Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE -- Trails may be crammed for next weekend's Ore To Shore's race weekend. So far, almost 1,800 bikers are set to hit the Noquemanon trails, and the numbers are still coming in.

"The race committee is really excited to have our race numbers up. We're working diligently on ordering extra T-shirts and getting our extra volunteers in place. And we're really looking forward to race weekend," said race coordinator, Nicole Dewald.

Nicholas Dobbs is a first timer for the Ore To Shore, and up until this point, he's never raced with that many riders. He's spent the past few months preparing for next weekend by taking longer rides.

"This will be a whole new experience, being with that big of a crowd on a race course, so it will be really cool to do it. It will definitely be an experience in itself, just riding with that many people, let alone racing," said Dobbs.

At this time last year, there were about 1,500 registered riders. As for next weekend, there'll be at least 1,770 racers on the trails.

But there can only be one winner, and Nicholas has his eye on the finish line.

"I probably won't win, but I'm definitely shooting for at least top 25, which would be an accomplishment, especially for my first time ever doing this race," Dobbs added.

There are six races, ranging from a 48-mile race for experienced riders and a 50-yard race for kids.

The race committee is still accepting rider registration until August 10 at 9 p.m.