Summer’s here, and you know what that means—time to dust off that mountain bike and hit the trails! If you’re anything like me, you’re itching for some epic rides and thrilling events to make the most of the season.
From gnarly downhill races to scenic cross-country tours, there’s something for everyone. So grab your gear, check your tires, and let’s get ready to ride!
15. Mountain Bike Oregon (July 18-20, 2024)
Held in Oakridge, Oregon, this event offers three days of guided rides on some of the best singletrack trails in the state. Participants can enjoy camping, food, and a laid-back festival atmosphere.
- Location: Oakridge, Oregon
- Hosts: Mountain Bike Oregon organization
Activities
- Shuttled rides on some of Oregon’s best all-mountain singletrack trails.
- Skill camps to improve biking techniques.
- Onsite camping with other biking enthusiasts.
- Evening events including a beer garden and bike demos.
- Access to bike vendors for gear and accessories.
14. Global Majority Mountain Bikers Ride, Rally, and Race (June 20-23, 2024)
This event brings together mountain bikers from across the country for a weekend of riding, racing, and community building. It aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport.
- Location: Waterloo, Wisconsin
- Hosts: Chris Kegel Foundation, Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League
Activities
- Mountain biking rides
- Rallies to promote diversity and inclusion in mountain biking
- Competitive races
- Community-building events
- Opportunities for networking and sharing experiences among participants from diverse backgrounds
13. Spring Valley Scramble (July 2024)
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Hosted by the Aspen Cycling Club in Colorado, this event features a new and exciting mountain bike course in the Roaring Fork Valley. It’s open to all riders and promises a fun and competitive atmosphere.
- Location: Colorado Mountain College – Spring Valley, Glenwood Springs, CO
- Hosts: Aspen Cycling Club
Activities
- Mountain biking race with multiple waves of racers
- Course covers an 11-mile challenging terrain
- Includes categories for novice, junior, and women-friendly participants
- Part of a series of races in the Roaring Fork Valley
12. Prospect Mountain Hill Climb (September 2024)
Located in Lake George, New York, this event offers a scenic but demanding climb up Prospect Mountain. It’s a favorite among hill climbers looking to push their limits.
- Location: Lake George, NY, known as the “Queen of American Lakes.”
- Hosts: Organized through BikeReg, a platform for cycling event registration.
Activities
- A challenging hill climb with a majestic 100-mile view from the top of Prospect Mountain.
- Different waves for participants to ensure a smooth race experience.
- Integration with the Bike Up the Mountain Point Series (BUMPS), a series of challenging hill climb events in the Northeast USA.
11. Mount Ascutney Hill Climb (August 2024)
This Vermont event is a challenging uphill race that attracts climbers from across the Northeast. Riders tackle the steep ascent of Mount Ascutney, testing their strength and endurance.
- Location: Mount Ascutney State Park, Windsor, Vermont
- Hosts: The event is hosted by Bike Up the Mountain Point Series (BUMPS)
Activities
- A bicycle hill climb up one of the USA’s iconic climbs.
- Part of the BUMPS series, which features some of the most renowned climbs in the Northeast USA.
- The event promotes competitive cycling with a focus on challenging ascents.
10. The Last Best Ride (August 17, 2024)
Held in Montana’s picturesque Flathead Valley, this event offers both gravel and mountain bike races. Riders can enjoy challenging courses and breathtaking scenery, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
- Location: Whitefish, Montana
- Hosts: The event is inspired by the book “The Last Best Place, A Montana Anthology” by Annick Smith and William Kittredge.
Activities
- Gravel cycling race, showcasing some of Northwest Montana’s most spectacular outdoor scenery.
- The event emphasizes community and inclusion, partnering with local businesses and neighborhood volunteers to provide a unique Montana experience beyond the bike race.
- Activities and experiences beyond the bike race to enrich participants’ visit, celebrating the local culture and community.
9. Grand Targhee Colter Cup (August 3, 2024)
Located in Wyoming, this event features cross-country and enduro races on the scenic trails of Grand Targhee Resort. The Colter Cup attracts top riders from across the region and offers stunning mountain views.
- Location: Grand Targhee Resort, descending from Fred’s Mountain to Teton Canyon.
- Hosts: Grand Targhee Resort.
Activities
- The longest downhill race in the Tetons with 3900′ vertical feet of descent.
- Racers compete against the clock, choosing bikes wisely for the course that includes short climbs.
- Pre-race Yoga is scheduled on the Teewinot lawn.
- Live Music and entertainment at the Trap after the race.
- Camping is available with good vibes and fun racing atmosphere.
Entry Includes
- Shuttle service from Teton Canyon back to Targhee.
- Professional chip timing.
- Swag bag and giveaways.
- Custom number plate.
- Live music.
8. Wausau 24 (July 20-21, 2024)
A 24-hour mountain bike race held in Wisconsin, Wausau 24 offers solo and team categories. Riders compete on a challenging course that includes singletrack, doubletrack, and technical sections.
- Location: Nine Mile County Forest, Wausau, Wisconsin.
- Hosts: The event is organized and hosted by Tattersall Distillery and Event Center.
Activities
- Participants can choose between 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour race formats.
- The event begins with a Le Mans-style start at 10 am, where racers run a designated route before gathering their bikes to begin the ride.
- Both team and solo categories are available, with specific rules for each.
- The top 3 athletes/teams in each category receive awards. Additionally, Solo Champions in the 24 and 12-hour races will be awarded cash prizes.
- Racers can receive support in designated pit areas, and emergency repairs can be done at the Start/Finish area. On-course support can only be provided by other registered racers.
- Specific rules are in place for night riding, including lighting requirements and quiet hours.
7. Lake Erie Cyclefest (July 26-28, 2024)
This festival in Pennsylvania combines road and mountain biking events with beautiful views of Lake Erie. Participants can enjoy group rides, races, and various social events throughout the weekend.
- Location: Erie County, Pennsylvania
- Hosts: Erie Sports Commission
Activities
- A casual group ride through downtown Erie.
- A 25-mile ride that highlights the local vineyards.
- Multiple ride options, including 12, 25, and 50 miles, with routes featuring rolling hills, farmlands, and meadows.
- Post-ride picnic is Held at the Asbury Woods Nature Center for registered cyclists.
- All proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations.
6. Butte 100 MTB Race (July 27, 2024)
Known as one of the toughest mountain bike races in the country, the Butte 100 in Montana offers grueling 50-mile and 100-mile courses through rugged terrain. It’s a true test of endurance and skill for serious bikers.
- Location: Butte, Montana
- Hosts: Butte 100 Organizing Committee
Activities
- Main Event: Butte 100 – a grueling 100-mile mountain bike race considered one of the most difficult in the country.
- Additional Races: Butte 50 – a 50-mile race, Sorini 25 – a 25-mile race
- Participant Tracking: Available through platforms like GiveSignup and TriSignup.
5. Marquette Mountain Gravity Race Series (Ongoing through summer 2024)
Taking place in Michigan, this series features a variety of gravity-fed races, including downhill and enduro events. Riders can test their skills on Marquette’s renowned trails and enjoy the vibrant local biking scene. Speaking of endurance racing events, check our 2024 Specialized Enduro bike reveiw.
- Location: Marquette Mountain Resort, Marquette, Michigan
- Hosts: Marquette Mountain Resort
Activities
- The series features six races spread across six dates throughout the summer.
- This is a lift-accessed, gravity-fueled downhill mountain biking event.
- Participants have six chances to challenge friends or competitors.
- The event is designed to offer an adrenaline-pumping experience for mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Chairlifts are available to transport participants and their bikes to the top of the mountain.
- A full-day lift pass is included with the race entry.
- Racer meetings are held before each race to provide important information and updates.
4. Chequamegon MTB Festival (Sept 14-15, 2024)
One of Wisconsin’s most popular mountain biking events, this festival includes the Chequamegon 40 and the Short & Fat races. Riders can challenge themselves on scenic trails and enjoy the camaraderie of the biking community.
- Location: The event takes place in the big woods of northwestern Wisconsin, primarily in Hayward and Cable, WI.
- Hosts: The event is presented by Trek and produced by Life Time, Inc.
Races
- Chequamegon 40: A race from downtown Hayward, WI, over the American Birkebeiner Ski Trail, finishing at the Great Hall in Cable, WI.
- Short & Fat 16-mile event: A condensed version of the 40-mile race, starting and ending in Cable, WI.
- Little Loggers: A 15-minute continuous loop course designed for children.
Additional Activities
- Live music
- Craft beer
- Food trucks offering savory eats
3. Albuquerque Dirt Fiesta (Sept 14-15, 2024)
This event in New Mexico offers a thrilling mix of cross-country and enduro races. Participants can experience the diverse terrain of the Southwest, with plenty of festivities and local culture to enjoy.
- Location: Tijeras, NM at the Oak Flats Group Area
- Hosts: Zia Rides
Activities
- 6-hour and 12-hour endurance mountain bike races
- 5K, 10K, or 20K trail run
- The trail is described as an exciting, slightly technical, 90% single track loop
2. Caliente MTB Fest (Sept 13-15, 2024)
Located in Nevada, this festival features a variety of mountain bike races and trails suitable for all skill levels. The event includes camping, live music, and a vibrant community of mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Location: Caliente, Nevada
- Hosts: Various local and regional mountain biking organizations and enthusiasts
Activities
- Trail Work: Friday features trail maintenance activities.
- BYOBBQ: A bring-your-own barbecue event on Friday evening.
- Bike Movie: Screening of a biking-related movie at the park on Friday night.
- Shuttles: Shuttle services for bikers on Saturday.
- Vendors: Various vendors showcasing biking gear and merchandise.
- Dinner: Organized dinner event on Saturday evening.
1. Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival (Aug 30-Sep 1, 2024)
Held in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of New York, this festival offers a mix of family-friendly activities and challenging mountain bike trails.
Participants can enjoy guided rides, live music, and local food and beverages.
- Location: Wilmington, New York
- Hosts: Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA)
Activities
- Mountain biking on various trails
- Competitive races
- Group rides
- Skill clinics
- Family-friendly activities
- Live music and entertainment
- Local food and beverage vendors
Final Words
There you have it—some of the best summer mountain biking events that 2024 has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re in it for the competition, the camaraderie, or just the pure joy of riding, these events are sure to deliver unforgettable experiences.
So, mark your calendars, train hard, and get ready to make this summer one for the books. See you on the trails!