Mountain Bike Races in Traverse City, MI
Traverse City is home to three of the best mountain bike races in Northern Michigan, plus the last all-singletrack fat bike race in the state. Learn more about our local bike races and make sure you’re on the start line this year.
Mud, Sweat, and Beers
Traverse City’s mountain bike season kicks off with Mud, Sweat, and Beers, a mountain bike that starts and finishes just three miles from our TC shop at Mt. Holiday. Choose from 10 or 20 mile races, plus the famous Ginger Ale kids’ race, and yes, everyone goes through the Max’s Mud Pit at the finish!
Race date: May 2, 2026
Traverse City Trails Festival
The TCTF is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our local trail association, Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA). The race starts and finishes 4 miles from our TC shop (we’re in a really good spot) at Timber Ridge Resort, taking on the best of the Vasa Pathways and Vasa Singletrack. Proceeds support trail building and advocacy across the region!
Race date: September 26, 2026
Iceman Cometh Challenge
The Bell’s Iceman Cometh is the largest one-day, point-to-point mountain bike race in North America, and it ends just up the road at Timber Ridge. It’s an annual drag race between Kalkaska and Traverse City in unpredictable November weather. Through rain, snow, or brilliant sun, the Iceman Cometh challenge draws World Cup winners and first-timers alike for a 30-mile sprint to end the season.
Race date: November 7, 2026
North American Vasa
The North American Vasa has been a winter tradition in Northern Michigan for over 50 years. Starting and finishing at Timber Ridge Resort, the two-day festival of races includes 50, 27, 16, and 6-kilometer ski races, and the Vasa Fat Bike Race
The Vasa Fat Bike Race tackles the Winter Sports Singletrack, winding riders through miles of pristine, groomed trails maintained by the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association and is a can’t-miss for anyone with 4” tires and a pulse.
Race dates: February 13-14, 2027
Take on the Trails with Einstein Cycles
Don’t get caught off the back! Tackle Traverse City’s marquee mountain bike races with the right gear and advice to enjoy every pedal stroke. Whether you’re looking for a podium or just dipping your toe in the racing scene, we’ve got you covered. Stop by the Ec shop nearest you or just give us a shout - we can’t wait to hear from you!