On July 24, 2024
GRIP

Top local mountain bike events

Courtesy Killington Resort

Maxxis Eastern States Cup: Enduro & Downhill, Killington

June 29-30

This showdown at the Killington Bike Park is a major event for downhill and enduro mountain bike racers on the East Coast. The largest prize purse is awarded to riders who conquer both disciplines. This multi-day event attracts racers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Racers compete on challenging natural and man-made trails that wind through Killington’s three distinct mountain areas. 

EasternStatesCup.com.

The Prouty, Hanover, N.H.

July 13

For the first time ever, the Prouty is debuting a mountain bike event! Enjoy 18 miles of fun climbs and thrilling downhills at Oak Hill. The route will start and finish at Richmond Middle School and is designed for intermediate riders. This event will be capped at 200 bikers with a staggered start. The mtb option is added to northern New England’s largest family-friendly fundraising event combining cycling, walking, rowing, golf and more to raise funds and awareness for life-saving research and critical patient and family support services at Dartmouth Cancer Center.

Tinyurl.com/ProutyNH

Slate Valley Epic, Poultney

July 13

The Slate Valley Epic is a 40+ mile, over 5,000 feet vertical mountain bike race on Vermont’s newest and best single and double-track trails in the Slate Valley of southwestern Vermont in Poultney. This fourth annual event will take place Saturday at the Fairgrounds Trailhead. The event’s trailhead expo is open to the public so come watch, cheer, eat, and celebrate.

Slatevalleytrails.org/slate-valley-epic

Flow State MTB Festival, Ascutney

July 26-28

Celebrate all things mtb at the third annual Flow State Mountain Bike Festival located at Ascutney Outdoor Center in Brownsville. The network boasts 35 miles of singletrack, with access to an additional 10 miles of trail on private property. Flow State features demos, guided rides and clinics as well as camping, food trucks, beer, live music and “shenanigans.”

Flowstatemtbsestival.com

Tour De Slate, Middletown Springs

Aug. 3

The Tour de Slate is made up of six different routes designed to provide an enjoyable ride no matter what your level of experience. For avid road cyclists there is the metric century (100km, 63.4 mile) ride. Other choices include: a 36 mile route, a 25 mile route or a family ride (off road on a trail). There is a ride suitable for everyone. There will also be a 40-mile and a 25-mile guided route with local elite gravel riders — all are welcome, they are “no drop” rides. Proceeds benefit  Adult and Teen Challenge, VT.

Tourdeslate.org

Foundation: Women’s freeride
progression weekend

Aug. 23-25

This year, the second iteration of Foundation, a two-day women’s freeride progression session, will take place on Black Magic, the marquee jump trail in the Killington Bike Park. The event will connect pro riders with local riders who are passionate about freeride. Unlike many of the other freeride events that serve as invitationals, Foundation will be open to the public, serving as an opportunity for grassroots riders to step into freeride terrain and maybe even find the next big talent. The two days will culminate in a rider showcase that will be open to spectators on Sunday from 3-4 p.m.

Killington.com

The Vermont Overland, Reading/West Windsor

Aug. 24

The Overland is a 55-mile dirt road bicycle ride featuring 7,000 feet of climbing, seven sectors of “Vermont pavé” (unmaintained, ancient public roads), two well-fortified sag stops, a magnificently scenic route and an awesome party afterwards. It’s the ultimate overland adventure ride. Open dirt roads, amazing scenery and an epic course through a Vermont pastoral setting. Ride benefits benefit the Reading/West Windsor Food Shelf, Ascutney Outdoors and WAMBA

Vermontoverland.com/overland

Kelly Brush Ride, Middlebury

Sept. 7

Traverse the beautiful Champlain Valley on one of six different routes and end your ride with live entertainment, delicious barbecue, cold beverages, and family fun at Middlebury College. The 19th annual ride benefits the Kelly Brush Foundation and helps people with spinal cord injuries resume active lives.

Kellybrushfoundation.org

Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking, Killington

Sept. 26-29

The Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking returns to Killington following the event’s electrifying return in 2022 and 2023.  Professional and amateur athletes from around the world will compete in the Open Class Downhill for one of the largest cash purses in racing. The event also offers amateur racing classes in Downhill, Enduro and Dual Slalom. Spectating is free. The bike park will remain open to the public during the event. Also, back by popular demand will be the Best Whip competition, taking place on a massive set of jumps carved into the base area of the bike park for easy viewing.

Killington.com

Vermont 50 Mountain Bike or Ultra Run, West Windsor

Sept. 29

The Vermont 50 is an annual race held during the last weekend of September at Mount Ascutney located in West Windsor. Bike events include: Vermont 50 mile mountain mike race, women’s two-person mountain bike relay, over 60 two-person mountain bike relay, and a kids’ fun bike ride. This family-friendly event offers lots of kid centered activities such as a hay bale treasure hunt, the fun run, clowns, face painting and more! Proceeds benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. 

Vermont50.com

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