Nestled at the base of Mt. Washington in Pinkham Notch, the 24 Hours of Great Glen combines serious endurance racing with an unmatched festival atmosphere. This mountain bike event transforms Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center into a celebration of cycling, complete with camping, live music, and creative themes that make each edition memorable. Past years have featured elaborate course decorations like “Back to the Land of Oz,” where riders encountered flying monkeys and crossed a yellow brick road painted on the optional floating bridge over Glen pond.

The race begins with a classic Le Mans start, with participants running around the pond before mounting their bikes. Each 9-mile lap weaves through North Country woodlands, combining smooth carriage roads with technical singletrack. The optional floating bridge near the finish adds both challenge and spectacle to each lap completion. The diverse terrain keeps riders engaged while the relatively manageable lap distance allows for strategic pacing over the 24-hour duration.

Originally running from 1995 to 2015, the event grew from 11 teams to over 180 teams and 500 participants at its peak. After a hiatus, Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery revived the tradition in 2021, and the race has sold out instantly since its return. The combination of challenging terrain, stunning mountain setting, and genuine community spirit creates what veterans describe as an addictive experience. The positive atmosphere and extraordinary location at the foot of New England’s highest peak make this more than just a race—it’s a gathering that keeps participants returning year after year.