Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… The Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic 2027 is one of the best mountain bike stage races in the United States and offers riders a chance to push their limits in the natural beauty of the Keystone State. Produced by Trans-Sylvania Productions and taking place over three or five days, depending on what length option you sign up for, racers are welcomed to top-level single track, aid stations, logistics, mechanics, food, and board. The incredibly high quality that this bike epic relies on shows that it attracts some of the top talents in the United States cross-country mountain biking scene and sees many up-and-comers come to prove themselves on their professional Mountain bike journeys. At Strambecco, we consider the event to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Race Events in the Mid-Atlantic and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Pennsylvania.

There are two race options for the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic with either a 3-day stage or a 5-day stage race, and there are multiple categories to choose from from solo, duo and team competition. Overall, the stages are rather consistent in difficulty each year, with each day being about 30 miles with 3000′ feet of climbing.

Stage 1: Poe Paddy takes riders through Poe Paddy State Park within Bald Eagle State Forest. Expect technical singletracks, rooty sections, and exhilarating descents. This stage covers approximately 30 miles with 3,000 ft of elevation gain. Stage 2: Gettis Ridge takes participants to Rothrock State Forest, covering approximately 24 miles with 3,300 ft of elevation gain. Cooper’s Gap represents Stage 3 (or Stage 1 for the 3-day option), covering around 35 miles and 4,400 ft of elevation. Stage 4: Tussey Ridge presents riders with steep ascents, rugged descents, and rocky terrains, covering approximately 34 miles with 2,900 ft of elevation gain. The Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic culminates with the grand finale, Bald Eagle Stage 5 (or Stage 3 for the 3-day option), spanning approximately 21 miles and 2,600 ft of elevation gain.

The Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic delivers an unparalleled adventure in the heart of Pennsylvania. Aside from the fully supported aid stations, there are on-site full-time mechanics from the Bicycle Shop, laundry service, and prepared meals at the end of each race. Camping on-site at the Scout Camp is included with entry, with options to upgrade to cabins, private or shared rooms.