The 37th annual Mudslinger XC is one of the Northwest’s oldest running mountain bike races and is the second event in the annual Oregon XC Series which includes six premier Oregon MTB events spanning March to September. Since 1987, the Mudslinger XC has been a fixture in the mountain biking calendar, and the 2024 edition promises to be as riveting as ever. The event consistently brings back a vintage atmosphere to mountain biking and cross-country racing. Hundreds of riders from all over Oregon and the greater Northwest culminate in Blodgett, Oregon, for a season starter at the start of April. Mudslinger XC is produced by Mudslinger Events, known in the Northwest for its full roster of premiere mountain biking, gravel, and a mix of service events, and is considered by our team to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest.
Event & Course Info
There are two route options for the Mudslinger XC, and although much has changed in the 40-odd years of the race’s existence, with both courses exploring the Pacific Northwest logging heritage with fantastic old school logging roads with 30% single track. The race organizers recommended a beefy front tire because every year, the rain percentage for the race is 40%. There is a full spread of event categories ranging from ranked categories (cat 1-4) to the usual suspect “fun” categories such as single speed and fat tire. The event offers a structured wave start format to accommodate its 250 riders.
Long Course:
For those ready to push their limits, the long course of the Mudslinger presents an 11 or 19-mile loop that is a testament to the event’s heritage. While the arduous 32-mile and 5000 ft climbs of yesteryears have been toned down, the route remains a robust challenge for the early season. The success of the event is due in part to the strategic use of Blodgett School as a base and the well-maintained logging road climbs that stretch the riders out before hurtling them into the thrills of tightly packed singletrack. Anyone with the desire for adventure and a mountain bike can sign up for the long course, where they’ll strive for completion and vie for a custom Mudslinger Medal.
Short Course:
The short course is the long course’s sibling, offering a more accessible challenge. The first 3.7 miles are shared with the long course, giving participants a taste of the same excitement before it diverges into a more compact route. This course is perfect for newcomers to the race scene or those looking for a less demanding endeavor.
The Mudslinger XC is as much about the after-party as it is about the race itself. At 12:30 pm, the short course awards are presented, followed by the long course awards at 1:00 pm. The top three in each of the 33 categories receive custom awards, with a special cash purse for the top overall long course champions. Celebrations include food available for purchase from Cowgirl Cookin from 10-2:30 pm, ensuring racers and spectators alike can refuel and revel in the day’s achievements.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Nestled just 20 minutes west of Corvallis and a stone’s throw from the Pacific, Blodgett is the perfect stage for this cycling theatre. Recommended hotels for Mudslinger XC participants and their families include the Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express on the River. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals that suit a variety of needs from guest suites to farmhouses. For those that enjoy sleeping under the stars, camping options include Fir Ridge Campground (5 minutes from venue), Benton County Fairgrounds (25 min from venue), or one of the many one of a kind camping locations in the area.
The culinary scene in Corvallis, Oregon, is a vibrant mosaic of flavors, featuring a delightful mix of local farm-to-table eateries, international cuisine, and artisanal cafes that proudly showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage and innovative spirit. Check out Eater’s list of recommended restaurants to visit in Corvallis.
Corvallis, Oregon, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, truly comes alive in early April as the winter thaw gives way to the budding energy of spring. Athletes looking to immerse themselves in nature and adrenaline-fueled activities will find Corvallis to be a playground of possibilities. For the running aficionado, the Bald Hill Natural Area offers a serene and challenging environment. This time of year, the trails are usually in prime condition, with the wildflowers beginning to bloom, adding a splash of color to the verdant landscape. The area boasts a network of well-maintained trails that range from flat and easy to steep and strenuous, providing both beginners and seasoned runners a chance to elevate their heart rates while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the distant Cascade Range.
The Willamette River, with its gentle currents and abundant wildlife, is an ideal spot for kayaking enthusiasts – athletes can enjoy a peaceful paddle or train intensively along the waterway’s length. The river’s calm sections are perfect for honing one’s paddling technique, while the occasional faster-moving parts offer a taste of excitement. Additionally, the Willamette River Water Trail provides accessible launching spots and invites exploration of the river’s rich ecosystems.
Mountain bikers will find their thrill in the extensive trail systems of the MacDonald Forest. Just a short ride from downtown Corvallis, this forest is laced with trails that cater to all levels of experience, from winding single-track paths to challenging ascents and descents. In early April, the trails are often damp from the spring rains, providing that perfect tacky soil that mountain bikers crave for grip and speed. Besides the physical challenge, riders will be rewarded with bursts of wildflowers and the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest.
Related Events
Mudslinger Events was formed by Michael Ripley, an enthusiastic mountain biker who grew up in Eugene, Oregon. The organization brings people together to explore the gorgeous outdoor areas of Oregon. Having been run since 1987, Mudslinger Events brings back a vintage atmosphere to Mountain Biking and cross-country racing. They organize some of the best mountain bike and gravel race events in the United States, all taking place in the Northwest. The Oregon XC Series includes Mudslinger XC, Sisters Stampede, Oregon 24/12, High Cascades 100, and Ring of Fire.
Mudslinger also produces The Oregon Triple Crown Series, a series of 5 premiere gravel and mixes surface events: Oregon Coast Gravel Epic, West Coast Gravel, Oregon Gran Fondo, Sasquatch Duro, and Takelma Gravel Grinder. People interested in participating can register for each event separately or benefit from the OTC Series Pass, which includes price discounts, bike accessories, and prizes associated with the timed-event awards. These are also top events in the area and ones that the team at Strambecco considers to be some of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Northwest.
For multi-sport endurance athletes looking for other events in the state of Oregon and broader Northwest region, be sure to check out our full list of Strambecco Best in Class road, gravel cycling and trail running events. However some notable events include the Seattle to Portland (STP) road cycling event, and the Gorge Waterfalls trail run from Daybreak Racing & Freetrail which is on the UTMB index and is Western States Qualifier. Breakaway Promotions is another prominent organizer of regional gravel cycling events including the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, Gorge Gravel Grinder, Cascade Gravel Grinder, and the Ochoco Gravel Grinder which are part of the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series.
