Friday, July 26—ASCUTNEY—The premier mountain bike festival returns this weekend to Ascutney, offering an array of activities including bike demos, guided rides, skills clinics, live music, and more. This year’s event promises a mix of new and revamped trails for all skill levels, ensuring every participant can explore something new. E-bike enthusiasts are invited to join specialized rides, with options to bring their own e-bikes or demo one from vendors at the festival. Family rides will also be available each day, welcoming riders under 14 who are accompanied by a guardian or chaperone.
Trail Boss Rides will feature Jeff Lenosky, ambassador for REEB Cycles, TASCO, and the Can’d Aid Foundation. Lenosky will lead advanced and intermediate rides, with sessions scheduled on Friday at 2 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. Registration for these clinics is separate from general event registration.
Clinics, led by Anna Schaal, focus on women and those who identify as female, offering a supportive environment for skill development. Clinics are limited to six riders and cost $35 per participant. Friday’s session from 9:30 to 11 a.m. will cover fundamental maneuvers, while Saturday’s 9:30 to 11 a.m. clinic will focus on cornering techniques.
New for 2024, Specialized will offer rides with a team of pros, including the legendary Ned Overend. Participants can engage in intermediate and advanced rides, E-MTB specific sessions, and bike maintenance clinics. Notable sessions include a group E-MTB ride on Friday at 2 p.m., a Rise & Shine Ride with National Champion Nick Mackie on Saturday at 9 a.m., and a basic maintenance workshop with Dumonde Tech on Sunday at 12 p.m.
Shenanigans throughout the festival will feature various bike skill challenges and fun events in the Lower Field near the stage. Highlights include the Foot Down, Toddler Bike Race, Bunny Hop, and a new Jump Jam. The annual costume dance party on Saturday night will feature a Vermont animals theme, with prizes for the best costumes. The festival also includes a giant raffle, with proceeds supporting the Ascutney Trails Association.
For more information, visit: flowstatemtbfestival.com.
Schedule
Trail Boss Rides w/ Jeff Lenosky
Friday
2 p.m. – Intermediate Session Ride
Saturday
10 a.m. – Intermediate Session Ride
2 p.m. – Advanced Ride
Sunday
10 a.m. – Intermediate Session Ride
Kickstands Up – Clinics w/ Anna Schaal
Friday
9:30-11 a.m. – Women’s Introduction to Maneuvers
Saturday
9:30-11 a.m. – Women’s Cornering Clinic
Ride with Specialized
Friday
2 p.m. – Group E-MTB Ride
Saturday
9 a.m. – Rise & Shine Ride
9:30 a.m. – Intro to E-MTB Clinic
10 a.m. – Group E-MTB Ride
2 p.m. – Basic Suspension Set-Up
Sunday
9 a.m. – Rise & Shine Ride
9:30 a.m. – Intro to E-MTB Clinic
10 a.m. – Group E-MTB Ride
12 p.m. – Basic Maintenance
Shenanigans
Friday
1 p.m. – Shenanigans Foot Down
4 p.m. – Shenanigans Toddler Bike Race
Saturday
1 p.m. – Shenanigans Bunny Hop (High Jump)
3 p.m. – Shenanigans Jump Jam
6 p.m. – Costume Parade & Prizes
Headliner Set Break – Raffle
Annual Costume Party
Saturday Night – Theme: Animals of Vermont
Giant Raffle Drawing Saturday night
Live Music
Friday
4:30 p.m. Beg, Steal or Borrow
6:30 p.m. Brett Hughes & the Bar Brides
Saturday
5 p.m. Beecharmer
6:30 p.m. Soule Monde
