Last Updated April 2, 2024
Saddle up for a Texas mountain biking favorite at the Austin Rattler MTB. The event takes place in the Texas hill country at Reveille Peak Ranch, a 1,300-acre mecca of amazing trails, about 1 hour west of Austin. This top endurance mountain bike race is part of the Leadville Race Series and is organized by Life Time Events. The team at Strambecco considers it to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the South Central region and Texas.
The Austin Rattler MTB isn’t your average mountain biking event. It’s a festival, a celebration, and a challenge all rolled into one. The Austin Rattler Trail run takes place simultaneously with the MTB event creating a great festival atmosphere. As with all Leadville Race Series events, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate your finish in local style with live music, BBQ, and beer at the lakeside post-race party. Held at the stunning Reveille Peak Ranch, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of Texas Hill Country, with its sparkling lakes and rolling hills. But don’t let the scenic views fool you, the trails are challenging, offering a perfect mix of singletrack and fast-fire roads.
Event & Course Info
Riders at the Austin Rattler MTB can choose to tackle one, two, or three loops, making it an event that caters to all levels of riders. And once you’ve crossed the finish line, the party is just getting started. Live music, camping, kids’ races, and of course, delicious Texas BBQ await you. It’s more than a race; it’s an experience.
The venue, Reveille Peak Ranch, boasts over 62 miles of trails that wind through 1,300 acres of stunning Hill Country terrain. From challenging technical routes to smoother, flowing sections, riders will find plenty to keep their adrenaline pumping. The trails offer a mix of rocky outcrops, wooded sections, and open fields, providing a diverse biking experience. The ranch is well-known its well-maintained trails make it a favorite among local and visiting cyclists alike.
The Austin Rattler MTB course is a 20-mile loop that features a dynamic mix of terrain. From thrilling single-track sections to fast-fire roads, the route offers challenges while still allowing for ease of passing. Rocks, technical sections, and short, punchy climbs keep things interesting. Each loop boasts an impressive 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Riders can choose between a single 20-mile lap, a 2-lap 40-mile double, or a 60-mile triple, and things kick off at 8:00am with the 60M MTB race, with subsequent groups following.The course starts on the main ranch road for the first 4 miles, allowing riders to sort themselves out before hitting the trails. For those partaking in the double or triple, there is some course deviation to extend the main route, but with similar terrain.
One aid station is strategically placed at the start/finish area, and riders are encouraged to plan accordingly as there are no on-course aid stations. The start/finish support includes water, PowerBar, and Coke, ensuring that you have the essentials to refuel and recharge. A neutral bag drop area is also available at the start/finish aid station, allowing you to access your personal supplies as you pass through to start your next lap.
Starting at 10:00 a.m., the Finish Festival includes live music from a local band, beer, food, and great company. It’s not just a race; it’s an endurance celebration, Texas-style. Check out all of the nitty gritty details in the official 2023 Rider Guide.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The Highland Lakes of Burnet County, nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, showcases natural beauty and warm Texan hospitality. Visitors can indulge in activities like fishing in clear lake waters, exploring awe-inspiring water-carved caverns, and experiencing tranquility in pristine parks and nature preserves. The area is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.
The most convenient accommodations would be to camp on site at Reveille Peak Ranch with has 250+ primitive campsites and a handful of RV hookups with water and electricity. On-site facilities include restrooms/changing rooms with showers. Best Western, Hidden Falls Inn at Lake Marble Falls, and Thunderbird Lodge. Both Canyon of the Eagles and Lone Star Court are luxury hotels near Reveille Peak Ranch. There are also many vacation rentals in the area that suit a variety of needs from cottages to earthen homes.
The culinary scene in Burnet, TX, is a delightful mix of traditional Texan flavors and unique local eateries, offering everything from savory barbecue and Tex-Mex staples to cozy cafes and family-owned restaurants. Visitors can expect hearty portions, friendly service, and a taste of authentic Southern and Texan hospitality. For local culture and products, try Odd Duck; modern Mexican can be found at ATX Cocina and standard Texas steakhouse at Jeffrey’s. More local favorites include Warehouse BBQ and Meetery, Bill’s Burgers Wings & Things, and Mama’s Home Cooking.
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Burnet, TX, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and November, with its cooler temperatures and scenic beauty, is the perfect time to visit. Visitors are encouraged to explore the trails at Reveille Peak Ranch -the trails take runners/hikers through a variety of ecosystems, from dense woodlands to open fields, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable run.
For those who prefer vertical adventures, Longhorn Cavern State Park offers a unique rock climbing experience. The park is home to ancient limestone formations, creating a challenging and scenic climbing environment. With a variety of routes available, climbers of all abilities can test their skills while enjoying the breathtaking surroundings. Beyond climbing, the park is famous for its underground cavern tours, allowing visitors to explore the stunning formations and learn about the area’s geological history.
Burnet is situated in close proximity to the Highland Lakes, a chain of seven stunning lakes offering endless water-based activities. For paddling enthusiasts, the lakes provide an excellent opportunity to kayak or canoe in a serene setting. Inks Lake State Park, in particular, is a favorite spot, with its calm waters and scenic shores. Paddlers can explore the lake’s numerous coves, take in the vibrant fall foliage, and even stop at the park’s designated swimming area for a refreshing dip. With rental options available, it’s easy for visitors to get out on the water and enjoy a day of paddling in the beautiful Hill Country.
Related Events
The Austin Rattler MTB is a Leadville Race Series event, a national collection of premier MTB (and Trail Running) events. There are a total of 50 LT100 qualifier coins up for grabs at this event.Courses are carefully selected to mix route quality, challenge, and scenic beauty. Participation is open to anyone. However, the longest and most challenging routes tend to attract the strongest enthusiasts, amateurs, and even some professionals. The longest route in each event is a qualification for the series culminating in Leadville 100 MTB and Leadville 100 Trail held in August each year in Leadville, Colorado. Both are truly iconic events representing the pinnacle of athletic challenge and achievement for finishers.
The other top-flight events in the Leadville Race Series for mountain biking (all the highest lengths in each are Leadville 100 qualifiers) that are worth a check-out are:
These are all considered by our team to be some of the Best Mountain Bike Events in New England, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest and Colorado and the Rockies. For trail running, the series includes the following summer events presented by La Sportiva; Leadville Trail 100 Run, Austin Rattler Run, Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half, Silver Rush 5 Run, and Leadville Trail 10K. Due to popularity and participant demand, the challenging series also invites runners to a 3-day Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp
The Austin Rattler MTB is organized by Life Time Events, which owns and operates some of the highest-regarded road riding, trail running, mountain biking, and gravel races worldwide. Other Life Time Events include Unbound Gravel (formerly Dirty Kanza), Sea Otter Classic, Crusher in the Tushar, Big Sugar Gravel, and many more.
For the multi-sport athletes out there, another top rated event held in Texas is the Gravel Locos Hico from the Gravel Locos Productions team, one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the South Central region, while one of the premier Road Cycling Events in the South Central region, L’Etape San Antonio which is part of the L’Etape Event Series, is also held in-state.
Trail runners have some great options as well, with XTERRA ATX Trail Run which is part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series taking place in Texas, in addition to the Brazos Bend 50 / 100 organized by Trail Racing Over Texas and a UTMB and Western States qualifier.
