Registration is now open for two exciting bike events: The Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, and the Salida76 gravel grinder. Both rides will take place September 17 as part of Salida Bike Fest, with proceeds going to Salida Mountain Trails and other local nonprofits. That means you can support our trails just by riding your bike!
For the first time, SMT is helping to organize this historic mountain bike event. In tandem with the City of Salida’s Parks and Rec department, we’ve planned a new 19-mile course featuring 2,330 feet of climbing (and descending) through the Arkansas Hills. Highlights include Cottonwood and Rusty Lung. Registration includes free food and beer at an afterparty in Riverside Park.
The Salida76 is a brand new event, and we’re excited to be partnering with Team Evergreen (the nonprofit behind big fundraising bike events like the Triple Bypass) and the City of Salida to make it happen! The course is 76 miles of scenic gravel in Salida’s backyard, with race pace and party pace categories. Registration includes free food and beer at an afterparty in Riverside Park.
Both races are part of Salida Bike Fest weekend, which will include other festivities and fun for the whole family. The weekend also includes the Monarch Crest Crank on Sunday 9/18, which is a spectacular ride that raises funds for the Alliance. Why not make it a bike-filled weekend, and ride one event Saturday and the Crest Crank Sunday?
