No mountain bike event brings it all together like the mountain bike festival. Whether you’re looking for a race, relaxation, guided group rides, or just some shit-eating-grin good times, these fat tire gatherings have it all. Here, we’ve gathered a smattering of some of the coolest, most promising fests you can register for now. And with some just around the corner as well as a few likely to sell out quickly, you’ll want to get on it pronto.
Sedona Mountain Bike Festival: March 4-6, 2016
Sign up for just one, two, or all three days of the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival for less than $100! For the price, this is a no-brainer especially if you’re within reasonable driving distance to what is quickly becoming (already is, really) a must-do destination for Southwest riding. And the timing couldn’t be better, as one of the earliest festivals of the season where highs hover in the low 60s. Most of the riding revolves around shuttles provided by Hermosa Tours, but there will also be guided group rides, an expo event, demos, live music, yoga sessions, and of course, beer.
Hurricane Mountain Bike Festival: March 17-20, 2016
This year marks only the 6th year of the Hurricane (pronounced “Hurr-cun” by locals) Mountain Bike Festival, and it is sure to be a fan-favorite for its early season timing. While most people think of Park City and Moab when they think Utah, Hurricane-area trails have been touted (and kept secretive) as some of the best riding in the Beehive State. Among the typical food offerings, music, beer, raffles, and, oh ya, rides, Hurricane’s bike fest will host a slew of top-notch bike companies with demos ride-ready–so if you’re flying in or can’t bring your bike, it’s probably for the better.
Outerbike: April 1-3, 2016 (Moab), June 2-5, 2016 (Whistler)
C’mon, you know what Outerbike is! You know you want to go, but fear the mad en masse start to stand in line for an hour to ride your dream bike will only lead to a less than eventful time as you skirt Moab’s Brand trails. Forget that! Let us suffer the demo while you BYOB (BYO-Bike) and enjoy three days of shuttling Amasa Back, Mag 7, and Navajo Rocks trails. What’s more, the BYOB pass is everything but the demo so feel free to splurge on the food, booze, music, and after parties, too. NOTE: the BYOB pass is valid for Moab only, but if you’re a Whistler local, check out the local deal.
