The Dirty Downhill 2026, to be held in October, in Port Angeles, Washington, is an exciting women-only downhill mountain biking event. Organized by Sturdy B Racing, the producers of the renowned Sturdy Dirty Enduro race, in partnership with the team at NW Cup, this event takes place on the renowned Dry Hill trails, known for their technical challenges and stunning Pacific Northwest landscapes. The race brings together female riders of all skill levels, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for participants. Strambecco rates the Dirty Downhill 2026 as one of the Best Mountain Biking Race Events in the Northwest region and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Washington.

This two-day event kicks off with a practice day on Saturday, followed by the main race on Sunday. Riders are treated to shuttle services to the top of the course, allowing them to focus entirely on the thrilling descents. The Dirty Downhill’s unique combination of camaraderie and competition makes it a standout in the women’s mountain biking community.

The Dirty Downhill offers participants three distinct course options, each tailored to match the skill level of the rider. All categories start and finish at the same location, but the terrain becomes more technical and challenging for the higher-level riders. Each route features a fast-paced, technical downhill experience, with riders navigating tight switchbacks, rocky drops, and rooty descents. The race focuses on downhill technical skills rather than endurance, with runs lasting between 3-7 minutes.

The Pro/Open and Cat 1 categories feature the most demanding terrain. Riders in these categories will race down the trails of Aces High – Braeburn – Hecklers Row – Lower Pro, totaling 2.5 miles of black and double black diamond-rated sections. These trails require advanced technical skills, precision, and speed, with steep drops, rocky outcrops, and tight corners testing even the most experienced riders.

The Cat 2 course is designed for intermediate riders looking for a solid challenge without the intensity of the Pro/Open and Cat 1 courses. Racers will navigate the trails of Wayne’s World – Short Shorts – Super Pump – Lower Pro, covering 2.3 miles of blue-rated terrain with occasional black sections. While still fast and technical, this course is more forgiving and focuses on maintaining flow while navigating rock gardens and tight turns.

For those newer to downhill racing, the Cat 3 course offers an introduction to the sport on the trails of Mini Muffin – Double Bypass – Cakewalk, covering 2 miles. This course features green and blue-rated trails, designed to be approachable yet fun, with smoother descents and fewer technical features.

The Dirty Downhill has limited registration, with spots filling quickly due to the popularity of the event. Riders in the Cat 1, Cat 2, and Cat 3 categories compete for the top five podium spots in their age groups, with each winner receiving a custom cowbell from Cowbells.com. For the Pro/Open category, there’s a cash prize purse for the top three finishers, with $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. No UCI license is required to compete, and riders are encouraged to select the category that best fits their experience level.