Roubaix Race and Afterparty via Barry-Roubaix and Clare Paniccia

That's it for our conversation with race owner, Scott "Tenner" TenCate. Thank you to the whole Barry-Roubaix team for bolstering the cycling and outdoor community in Michigan, and their relentless work that makes Barry-Roubaix the larger gravel race in the world.

We’re giving the MuskOx Herd an exclusive opportunity to nominate two riders — yes you can nominate yourself — to represent us in the legendary Barry Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race on April 12, 2025, in Hastings, MI. This is your chance to conquer the world’s most scenic gravel roads and rally the MuskOx spirit. But this isn’t just about the ride (and certainly not about how fast you ride) — it’s about what you stand for. Winners will be announced by February 14th, 2025.