Wente 2026

Wente 2026

Presented by Bike Monkey
Mountain Biking
Willits, CA
May 30, 2026
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About This Event

The Wente 8-Hour MTB Relay Race transforms the private Wente Scout Reservation in Willits, California into an exclusive mountain biking playground available only during race weekend. This three-day festival combines serious racing with family camping and community celebration, creating an atmosphere that’s both competitive and welcoming.

The 8-mile course delivers 1,745 feet of climbing per lap, weaving through diverse terrain that includes technical rock sections, flowing berms, and rolling singletrack. The loop showcases the reservation’s varied landscape while testing riders’ endurance and technical skills. Each section presents different challenges, from rocky climbs that demand bike handling precision to scenic stretches that reward the effort with views of Northern California’s hill country.

Limited to 550 competitors, the event maintains an intimate feel despite its popularity. All riders start together at 8:00 am Saturday, with timing stopping at 5:00 pm sharp. Teams and solo riders can begin new laps until 4:00 pm, creating strategic decisions about final pushes. Well-positioned aid stations provide hydration, nutrition, and mechanical support throughout the course.

The event extends beyond racing into a genuine festival experience. Pre-race expo activities, post-race meals, and an ice cream social create natural gathering points for the mountain biking community. The reservation’s camping facilities, including level tent platforms, encourage the three-day commitment that transforms participants from competitors into temporary neighbors.

Weather can influence race duration, with organizers prioritizing safety over strict timing. Awards recognize the top three finishers in each category, extending to five for larger fields, but participants must be present to claim prizes—reinforcing the communal celebration that defines the weekend.

Bike Monkey

Event Organizer
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Bike Monkey is a California-based event production company renowned for organizing high-quality cycling races and adventure rides while also focusing on community engagement and charitable efforts. The company was founded with the mission to combine a passion for cycling with philanthropy, using its events to raise funds for various causes. Bike Monkey events range from gravel races to road cycling, offering diverse challenges for cyclists of all skill levels.

Charities Supported

Bike Monkey integrates charity into many of its events, supporting various causes, including environmental conservation, public land protection, and disaster relief. For example:

  • The NorCal High School Cycling League: Bike Monkey supports youth development in cycling by raising funds for this league, which encourages high school students to participate in mountain biking as a sport.
  • Santa Rosa Fire Recovery: After devastating wildfires in Northern California, Bike Monkey contributed to local recovery efforts, raising significant funds to help affected communities rebuild.
  • Be Good™ Foundation: Many events, such as Rebecca’s Private Idaho, support this foundation, focusing on empowerment and healing through cycling.

Prominent Events

  1. Levi’s GranFondo
    This is one of Bike Monkey’s most well-known events, attracting thousands of riders annually. Hosted in Santa Rosa, California, it offers a variety of routes, from beginner-friendly to extremely challenging, all through beautiful Northern California landscapes. Proceeds benefit local charities and environmental causes.
  2. Fish Rock
    Known for its tough gravel course, this event takes riders through the rugged terrain of Mendocino County, California. The ride combines scenic beauty with grueling climbs and gravel roads, and it raises awareness for local land conservation efforts.
  3. Rebecca’s Private Idaho
    Co-produced with Rebecca Rusch, this gravel event in Idaho combines stunning mountain terrain with charity fundraising for the Be Good™ Foundation. Riders can choose from multiple route options, making it accessible for varying skill levels while supporting a meaningful cause.

Bike Monkey is widely respected in the cycling community for delivering well-organized and challenging events and for its ongoing commitment to supporting charitable causes through the power of cycling.

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