Top Endurance Mountain Bike Races
Looking to break into endurance mountain biking but not quite ready for the full monty of 24 hours? Check out one of these shorter regional options that will give you a proper taste of dirt and distance.
9 Hours of Cranky Monkey
May 15 * Flintstone, Md.
This new nine-hour race will feature a diverse course around the trails of Rocky Gap State Park in Western Maryland. Come out alone or grab a team of two or three, and ride as many nine-mile laps as possible. The course includes smooth lakeside singletrack, flat open grassy areas, rock gardens, log crossings, several steep climbs, and a couple of long fire road sections.
ex2adventures.com
Dirt, Sweat and Gears
May 15 * Fayetteville, Tenn.
There is some dirty business going on smack dab in the middle of ol’ Rocky Top. This 12-hour race takes place on 250 private acres with 10 miles of tight technical singletrack and fast, rolling fire roads. Last year attracted a field of elites, including Jeremiah Bishop.
dirtsweatandgears.com
12 Hours of Tsali
May 22 * Bryson City, N.C.
You and your crew of up to four can pass off the pedals for 12 hours at one of the most popular MTB destinations in the South. The annual Tsali race uses the 11-mile right loop, which features some sweet singletrack, creek crossings, and gorgeous views of Lake Fontana.
goneriding.com
12 Hours of Cranky Monkey
June 27 * Quantico, Va.
There’s only one civilian opportunity this year to ride on the extensive network of singletrack at the Quantico Marine Corps Base. Seize the day at this annual 12-hour race that has solo racers and teams of two or three riding as many 10-mile laps as possible from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Quantico’s extensive mix of twisty singletrack, log ramps, several steep hills, and long fire road sections.
ex2adventures.com
18 Hours Scouts Honor
August 21-22 * Richmond, Va.
Get a taste of night riding at this full-on MTB festival at Scouts Camp in Maidens, Va., just outside of Richmond. The race kicks off at 4 p.m., so you’ll be pedaling in the dark by hour five. When you’re not cranking on the nine-mile course, enjoy the camp’s amenities, which include hot showers and a pancake breakfast when the sun comes up.
18hoursscoutcamp.com
12 Hours of Dauset
September 18 * Jackson, Ga.
A great enduro option for Atlanta-area riders, this 12-hour race takes place on the network of singletrack at the Dauset Trails Nature Center in Jackson. Grab a team of up to four and relay through an 11-mile course of fast rolling trails with some twisty sections and a few quad-crushing climbs you won’t soon forget.
goneriding.com
