Last Updated April 2, 2024
The Bear Brook Classic is back for its 7th edition in October 2023 and is an event our team considers to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in New England. The BBC takes place in the beautiful Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire, which offers a plethora of trails and boasts an impeccable mix of both flow and tech singletrack, catering to riders with varied preferences. The Bear Brook Classic is formatted closely to a US Cycling-sanctioned event with multiple categories from Cat 3 to Pro. Situated within the expansive 10,000-acre State Park, the course promises both scenic beauty and challenging terrain. Riders can expect two primary routes: a 6-mile trail and an 11-mile one designed specifically for the marathon category.
Event & Course Info
Each category at Bear Brook Classic will commence with a mass start, but distinct waves will be set for different age groups. The 2023 courses have been set with a new 6 mile loop and a 11 mile loop for the Marathon category only. A great feature of the Classic is the inclusivity for kids with a short one-lap race for girls and boys under 11. Now for everyone else, the ‘Cat 3’ grouping will race ~10 miles. There are nine categories within each main category (cat 1, 2, 3). Category 2 boats ~20 miles of racing, and Category 1, or pro, also race ~20 miles, but there are multiple cash prizes for the top racers in certain categories. Beyond the cross country and kids races, there is also a marathon/endurance race which is offers some whopping miles of leg-pumping single track. To top off the wide array of race types and categories, there is a fat bike race over the same course.
- Pro/Open (Elite): Four laps
- Cat 1 (Expert): Three laps
- Cat 2 (Sport): Three laps
- Cat 3 (Novice): One lap
- Fat Bike: Two laps
- Marathon: Three laps
- Kids Race (11 and under): One lap
All the top three finishers across categories will be awarded medals. In addition to this, the elite racers will receive cash prizes. Plus, based on the availability of merchandise, there could be more exciting giveaways in store.
For those hungry after the ride, Trucking Tacos and Get Loaded food trucks will be on-site, ensuring that riders can refuel in the most delicious way possible.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
There is no host hotel for the Bear Brook Classic, however there are hotel options in the nearby town of Concord or Manchester including Tru Hotel, the Centennial, and Hotel Concord. For those that prefer a more home-like experience, there are a handful of vacation rentals in the area from eclectic apartments to cottages. Although it might be starting to get too chilly for camping, you can camp at Bear Brook State Park and there are also some unique camping locations in the surrounding area.
The culinary scene in Allenstown, NH, and its surrounding areas is characterized by a mix of traditional New England fare and cozy family-run eateries, providing both locals and visitors with a range of hearty and homestyle dining options. From classic American diners to seafood joints and farm-to-table establishments, the region offers a genuine taste of northern New England’s gastronomic charm. Some local favorites include Allenstown Country Diner, Flame Mobile Pizza, and Shirley’s Kitchen.
New Hampshire, transforms into an outdoor athlete’s dream in Autumn and offers an abundance of activities tailored for those who relish nature’s playground. The Bear Brook Classic event site, Bear Brook State Park has amenities ranging from campsites, hiking trails, swimming and fishing ponds to an archery range and canoe & rowboat rentals, there’s something for everyone. Boasting over 40 miles of hiking trails winding through dense forests, past shimmering ponds, and over gentle hills. The trails vary in difficulty, making it perfect for both seasoned hikers and families looking for a relaxing nature walk. As a bonus, the park’s diversity of flora and fauna, especially active during the fall, promises rich birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a tranquil day of canoeing or row boating at Bear Brook State Park which offers canoe and rowboat rentals, allowing visitors to explore the park’s pristine water bodies at their own pace. The gentle paddle through calm waters, surrounded by trees adorned in autumnal colors, is not just an exercise for the body but also a therapeutic experience for the mind.
For history buffs, the New Hampshire Snowmobile Museum, Old Allenstown Meeting House, and the Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps Museum add a touch of the past to this already splendid location.
Related Events
In addition to the Bear Brook Classic, other top mountain biking events taking place in New Hampshire and the broader region include the 24 Hours of Great Glenn (24HOGG) and the Vermont 50 MTB which is organized by Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, as well as the Carrabassett Backountry Challenge which is part of the National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Series.
For multi-sport athletes, check out other Strambecco best-rated events taking place in New Hampshire such as Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb (MWARBH) and The Prouty, two of the Best Road Cycling Events in New England. Gravel cyclists will appreciate adding the Vermont Overland as well as Tour of the Battenkill from Ventures Endurance Events to their cycling calendars, which are both considered some of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in New England as rated by the team at Strambecco. Trail runners of the group can check out some of the Best Trail Running Events in New England for races in New Hampshire and the broader region, such as the partner event to the Overland at Vermont Overland Trail and the Vermont 50
