BAY CITY — A 500-foot hill in Bay City has become a Midwest hill climbing monument. The hill is set to host the annual Valley Springs Motorcycle Club (VSMC) Motoclimb, featuring racers from all over the United States, and even a French champion July 13.

Brent Huppert of the VSMC has been riding since he was four and racing since he was six. He said the first climb on the hill at N2105 County Road EE was in the mid-80s, and after about a decade of climbing, they took a 20-year hiatus. In 2010, the club returned, now having hosted the Amateur National Championships three times since the comeback.

The hill started on the farm of Larry Gerdes, which held trout and elk. Larry’s son Dean and some “old-time” hill climbers wanted to bring the club back after 20 years. The club may have less than a dozen members, but Huppert said they are a hard-working bunch.

“We’re a very small club. We don’t have a ton of members,” Huppert said. “But the members that we have are hard-working and dedicated.”

Huppert also thanked the Indian Head Motorcycle Club for frequently helping out the club.

The hill has become extremely popular in the area, as its 550-foot height to the crest has hosted pro, semi-pro and amateur climbs.

The July 13 motoclimb starts at 10:30 a.m. for qualifiers, and the main event starts at noon. There will be food trucks and beer with a $15 admission for people over 10. Children under 10 get in free. All spectators are welcome. Classes at the event will be pro stock, pro mod and pro open.

“We bring in hill climbers from all over the United States,” Huppert said. “This year is special in that we’ve got four racers who flew in from France to come race here.”

The four from France are French champion Thomas Jolly, Yohan Peltier, Julien Saporiti and Donovan Gerard. Huppert said they have spent the week with members of the club, which has been a great experience.

“In this area hill climbing is quite prevalent. It’s a fairly tight-knit, family type of race, which is super enjoyable because everybody is really just working to help each other out,” Huppert said. “The hill climbing community is actually a really good community.”

Ellsworth’s EMS and Fire Department were at the hill July 9, practicing emergency extractions in case of any injuries.

“Training in unique and challenging environments allows us the opportunity to see and experience these environments in a controlled and safe manner without the pressure of an actual emergency situation,” Ellsworth EMS Director Jessi Willenbring said. “It allows us to practice at our own pace and it gives us the best chance to work out any difficulties before someone's life is on the line. We are very grateful to the Valley Springs Hill Climb organization and the landowners for allowing us this very unique opportunity.”

The emergency services have built a symbiotic relationship with groups like the VSMC. Since the club is a non-profit, they have used some of their raised funds to donate to the EMS, allowing them to purchase a UTV. Huppert said the Valley Springs Dual Sport Club has been huge for raising funds, helping out the motorcycle club along the way.

Willenbring said the UTV was not the only example of a relationship like this. With the help of the Snowmobile Club, Ellsworth EMS acquired a Snowbulance. The Fire Department also acquired a UTV of their own through the help of various fundraising sources.

“Ellsworth EMS thrives on community engagement and support. Without the support of individuals and community organizations, we would struggle to purchase some of the equipment and vehicles that we have,” Willenbring said. “A very generous contribution from the Valley Springs Motorcycle Club afforded us the opportunity to buy our UTV. In turn, we will use this machine to serve a multitude of purposes throughout the community. Community support during our annual fundraiser also allows us to purchase much needed items to improve our training and emergency responses.”

Ellsworth EMS will host a fundraiser Sept. 12-14 at Nilssen’s. Raffle tickets are currently available and can be purchased by calling 715-273-4879.