Updated April 1, 2024
The team at Strambecco considers the Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge to be one of the United States and New England’s best endurance mountain bike races. As part of the NUE (National Ultra Endurance Series), riders are tested on their long-distance ability as they will race up to 100 miles to complete this monster ride. There are three race lengths to choose from. The approximately 100K, 50K, and 25K courses will cover a great mix of backcountry mountain bike terrain winding through the beautiful, unspoiled forests and mountains of Carrabassett Valley and its surrounding communities, consisting of technical single track, double track, and dirt roads, with steep climbs and exciting down hills.
The event is the largest yearly fundraiser for the local trail development. The goal is to construct an iconic mountain bike trail network on everybody’s “must-ride” list and to date, there are over 80 miles of riding for all abilities, including miles of super flowy, machine-built singletrack and old-school style trails carved out by hand. The Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge is a chance to experience outstanding riding where you will sometimes find yourself deep in the woods, crossing streams and maybe even pushing your bike up a punchy climb. This race will challenge your mental toughness but will leave a big grin on your face at the finish line. The race course is exceptional and takes riders on some of the best single tracks the northeast offers. And, of course, there is the famous creek crossing. Good luck trying to ride it 😉
Included in your registration fee is a free tent or car camping at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Make it a memorable weekend by embarking on a variety of outdoor adventures. On Sunday, take a leisurely ride with your family or friends on the newly developed single track, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic views at a relaxed pace. Alternatively, for a change of scenery, hike up the Burnt Mountain Trail or venture to the summit of Sugarloaf for a rewarding experience. Consider exploring Maine Huts & Trails by hiking or biking to one of their huts, or head to Sugarloaf Resort for a thrilling chairlift or zip line ride. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the stunning Flagstaff Lake. Fuel up at some of the great local restaurants after your outdoor adventuring!
The Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge is part of the National Ultra Endurance Series. The National Ultra Endurance Series (NUE) is a race series that has some of the best endurance mountain bike races in the United States. NUE comprises an Epic Series, 100-mile events, and a Marathon series, which includes 50-mile and 75k length events.
- True Grit 100/50
- Cohutta 100 – Big Frog 65
- Mohican MTB 100
- Wilderness 101k
- Shenandoah 100
- Marji Gesick 100/50
- Ring of Fire 100
- Big Grizzly 100/75
- Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge
- Pierre’s Hole 50/100
Below, we have a terrific interactive map from Veloviewer in which you can see the map and the 3-d profile of the elevation difference/ course direction of one 50k lap of the race course that is typically used – always check the event website for the most up to date course details though. For even more details on the course and the specifics, you can click on the Veloviewer link to see all the micro-details of the course you could imagine.
