Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… The annual Mudslinger XC 2027 is one of the Northwest’s oldest running mountain bike races and is the second event and part of the Oregon XC Series, which includes six premier Oregon MTB events spanning March to September. Since 1987, the Mudslinger XC 2027 has been a fixture in the mountain biking calendar, and this year’s 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 2027 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.

There are two route options for the Mudslinger XC, and although much has changed in the 40-odd years of the race’s existence, both courses explore 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.

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-foot 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.

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.

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.

The Oregon Cross Country Series (OCXC) is a premier mountain bike race series produced by Mudslinger Events. The series consists of multiple cross-country MTB races held across Oregon, showcasing diverse and challenging terrains—from forested singletrack to rugged mountain trails. The Oregon XC Series includes Echo Red to Red (March), Mudslinger XC (April), Bonecrusher (April), Coast Hills Classic (May), Sisters Stampede (May), and Washougal MTB (June).