While mountain bike racing series shine a spotlight on up-and-coming talent, it’s the legendary one-day events that truly capture the heart and soul of the sport. These aren’t just races—they’re stories woven into the dirt. From charging through a casino floor to a ski resort handing over its trail keys to a crew of fearless pros, these iconic events are steeped in decades of grit and glory. Sure, Red Bull Rampage grabs headlines, but let’s be real—it’s a young pup compared to the OGs of mountain biking. These are the mountain bike races that built the sport. The ones with legends, lore, and a legacy you can feel in the air.
Mudslinger
Blodgett, Oregon
A Nod to Oregon’s Past
Late March / Early April
Event Details
Sure, Oregon’s got MTB hotspots like Hood River and Bend. But for every big-name town, there’s a raw one like Blodgett that still brings back vibes of the early days. When mountain biking wasn’t all buff singletrack — but fire roads, logging routes, and whatever you could ride. Since 1987 the Mudslinger Classic continues to carry that torch, blending old-school logging roads with classic singletrack. And with a name like that — plus a race date in early April — you better believe there’s going to be some serious mud slinging in true Pacific Northwest style.
Fears, Tears and Beers
Ely, Nevada
Oldest Enduro Race
1st weekend in June
Event Details
Nevada’s more than just Vegas — it’s actually the most mountainous state in the U.S. And in the mining town of Ely, that rugged spirit runs deep. Enter Fears, Tears & Beers, a race that started with riders pedaling through casino lobbies and bombing down Whorehouse Hill, cheered on by actual madams. While it’s toned down a bit since, the rowdy, free-spirited vibe is still alive and well. It’s now a cult classic — and the oldest MTB Enduro race in North America.
Dive into its wild, quirky history: Fears, Tears and Beers MTB Race – Golden Nuggets of Fun
Pomerelle Pounder
Albion, ID
Idaho’s Oldest Where Pros Got the Keys to the Castle
Mid-late July
Think Idaho’s oldest and rowdiest MTB race is in Ketchum or Boise? Think again. Hidden high at 7,700 feet in Southwest Idaho sits Pomerelle Resort. Known for deep snow in winter, it transforms mid-summer into a gravity-fed playground. Legend has it back in the ‘90s, Utah pros spotted the raw potential of Pounder and convinced the resort to build trails. The result? A gritty, technical network linking old cow paths with mandatory creek gaps and rock gardens barely wider than your bars. For over 30 years, the Utah Gravity Series has made this hidden gem a rowdy annual tradition—quiet mountain, wild rides.
The lifts don’t spin often, but once the snow melts, the mountain turns into your own personal bike park. Get the full scoop here.
Downieville Classic
Downieville, CA
Spark for Mountain Bike’s Innovation
Early August
Event Details
You can’t talk OG mountain bike races without shouting out one of the rowdiest – the Downieville Classic. Born from Gold Rush trails and ‘80s shuttle runs by Coyote Adventure Co., this gravity-fed playground hosted the legendary Coyote Classic, eventually morphing into the Downieville Classic in ‘98. Innovation thrived here – including the birth of the dropper post – because bikes had to crush both XC climbs and gnarly DH descents.
Dig into its gritty roots and what makes it a must-ride today: The Origin of Mountain Biking – History of Downieville Classic
Pearl Pass Tour
Crested Butte, CO
Potentially Oldest MTB Event in the World
1st weekend in September
It’s not a race, but the Pearl Pass Tour is a must-ride for any mountain biker who respects the roots. Back in ’76, some Aspen motorheads rode their hogs over Pearl Pass to Crested Butte and bragged about the feat. Locals weren’t impressed — so they grabbed their Schwinn clunkers and pedaled it themselves. Word spread fast, catching the attention of two legends in particular: Charlie Kelly and Gary Fisher. When they called city hall about the event, Crested Butte saw a tourism opportunity… and the Tour was born.
Want the full backstory and what it’s like today? Check out our feature on the Pearl Pass Tour.
Chequamegon MTB Festival
Cable, WI
Cross Country Ski Inspired
Mid September
Event Details
One thing all the oldest MTB races have in common? They’re nowhere near big cities. Take the Chequamegon MTB Festival — tucked deep in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Back in ’83, probably over a few Leinie’s or Schmidt’s, a local had a wild idea: ride the famous Birkebeiner XC ski trail… on bikes. Just 27 riders showed up that first year. Today? Thousands line up each fall to tackle the 40-mile point-to-point grind from Hayward to Cable. Midwest roots, all grit.
This year’s race is being held on September 14th.
Road Apple Rally
Farmington, NM
America’s longest continuously running mountain bike race
Early October
Event Details
With a name like Road Apple Rally, you might picture lifted trucks bombing dirt roads — but it’s all about two wheels. The name actually comes from early riders dodging “road apples” left behind by horses sharing the trail. Since 1981, racers have been tearing through fast, flowy singletrack and dusty backroads winding through piñon, juniper, and red sandstone. Set in New Mexico’s iconic badlands, this isn’t just a race — it’s America’s longest continuously running mountain bike event.
